DAILY BRIEFING | 05.09.25

 

Headlines

Immigration jobs cut

Two federal public service unions announced that the Immigration Department plans to cut 3,300 jobs, though details on who will be affected are still unclear. The unions urged the government to reduce outside contracting rather than downsizing staff, emphasizing the importance of these workers in processing citizenship, issuing passports, and residency applications,

Slow AI regulation

Momentum for AI regulation slowed in both Canada and the U.S., with Canada’s AI bill recently dying in Parliament, raising concerns about uncertainty for businesses and citizens as the technology continues to evolve. While experts debate the best approach, Canada faces challenges in aligning its AI policies with either Europe’s stricter regulations or the U.S.’s more laissez-faire stance, potentially leaving its businesses caught in the middle.

Federal elections

Experts warned that Elon Musk’s endorsement of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre could lead to the alienation of Canadian voters due to the billionaire’s controversial image, which reflects an American exceptionalism narrative that undermines Canada's sovereignty. Meanwhile, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland distanced herself from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, criticizing his recent decisions and shifting her stance on the consumer carbon price amid growing public opposition.

Economic expectations

A Nanos survey showed stable Canadian consumer confidence amid concerns over potential U.S. tariffs under incoming President Donald Trump, even as experts at the Fraser Institute cautioned that retaliatory measures could harm the Canadian economy by raising costs for consumers and hindering productivity. On the other hand, a new Bank of Montreal survey revealed that 63% of Canadians are concerned about a potential recession next year, while the 2024 Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations showed concerns over inflation, housing costs, and a weakened labour market.

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National and Provincial Policy Updates

Trudeau expresses hope for continued cooperation as Trump delays tariffs on Canadian goods until February 1

The Canadian Press - January 20, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump did not mention Canada in his inaugural speech on Monday, January 20, 2025, but announced shortly after that he will still implement a 25% tariff on Canadian imports as early as February 1.

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President Donald Trump speaks at an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Federal, provincial government face criticism for lagging disability rights, support

The Daily Courier - January 17, 2025

March of Dimes Canada urged the Minister for Persons with Disabilities Kamal Khera and the federal government to launch immediate action to prevent potential delays on a new disability benefit.

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SC case challenge on Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act sparks fears of reduced 911 calls and preventable deaths

Sudbury.com - January 21, 2025

Legal experts and harm reduction groups, including the Harm Reduction Nurses Association and the Association of Addiction Workers of Quebec, are concerned that a Supreme Court case challenging the legality of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act could discourage people from seeking help during overdoses, potentially leading to preventable deaths and delays in treatment, according to a report by Sudbury.com.

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B.C. paramedics warn of critical staffing levels and longer wait times due to overtime ban

CBC - January 20, 2025

The Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia CUPE 873 warned that staffing levels are "reaching critical," with an overtime ban imposed by B.C. Emergency Health Services on Jan. 1 led to unstaffed ambulances and longer wait times for non-critical patients.

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Ontario discusses community paramedicine and Fortress Am-Can at ROMA 2025

X/Twitter - January 21, 2025

At Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) 2025, Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus met with Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones and MPPs Steve Clark, David Piccini, Nolan Quinn, and Laurie Scott to discuss continued investment in community paramedicine to reduce emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

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Provincial ministers, MPPs, and mayors meet at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association 2025 Conference. (Photo from MPP Steve Clark's X account)

B.C. continues HPV immunization among students; patients with high-risk HPV strains face delays; study identifies healthcare barriers for young rural women

Chek News - January 17, 2025

Island Health nurses are actively administering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to Grade 11 and 12 students on Vancouver Island, with plans to include younger students as well.

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B.C. announces 26 new addiction treatment beds for underserved populations

Government of British Columbia - January 21, 2025

The B.C. government has introduced 26 new treatment and recovery beds to improve addiction care accessibility for underserved populations.

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Industry Updates

Insulin pump market projected to surge to $25.40B by 2033: MENAFN

Middle East North Africa Financial Network - January 17, 2025

In a report by the Middle East North Africa Financial Network, the insulin pump market is set to expand from $6.10 billion in 2024 to $25.40 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.2%, fuelled by technological advancements and increasing diabetes prevalence.

