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Weekly Top Stories: Canada Confronts U.S. Tariffs While Expanding Pharmacare Access

Weekly Top Stories: Canada Confronts U.S. Tariffs While Expanding Pharmacare Access This week, Canada’s political and economic landscape was shaped by two key developments—tensions over U.S. tariffs and expanding pharmacare agreements to address healthcare affordability. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford discussed economic priorities, provinces took individual approaches to trade retaliation and healthcare reform, highlighting ongoing policy shifts. Following the Ontario election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Premier Doug Ford on his election victory, emphasizing their shared commitment to protecting Canadian interests amid escalating U.S. tariffs. Trudeau commended Ford’s efforts in Canada-U.S. relations, while provincial leaders and federal officials expressed optimism about continued economic collaboration. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce urged Ford’s government to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers and support at-risk industries, while CUPE Ontario criticized Ford’s costly election move, vowing to resist anti-worker agenda both at the bargaining table and beyond. Meanwhile, healthcare groups, including the Ontario Medical Association, called on Ford to prioritize healthcare reform, citing millions of Ontarians struggling with chronic illnesses and the lack of family doctors. This comes as Canada continues to face mounting pressure from the U.S. administration, with President Donald Trump imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time since Trump imposed steep 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods, as Canada pushed for a reversal despite the White House’s temporary one-month exemption for automakers. Trudeau and Canada’s premiers condemned U.S. tariffs as unjustified, warning of their economic impact and discussing financial aid for affected Canadians. The federal government has responded with retaliatory tariffs, investment restrictions, and business relief programs, while Ford vowed “zero compromise,” emphasizing Ontario’s leverage in electricity exports and critical minerals. Other provinces, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, implemented non-tariff retaliatory measures, prioritizing local procurement, while British Columbia and Nova Scotia accelerated efforts to eliminate internal trade barriers. As Canada braces for the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs, business leaders remain divided. While Canada focuses on trade and economic stability, its healthcare system continues to face scrutiny. Health Minister Mark Holland announced a temporary pause on the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, while an external review panel finalizes recommendations to modernize its mandate and processes. The review, launched in October 2024, examines concerns related to governance and screening guidelines for conditions such as breast and cervical cancer, with the Public Health Agency of Canada set to assess the findings. Advocacy groups, including Breast Cancer Canada and Dense Breasts Canada, welcomed the decision, arguing that current guidelines, such as delaying breast cancer screening until age 50, are outdated and not aligned with the latest research. The Canadian Cancer Society also backed the review, calling for a more inclusive and patient-focused approach to preventive healthcare. Despite these efforts, Canada remains the only developed country without a comprehensive rare disease plan, prompting renewed calls for investment in research, early diagnosis, and patient care. The Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) has been advocating for a National Rare Disease Strategy since 2015, yet progress has been slow. While the federal government allocated $1.5 billion over three years for a Rare Disease Drug Strategy in 2023, experts argue that it lacks long-term sustainability and fails to reinvest savings into broader rare disease services. CORD and BIOTECanada highlighted the need for continued investment in research, innovation, and access to care on Rare Disease Day. Further, BIOTECanada expressed support for the Canadian National Rare Disease Strategy and efforts to improve access to treatments for the three million Canadians affected by rare diseases. As part of the broader push for pharmacare, Manitoba became the first province to sign a national pharmacare agreement, securing a $267 million investment to improve affordable medications for Manitobans, set to launch in June 2025. The agreement will provide universal coverage for contraceptives, diabetes medications, and hormone replacement therapy, ensuring essential healthcare access for nearly 350,000 Manitobans while also providing over $48 million to support drugs for rare diseases and improve screening and diagnostics. Shortly after Manitoba, the federal government signed a $670 million, four-year pharmacare agreement with British Columbia, set to provide universal access to contraceptives and diabetes medications by 2026. This agreement is expected to benefit over 550,000 diabetes patients and 1.3 million residents using contraceptives, while also expanding coverage for hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and improving patients’ access to diabetes devices. Health Minister Mark Holland praised the deal as a milestone in Canadian healthcare reform, while Jagmeet Singh criticized the delay, arguing that pharmacare implementation should have been accelerated under the $1.5 billion budget for 2024-2025. While health advocates celebrated the agreements, business leaders and private insurers expressed concerns that the federal government’s approach might increase public spending, limit treatment options, and disrupt employer-provided health benefits. Tariff negotiations remain uncertain, the expansion of pharmacare coverage in British Columbia and Manitoba signals a new phase of healthcare affordability measures—a shift that could shape federal-provincial relations and future public health investments. Stay ahead of major policy shifts and economic trends. Book a free consultation today with Delphic Research.

