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: Trump on Canadian Imports and Trudeau’s Retaliation
Recapping the most read Delphic Research stories from February 3, 2025 to February 7, 2025
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!
Weekly Top Stories: Appointment of Eight New Cabinet Members
With political leadership under scrutiny, a historic boost in healthcare funding, and the mental health of workers under strain, the nation’s future feels as dynamic as it is uncertain. These stories reflect a country grappling with change, where challenges and opportunities intersect at every turn. In the wake of Chrystia Freeland’s resignation, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed eight new cabinet members and MP Mona Fortier as the Liberal Government’s chief whip. The eight ministers are Rachel Bendayan as Minister of Official Languages; Élisabeth Brière, as head of the Department of National Revenue; Terry Duguid as Minister of Sports and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada; Nate Erskine-Smith as Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities; Darren Fisher as Associate Defence Minister and Minister of Veterans Affairs; David McGuinty as Minister of Public Safety; Ruby Sahota as Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario; and Joanne Thompson as Minister of Seniors. This move aims to address mounting challenges, as over 50 Liberal MPs call for Trudeau’s resignation amid dwindling public confidence. The Council of Canadian Innovators has urged the new cabinet to focus on economic growth and collaboration with the private sector as Canada prepares for looming trade challenges with the United States. Adding to the political tensions, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced plans to table a non-confidence motion in January, targeting minority Liberals in the next parliamentary session. The NDP have supported the Liberals in three confidence votes since September, despite pressure from the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois to back a non-confidence motion to trigger an election. Alongside Singh’s pronouncements, the Liberals face immense pressure, as more than 50 Liberal MPs from Ontario shared their call for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, citing decreasing public support and his leadership becoming a ballot issue. MP Anthony Housefather stated that the Liberal Party believes that Trudeau is no longer the best person to deliver their message in the next election. A recent Ipsos poll indicated that support for the Liberals has plummeted to a near-historic low of 20%, with 73% of Canadians favouring Trudeau’s resignation. The Conservatives took the lead with 45% in the popular vote while the NDP tied with the Liberals. About 39% voted confidence in Pierre Poilievre to handle U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. In addition, about 53% of Canadians agreed on the urgency needed for the opposition parties to trigger an early election at the earliest opportunity. Before Chrystia Freeland’s resignation, 54% of the poll did not favour an early election, showing a quick reversal of opinion from the public. Amid these political dynamics, the federal government has announced a $103.8 billion investment in health transfers to provinces and territories for 2025-26, representing a 4.4% increase from the previous year. The funding includes a $2.6 billion boost to the Canada Health Transfer, alongside long-term commitments like $11 billion over 10 years for home and community care, mental health, and addiction services and $27 billion over five years for affordable early learning and child care. While the government aims to address systemic challenges, a Telus Health survey highlights the growing weight of financial anxiety on Canadian workers. Between September and October 2024, workers’ mental health scores fell sharply from 64.4 to 61.3, with rising costs of living and debt cited as primary factors. The findings underscore the urgent need for systemic solutions to support employee well-being and combat the productivity challenges posed by widespread financial stress. As challenges evolve, so do the opportunities to reshape Canada’s future. Thank you for staying informed with Delphic Research. Book a free consultation today!
