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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!