Delphic Research Welcomes Justin A. Brown as Strategic Advisor

Delphic Research Welcomes Justin A. Brown as Strategic Advisor

Delphic Research is pleased to welcome Justin A. Brown as our newest Strategic Advisor. With over 30 years of experience spanning the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, Justin brings a wealth of expertise in external relations, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement. His deep knowledge of policy and regulatory landscapes will further enhance Delphic Research’s ability to provide unparalleled intelligence and strategic insights to our clients. Justin has held senior advisory roles at both the federal and provincial levels, serving as a political aide to three senior cabinet ministers in the Government of Canada and as Chief of Staff across multiple Ontario government portfolios. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of major policy and crisis management efforts, playing a key role in responses to critical events such as the Ice Storm, SARS crisis, electricity blackout, and 9/11. Beyond government, Justin has led transformative initiatives in the health sector, representing major health research organizations such as the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. His leadership in fundraising, program development, and policy advocacy has driven lasting change to improve the health of Canadians. He is the President and Founder of the Millard-Edward Group and as a consultant, he has advised pharmaceutical and medical device firms, crafting and executing successful government relations and advocacy strategies that deliver results. Most recently, as CEO and Corporate Secretary of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, Justin led the organization through the landmark “Save Eye Care” campaign, securing an historic OHIP agreement—the first in over 32 years—to improve access to vision care for children and seniors. His leadership helped the OAO achieve its highest membership levels and secure long-term financial stability. “I am excited to join Delphic Research and support its mission to deliver high-quality policy and regulatory intelligence, through the Millard-Edward Group,” said Justin. “Having worked extensively in government and advocacy, I know firsthand the importance of timely, data-driven insights in shaping effective strategies. I look forward to helping clients navigate today’s complex policy environment.” Jason Grier, CEO of Delphic Research, added, “Justin’s deep expertise, extensive network, and track record of success make him an invaluable addition to our team. We are thrilled to have him on board and confident that his insights will help drive meaningful outcomes for our clients.” Please join us in welcoming Justin A. Brown to Delphic Research!

Andrea Bizzotto Joins Delphic Research as Senior Advisor, Information & Knowledge Management  

Andrea Bizzotto Joins Delphic Research as Senior Advisor, Information & Knowledge Management

We’re pleased to announce that Andrea Bizzotto is joining Delphic Research as Senior Advisor, Information & Knowledge Management, where she will provide strategic counsel to the CEO as we continue to build the world’s leading information and knowledge platform for government affairs professionals and organizations operating in heavily regulated industries.  Andrea brings a wealth of experience in professional services, business intelligence, and competitive intelligence, with a deep understanding of the tools, technologies, and methodologies that support the acquisition, organization, and dissemination of critical information. Her career has spanned multiple professional services sectors, including roles at accounting, management consulting, public relations and legal firms  Her expertise lies at the intersection of information management, marketing intelligence, and strategic insights. She has worked extensively in sourcing and identifying key issues, compiling biographies, and developing insights that enhance decision-making and organizational intelligence. Andrea is well-versed in the latest cutting-edge tools and technologies that support competitive and regulatory intelligence, making her a perfect fit for Delphic Research’s mission to provide structured, real-time intelligence that empowers professionals navigating complex policy and regulatory landscapes.  We appreciate Andrea’s counsel and insights as we continue our work in building the indispensable intelligence platform for government affairs and beyond. 

Weekly Top Stories: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Appoints Kevin Brosseau as Fentanyl Czar