Weekly Top Stories: Freeland Resigns as Finance Minister Amid the 2024 Fall Economic Statement
As we head into the end of the year, significant healthcare achievements coincide with major political shifts, creating a complex landscape of progress and uncertainty. At the 2024 Council of the Federation Meeting, the premiers commended the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) for effectively reducing the cost of prescription drugs and saving $4.63 billion annually since April, amid economic challenges. Premiers reaffirmed their commitment to improving health outcomes by recruiting and retaining healthcare workers. Provincial and territorial premiers also discussed a range of pressing economic issues, including the potential impacts of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats. During the meeting, the premiers shared their support for working with the federal government while seeking greater federal consultation on immigration policy changes. Amid political turmoil and looming trade tensions, the federal government released its long-awaited Fall Economic Statement (FES), projecting a $61.9 billion deficit for the 2023–24 fiscal year. The announcement comes in the wake of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation, and Liberal MP Dominic LeBlanc becoming the new Finance Minister. The FES unveiled several key measures aimed at creating safer, healthier, and more inclusive Canadian communities with an investment of nearly $600 million over three years to prevent violence. The $597.9 million investment will be used to prohibit firearms in communities and to continue the government’s support to Ukraine by donating prohibited assault-style firearms. In addition, $90 million over six years, with $20 million ongoing, is allocated to expanding the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund, and $15 million over three years will support women’s organizations to combat gender-based violence. About $7.5 million over four years will power new surveys about sexual and reproductive human rights, while another $15 million for over three years will be used for projects against gender-based violence. The FES also introduced $26 billion in tax incentives to support Canadian businesses and outlined a plan to attract billions in private and pension fund investments to drive growth and create jobs. There are also proposed investments in community security, including the Canada Community Security Program and a $77.9 million allocation for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy to protect Black communities from prejudice and discrimination, while $189 million over five years has been earmarked to boost the Black Entrepreneurship Program. Freeland’s abrupt resignation has added to the political turmoil within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. This also triggered widespread reactions across political, provincial, and business sectors. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh asserted that Trudeau is not providing the leadership Canadians need and hinted at the possibility of a no-confidence vote. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has echoed these sentiments, urging the government either to present their fiscal update or face a non-confidence vote, potentially leading to a “carbon tax election.” Quebec Premier François Legault refused to comment about his confidence in Trudeau, stressing that it is up to Parliament to decide Trudeau’s future amid economic uncertainty and Trump’s tariff threats. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau now faces mounting pressure to resign, with an Abacus Data Poll revealing that one in five Canadians believe that Trudeau should stay in his position, while 67% of the participants think he should resign. The survey also found that the events after the FES have led to a significant increase in Conservative support, showing a 25% lead over the Liberals. While the FES attempts to paint a picture of resilience, the larger-than-expected deficit and ongoing trade uncertainties raise questions about the government’s ability to navigate an increasingly precarious economic and political landscape. Thank you so much for supporting our weekly top stories, if you want to know more about Delphic Research, book a free consultation today!
Weekly Top Stories: Patented Medicine Prices Review Board’s 2023 Annual Report
As there are reports on medicine sales, patients continue to face significant financial barriers while both public and private sectors propose new solutions. The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board’s 2023 Annual Report, tabled by Federal Health Minister Mark Holland to the Senate and House of Commons on December 6, 2024, reveals detailed trends in Canada’s patented medicine landscape. Sales of patented medicines reached $19.9 billion, representing 47% of total medicine sales, while research and development spending amounted to $1.07 billion, with a sales-to-R&D ratio of 3.7%. Canadian list prices for patented medicines were among the highest globally, ranking fourth in the OECD. The PMPRB reported 1,146 patented medicines, including 86 new ones, and accepted five voluntary undertakings to address pricing concerns. In related news, Health Canada has announced a 2.7% adjustment to fees under the 2020 Fees in Respect of Drugs and Medical Devices Order, set to take effect April 1, 2025. This annual adjustment,required by subsection 30.61(1) of the Food and Drugs Act, reflects changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the past 12 months, as determined by Statistics Canada. The impact of healthcare costs on patients is highlighted in a new Canadian Cancer Society report, which reveals that cancer patients face average lifetime expenses of nearly $33,000, including costs for medications, travel, and lost income during treatment. Several cancer patients shared their stories of spending $15,000 to $20,000 out of pocket for cancer-related expenses due to the limitation of provincial healthcare coverage. While Canada’s healthcare system covers the cost of surgery and chemotherapy, other expenses such as prescription drugs and travel for treatment are not fully funded, leaving patients with substantial financial burdens. The financial impact also extends to caregivers, with the total cost attributed to patients and caregivers estimated at $7.5 billion in 2024, representing 20% of the total cancer costs in the country. Addressing healthcare access challenges, GreenShield, Canada’s national non-profit health and benefits company, has released its Health Outcomes Report, “Measuring Better Health for All.” The report highlights initiatives, including telemedicine resolving 92% of health issues in first appointments and addressing mental health, which accounts for 70% of workplace disability costs. The company announced plans to reinvest $75 million by 2025 to support over one million Canadians in areas like mental health and chronic disease management. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has introduced new legislation addressing public health and social challenges, particularly focusing on homeless encampments and public drug use. The plan includes stricter trespassing laws with fines up to $10,000 or six months in jail for public drug use, while also considering rehabilitation options for minor drug offences. Ontario is also investing $75.5 million to support homelessness prevention and offer alternatives to encampments. This adds to the province’s annual $700 million investment in homelessness programs and $378 million for 19 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART)Hubs However, critics, including Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, argue that housing, not fines or jail, is the solution to homelessness. Critics online are concerned that criminalizing addiction and homelessness will worsen people’s struggles and hinder their chances for employment. MPP Jessica Bell tweeted that the Conservatives are blaming the poor instead of investing in housing, addiction treatment, and healthcare. While, MPP Dr. Adil Shamji criticized Ford for creating a”park to prison pipeline,” saying the plan to fine or imprison people in encampments won’t help those struggling with homelessness, mental health, and addiction. Community organizer Brandon Rhéal Amyot also criticized Ford’s plan, calling it a mix of inadequate funding and punitive measures that would worsen the issues it aims to solve. He described the plan as “handcuffs instead of housing” and “handcuffs instead of harm reduction.” As private sector initiatives like GreenShield work to improve access through digital solutions, debates persist about the most effective approaches to addressing healthcare and related social challenges. The contrast between rising healthcare costs and ongoing accessibility issues underscores the need for balanced, comprehensive solutions that consider both economic and social impacts. Book a free consultation today with Delphic Research!