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UWaterloo study identifies 14 key performance indicators to enhance ambulatory oncology pharmacy care

University of Waterloo – January 16, 2025 

A University of Waterloo study identified 14 Ambulatory Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Key Performance Indicators (AOcpKPIs) to improve patient outcomes.  

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CBT-I eases cancer-related fatigue, study finds

Sleep - January 18, 2025

In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial published in Sleep, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia demonstrated improvements in cancer-related fatigue among survivors, primarily through alleviating insomnia symptoms.

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Roundup: MicroAire Instruments acquires NEOSYAD to enhance adipose tissue engineering capabilities

Newswire - January 20, 2025

MicroAire Surgical Instruments has acquired NEOSYAD, the developer of the AdiMate device and Adipure kit, which optimize adipose tissue engineering with automated, high-quality processes. 

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Secukinumab shows long-term efficacy and safety in pediatric generalized pustular psoriasis

Taylor & Francis Online - January 6, 2025

A study published in Taylor & Francis Online evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of secukinumab in pediatric patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). 

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Targeting the miR-199a-5p/MMP2 pathway shows promise for treating Takayasu's arteritis and vascular injury

BioMed Central – January 20, 2025 

A study found that the miR-199a-5p/MMP2 pathway in serum exosomes regulates vascular smooth muscle cells, reducing migration, proliferation, and apoptosis in Takayasu’s arteritis.

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Junshi and LEO Pharma partner on toripalimab distribution as GSK secures European nod for Jemperli in endometrial cancer

Junshi Biosciences – January 20, 2025 

Junshi Biosciences announced a commercialization partnership with LEO Pharma to distribute toripalimab for treating multiple malignant tumours,  across Europe, including up to 32 countries.  

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Nova Scotia researchers develop algorithms for managing type 2 diabetes in chronic kidney disease

Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease - January 20, 2025

Researchers from Nova Scotia developed and validated algorithms to help community pharmacists identify and manage type 2 diabetes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, with a focus on prescribing kidney-protective medications.

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Pharma Roundup: Alberta's life sciences sector achieves key milestones in 2024

Applied Pharma – January 20, 2025 

Alberta's life sciences sector celebrated a transformative 2024, marked by milestones like breaking ground on the Critical Medicines Production Centre, expanding Life Sciences Week, and advancing investment and global recognition initiatives.

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Events

The drugs that will shape 2025

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FirstWord Pharma

Organized by FirstWord Pharma, this session promises an exclusive analysis of drugs that are expected to significantly impact the pharmaceutical industry in 2025.

Ask, Offer, Act: A pharmacist's guide to effective obesity management in Canada

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Canadian Pharmacists Association

The webinar will explore effective strategies for managing obesity as a chronic condition.

Collaborating for Change: Experts discuss early cancer detection and diagnosis

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Precision Medicine Online

Attendees, including researchers, clinicians, and diagnostic professionals, will gain insights from leading experts who bring decades of experience in precision medicine, molecular genetics, and liquid biopsy innovations.

Canadian healthcare system: What got us here won't get us there

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University of Manitoba

The event will examine the pandemic's transformative impact on health systems, emphasizing resilience and charting a course for future advancements.

To view a calendar of all events, click here

Comings & Goings

CIHR Institute of Aging: 

Dr. Gustavo Duque, Dr. Lauren Griffith, Dr. Mario Masellis, and John Muscedere have joined the Advisory Board. 

 

Ottawa Board of Health: 

Dr. Trevor Arnason will become Ottawa's Interim Medical Officer of Health effective February 1, 2025, following Dr. Vera Etches’ resignation to assume the role of President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. 

 

BIOTECanada: 

Wendy Zatylny has become the new President & CEO. 

 

Solutions for Kids in Pain:

Emily Gruenwoldt and Justina Marianagayam have agreed to serve as Co-Chairs of new governance structure.


Chatham-Kent Health Alliance: 

Pediatrician Dr. Harkirat Bhullar has joined the Alliance. 

 

Publicis: 

Matt McNally rejoined as the global CEO of Publicis Health. 

 

Digital Health Canada: 

Shelagh Maloney has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, starting January 27, 2025. 


Covenant Health: 

Tim Speliscy becomes the Board Chair. 

 

Syantra, Inc.: 

Holly Smithson has joined the Board of Directors. 

 

Soricimed Biopharma Inc.: 

Dr. Neil Fleshner has joined the Board. 

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