From international trade threats to domestic policy responses, this week’s developments signal significant shifts in how healthcare challenges are addressed on both sides of the border. At the Canada-U.S. Economic Summit in Toronto, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a stark warning that President Trump’s suggestion to make Canada the 51st state is a “real thing,” not mere rhetoric. This is motivated by access to Canada’s critical minerals. The situation intensified when Trump confirmed plans to impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports from Canada aboard Air Force One. Trudeau emphasized the need for a strong and strategic response to Trump’s threats, including possible tariffs on Canadian goods. The federal government is focusing on fortifying its trade strategy, aiming to reduce reliance on the U.S. by strengthening internal trade and exploring new international partnerships, urged to look beyond the U.S., tapping into untapped markets in Asia and Europe, leveraging existing agreements, and seeking newer partnerships. Business and labour leaders at the summit echoed the call for bold actions to prepare for what could potentially escalate into a larger trade dispute or challenge to Canadian sovereignty. A recent Ipsos survey revealed growing public discontent, with 68% of Canadians holding a negative view toward the U.S. and 37% considering avoiding U.S. products and travel. In response to mounting pressures to tackle the growing fentanyl crisis, Prime Minister Trudeau has appointed Kevin Brosseau, a former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, as Canada’s new fentanyl czar. Brosseau will lead efforts to disrupt and dismantle the fentanyl trade in Canada, drawing on his extensive experience in national security and drug trafficking. His role will involve close collaboration with U.S. law enforcement and international partners, focusing on enhanced border security, improved drug detection technologies, and increased tracking of precursor chemicals used to produce fentanyl. However health experts are still raising concerns, in an opinion piece for The Globe and Mail, health columnist Andre Picard contends that the War on Drugs is being reignited in response to the opioid crisis, with both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre calling for stricter measures. Trudeau plans to appoint a “fentanyl czar” and bolster border security, while Poilievre advocates for life sentences for fentanyl dealers. U.S. President Donald Trump has also escalated his tough stance on drug dealers. Picard emphasizes that criminalization has not reduced drug use or deaths. Citing the UN’s Volker Türk, he points out that the War on Drugs, which began in 1971, has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. While Canada has implemented harm-reduction strategies, such as supervised consumption sites, Picard suggests that the focus should shift toward treatment, mental health services, and affordable housing, rather than continuing punitive measures. Elliott Brierley and Dina Shenouda, in an article for Healthy Debate, shared a personal reflection on the growing opioid crisis in Ottawa, where visible substance abuse and rising mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent since the pandemic. They contested against the proposed policy of involuntary addiction treatment, supported by figures like Poilievre, citing its ethical concerns and limited effectiveness. As we wait for further developments amid tensions and uncertainties in Canada-U.S. relations, Delphic Research announces an expansion of its monitoring capabilities to include developments in policies, regulations, politics, and industry groups in the United States. President and CEO Jason Grier confirmed the company will enhance its coverage to provide subscribers with comprehensive intelligence about the political and regulatory landscape across North America, particularly focusing on life sciences, health, and trade sectors before they impact markets and start covering major U.S. agencies, influential stakeholders, and key movers. Interested in our Executive Daily Briefing? Book a free consultation today.

Weekly Top Stories: Trudeau Announces Resignation as Prime Minister and Liberal Leader

As Canada enters a period of significant political transition, healthcare initiatives hang in the balance. From stalled legislation to persistent access challenges, the healthcare landscape faces both immediate uncertainties and long-term questions as leadership changes loom on the horizon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Liberal leader and Prime Minister on January 6, 2025, securing approval from Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24. Trudeau expressed pride in his government’s achievements, especially in poverty reduction and climate change, while regretting the failure to reform Canada’s voting system and calling for a clear and competitive leadership race within the Liberal Party. He also criticized Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s divisive approach and his stance on climate change. Trudeau stated that internal party struggles made it clear he could no longer lead the Liberals into the next election, calling the party a vital institution and reaffirming his commitment to continue working for Canadians until the transition. Trudeau’s move expectedly gathered various reactions. Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau’s resignation, arguing that Liberal MPs and leadership contenders who supported Trudeau’s policies are still responsible for the country’s challenges. Poilievre highlighted issues such as the carbon tax, inflation, rising housing costs, crime, and the migrant crisis, claiming the Liberals are attempting to protect their interests ahead of the election rather than addressing these issues. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh condemned Trudeau’s resignation, stating that the Liberals failed Canadians on key issues like housing and healthcare, and argued that the party doesn’t deserve another chance regardless of the new leader. He also warned against the Conservatives’ proposed cuts to social services and called for a united movement to fight for a government focused on the needs of working people. This development has immediate implications for healthcare legislation, with Bill C-72, concerning health information technology and prohibiting data blocking by health information technology vendors, among the affected bills. Despite the political transition, urgent matters demand attention. Trudeau will meet with Canada’s premiers in Ottawa on January 15, 2025, to discuss U.S. economic threats, including potential tariffs. The Liberal Party is divided on the speed of choosing a new leader after Trudeau’s announcement to step down, with potential candidates including Mélanie Joly, Chrystia Freeland, and Dominic LeBlanc. Mark Carney and Christy Clark are also being speculated, while Frank Baylis has already declared his intention to run for the leadership. The party is also undecided on whether sitting cabinet ministers must resign to run in the leadership race, with several ministers considering a bid for the top job. Former Conservative MP Lisa Raitt argued that cabinet ministers should step down to avoid conflicts of interest, while former Liberal MP Frank Baylis believes it should be up to each minister to decide if they can manage both roles. Meanwhile, the Canadian healthcare system continues to grapple with significant challenges. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports that wait times for elective procedures like cataract surgeries, and hip and knee replacements remain above pre-pandemic levels across Canada despite advancements in medical technology and increased funding. While provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba show improvements in cataract surgery timelines, Newfoundland and Quebec struggle with timely hip and knee replacements. Approximately six million Canadians still lack access to a family doctor, leading to overpopulated emergency rooms, while the Canadian Nurses Association reports a nationwide shortage of 60,000 nurses. Some bright spots emerge, with Manitoba’s Lean Program and Prince Edward Island reducing patient wait days by two days, and Ottawa recording a year without urinary tract infection cases. Amid these challenges, former Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins has urged Health Minister Mark Holland to quickly finalize agreements with provinces and territories to cover the cost of medications for diabetes and contraceptives. Following the passage of Bill C-64 in October, these agreements represent a critical first step toward implementing national pharmacare. Hoskins emphasizes the urgency of action, noting that many Canadians continue to struggle with medication affordability. ‍ In Delphic Research, we can help you understand how these political transitions and healthcare developments might impact your organization’s planning and strategy by using our Executive Daily Briefing. Book a free consultation today!