Weekly Top Stories: Ontario’s Auditor General Reveals Gaps in 2024 Annual Report Amid Rising Healthcare and Economic Challenges
From critical oversight findings to emerging health concerns, this week’s developments reveal mounting pressures on Canada’s healthcare system. As government audits expose policy gaps and outdated strategies, new data highlights the evolving challenges in public health, mental wellness, and healthcare delivery across generations. The Auditor General of Ontario’s 2024 Annual Report criticized several of the province’s programs and policies, including its opioid strategy, redevelopment of a spa and waterpark, government advertising, and land-use planning through the Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZO). Calling Ontario’s opioid strategy outdated, Auditor General Shelley Spence recommended developing a new comprehensive plan to deal with the crisis. The province’s current drug strategy has not been updated since 2016. The report highlighted the Ford government’s closure of 10 safe consumption sites and the plan to open 19 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs for supportive housing and addiction recovery beds. Ontario government officials, including Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones, Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra, and Infrastructure Ontario President and CEO Michael Lindsay, held a news conference on December 3 in response to the Auditor General’s report. The officials said they will review the report and exercise prudent fiscal management based on the recommendations. Federal Innovation, Science, and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne acknowledged the Auditor General’s report and assured that the government will take action. The minister pledged to improve the transparency of ITB Policy by providing more information, updating the performance measurement, and collaborating in reviewing Key Industrial Capabilities. In a post on X, The Drug Strategy Network of Ontario said the report on provincial drug strategies, including challenges with supervised consumption sites (CTS) and other initiatives, was not flattering. On December 1, World AIDS Day and Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week, the Public Health Agency of Canada expressed its continuing commitment to providing equitable access to HIV testing, treatment, and care. According to the agency’s statement, positive HIV diagnoses have increased by 35% from 2022 to 2023, driven by increased access to testing post-pandemic. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam reaffirmed Canada’s goal to end HIV as a public health concern by 2030. Canada, like other high-income countries, observed increasing infections amid a global decline. Research scientist Austin Carter of the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reported that the spike is caused by the increase in high-risk populations, coupled with the decrease in “interest in HIV care”. The situation is particularly concerning in Saskatchewan, which recorded three times the national average of 19.4 new HIV infections per 100,000 people. “With the numbers escalating exponentially, we can’t keep up. We just don’t have the capacity in the health system,” said the University of Saskatchewan’s Head of Infectious Diseases, Satchan Takaya. The healthcare landscape faces additional challenges, as revealed in Dialogue’s year-end report on generational well-being. The analysis from the telemedicine company shows concerning trends among Generation Z Canadians and suggests that worsening worker mental health offers employers and plan sponsors an opportunity to rethink traditional benefits, this is supported by insights from the World Health Organization’s Well-Being Index. The report showed that Canadians ages 20 to 29 have low well-being scores due to sleep deprivation, lack of physical activity, and financial stress. These findings align with broader national trends, as Statistics Canada and the Canadian Social Survey report a decline in high-life satisfaction among Canadians from 54% in mid-2021 to 48.6% in 2024, with particularly sharp declines among those aged 25-34. Employers are also urged to invest in virtual mental health services to empower employees to improve well-being. Against this backdrop of domestic health challenges, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called for an enhanced border security plan in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats on Canadian imports. Poilievre calls for action on illegal drug trafficking, visa regulations, and more provincial law enforcement collaboration. He proposed expanding patrols, using advanced technology, and limiting asylum seekers to address the refugee backlog. Poilievre criticized Prime Minister Trudeau’s handling of border security, stressing the urgency of Trump’s taking office. The Globe and Mail reported that the focus of drug trafficking between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. has shifted, particularly concerning fentanyl. While the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warned in 2015 about Canada’s role in MDMA smuggling, by 2024, U.S. law enforcement data points to Mexico as the primary source of fentanyl. In 2023, only a small amount of fentanyl was seized at the U.S.-Canada border, compared to nearly 10 tonnes at the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite this, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump used drug trafficking from both countries as justification for a 25% tariff on imports. The data, however, shows that Mexico is the main source, exposing a gap between political claims and the facts. The various reports and findings this week underscore the need for updated strategies and evidence-based approaches across the healthcare system. Stay informed with Delphic Research as we continue to analyze these critical developments. Book a free consultation today!
Weekly Top Stories: Studies Reveal Growing Healthcare Access Challenges as Economic Uncertainties Loom
New research this week paints a troubling picture of healthcare accessibility in Canada, revealing deep-rooted barriers that prevent many Canadians from seeking essential care. From basic health services to prescription medications, the gap between healthcare availability and actual access continues to widen, even as potential economic challenges threaten to further complicate the landscape. A recent Blue Cross study has uncovered a concerning disconnect in healthcare utilization. Despite Canadians actively pursuing personal health improvements through balanced diets and regular exercise, nearly half, or 48%, are avoiding professional health services due to perceived barriers such as fear, anxiety, lack of time, and transportation issues. The study emphasizes that individuals with health benefits are more likely to seek necessary care and report better health outcomes. Notably, the rise in virtual care and pharmacist consultations presents new solutions to accessing healthcare, especially benefiting younger generations and addressing transportation and appointment scheduling challenges. The challenges extend beyond basic healthcare access to medication adherence. A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has highlighted that approximately 5% of Canadians aged 12 and above experience cost-related nonadherence, leading them to skip doses, reduce dosages, delay refills, or avoid filling prescriptions altogether due to financial constraints. The research reveals concerning disparities, with Indigenous people and other racial groups showing higher rates of nonadherence compared to white respondents. While Quebec residents benefiting from the province’s specific drug insurance program, were found to be least affected by prescription costs. Supporting these findings, Arthritis Research Canada has released complementary research highlighting how financial constraints particularly impact patients with chronic conditions like arthritis. The study reveals that marginalized groups and women are disproportionately affected by medication costs. An analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey also estimated that Canadians paid $7.4 billion in out-of-pocket for medications, including the total prescription drug expenditures. Against this backdrop of healthcare access challenges, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) has issued a strong warning about potential policy changes that would eliminate employer-paid virtual care services. With 10 million Canadians currently accessing virtual care through employer-paid health benefits, the CLHIA emphasizes that reducing these services could negatively impact health outcomes and further strain Canada’s already overwhelmed healthcare system. Canada’s universal healthcare system covers only doctors and hospitals, leaving services like psychology and prescription drugs reliant on private insurance or personal finances. A new analysis revealed that nearly $4 billion in public funds are lost annually due to federal and provincial subsidies for employer-provided private health insurance, raising questions about whether these funds could be better used to expand universal coverage, such as for pharmacare or accessible virtual care. Adding to these domestic healthcare challenges, President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of 25% tariffs on Canadian imports has raised concerns about potential impacts on healthcare funding and development. During an urgent virtual meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, provincial leaders expressed specific worries about healthcare implications. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew emphasized that the proposed tariff could trigger a recession that would affect the province’s ability to maintain progress on healthcare, education, and other investments. He also noted that the drug trade in Manitoba and Canada must be addressed without needing tariffs. These interconnected challenges – from individual barriers to systemic issues and international economic pressures – signal a critical moment for Canadian healthcare. As the country grapples with improving accessibility while facing potential economic challenges, the need for innovative solutions has never been more apparent. Learn more about our Executive Daily Briefing, and book a free consultation today.