Weekly Top Stories: Canada Set on Mitigating Risks and Enhancing Healthcare Access

As we enter 2025, healthcare accessibility remains a critical focus, with insurance regulations, drug costs, and program expansions highlighting both challenges and potential solutions in the evolving healthcare landscape. ‍ Recent studies examining Canada’s life insurance regulations reveal the complex balance between risk mitigation and healthcare access. A recent study revealed how provincial and federal regulatory frameworks mitigate situations where high-risk individuals are more likely to purchase insurance, leading to potential losses for insurers. Authorities have been implementing health assessments and countersigning to minimize this risk. In addition to this, a Chinese study explored Canada’s approach to assessing the clinical value of innovative drugs for health insurance access, particularly through the Canadian Agency for Drug and Technologies in Health. Through its system, the assessments could lead to full reimbursement, conditional reimbursement, time-limited reimbursement, or non-reimbursement, aligning efficacy with accessibility. However, rising prescription drug costs and private insurers’ preferred provider networks (PPNs) continue to affect and limit medication access for many Canadians. With approximately 23 million citizens relying on private health insurance, PPNs significantly influence medication accessibility. While the strategy aims to negotiate lower drug prices and control costs, the plan faces scrutiny as patients experience limited pharmacy choices for their medications and a lack of transparency regarding cost savings. The Ontario Finance Ministry shared last December that the feedback from the consultation is being studied while planning for the next steps. In an effort to expand healthcare coverage, the Canadian Dental Care Plan announces its next phase of expansion for 2025, targeting uninsured households with net incomes not exceeding $ 90,000 annually. Despite this expansion, challenges remain as patients must still cover approximately 20% of dental fees and care must be pre-approved before the coverage applies. Despite the expansion, many dentists have chosen not to participate in the plan due to the plan’s limitations. The Ontario Dental Association recognized these concerns and hopes that Health Canada will address them, allowing more dentists to participate in the program. These healthcare access challenges are further complicated by outdated policies that hinder Canada’s public health advancements. Despite Health Minister Mark Holland’s acknowledgment of the need for science-based legislative measures, the country’s system continues to lag behind others, particularly in collecting comprehensive ethnic data. This gap has left underrepresented groups underserved for years, prompting advocates to call for policy updates and improved data collection to ensure more inclusive healthcare delivery. Looking ahead and beginning the year 2025, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflects on Canada’s achievements in 2024, including the Housing Accelerator Fund and new tax breaks, while emphasizing continued efforts to strengthen the middle class through initiatives like the Canada Child Benefit, Canadian Dental Care Plan, and pharmacare. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also marked the New Year by issuing a statement emphasizing hope for 2025 and advocating for policies that support working families over billionaires and CEOs. He called for building a Canada where healthcare is accessible to all, good jobs provide decent housing, and families can afford necessities. Canada faces critical opportunities to reshape its healthcare landscape and address longstanding challenges in accessibility and equity. Stay ahead of the conversation with Delphic Research’s Executive Daily Briefing. Book a free consultation with us, today!