In this week’s edition, Canada scrambles to respond to sweeping U.S. tariff threats that could hit the pharmaceutical and copper sectors, while Prime Minister Mark Carney strengthens his inner circle. As the One Canadian Economy Act enters implementation, new cracks emerge in provincial healthcare delivery and digital health access, raising fresh concerns about patient care and misinformation.
Canada Braces for U.S. Drug and Copper Tariffs as Trade Deadline Looms
Canada is preparing for potential economic fallout after U.S. President Donald Trump proposed tariffs of up to 200% on imported pharmaceuticals and 50% on copper posing serious risks to Canadian trade and drug supply, as over half of Canada’s copper exports go to the U.S., and several American states rely on Canadian medications.
These measures follow ongoing Section 232 investigations, with final details expected after the Commerce Department releases its report later this month. Drugmakers will be given about a year to shift production to the U.S. before the pharmaceutical tariffs take effect.
The Canadian pharmaceutical industry raised concerns, warning that it could disrupt supply chains, cause drug shortages in the U.S., and jeopardize the production of low-margin generics in Canada, even though Canada is not the main target.
Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association president Jim Keon said he expects the ongoing Canada–U.S. Economic and Security Agreement negotiations to secure tariff-free access for pharmaceuticals before the July 21 deadline. He emphasized that aligning regulatory standards across borders could help lower drug costs and improve supply chain resilience.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada is monitoring the proposed tariffs closely, with trade discussions ongoing. Experts warned that the 200% pharmaceutical tariffs would mostly hurt U.S. consumers but could also affect Canadian exports, while the impact of 50% copper tariffs may be limited if Canada receives an exemption.
David Lametti Appointed Principal Secretary to PM Mark Carney
Former Justice Minister David Lametti will return to public service as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Mark Carney starting July 14. Known for his legal expertise and progressive credentials, Lametti is expected to play a key role in guiding the Carney government through complex policy and legal challenges in the months ahead.
In a LinkedIn post, Lametti thanked law firm Fasken for its support and reflected on his work on Indigenous issues and artificial intelligence. His appointment signals a strategic consolidation of Carney’s leadership team, particularly as the Prime Minister navigates intense cross-border trade negotiations and high-stakes domestic legislation like Bill C-5.
Canadian Government Expands Internal Trade and National Infrastructure Priorities
At the Committee on Internal Trade meeting in Quebec City, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland and her provincial and territorial counterparts agreed on eliminating trade barriers and boosting labour mobility through expanded mutual recognition in trucking, the inclusion of financial services under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), and support for direct-to-consumer alcohol sales.
The federal government also enacted the One Canadian Economy Act, aiming to streamline internal markets and potentially add up to $200 billion to the national economy.
Quebec Economy Minister Christopher Skeete welcomed delegates and highlighted the province’s removal of nine exceptions under the CFTA, emphasizing efforts to advance labour mobility, mutual recognition of goods, and interprovincial alcohol sales.
Yukon Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai echoed support for these national efforts and noted the territory’s removal of five CFTA exceptions, alongside commitments to similar trade and labour initiatives.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) called on the Committee to prevent regulatory fragmentation by finalizing a pan-Canadian mutual recognition agreement and enabling clear, consistent rules for alcohol delivery.
Under the One Canadian Economy Act, the federal government is considering five infrastructure priorities—Western and Arctic Corridor, Eastern Energy Partnership, Critical Minerals Pathways, Next Stage of Nuclear, and Export Diversification Infrastructure—for national-interest designation, with further Indigenous consultations and provincial talks.
Healthcare Pressures Mount in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and P.E.I.
Several provinces are grappling with service gaps and staffing shortfalls across their healthcare systems. In Saskatchewan, the NDP criticized the government for failing to deliver 24/7 care at Regina’s Urgent Care Centre, which still operates with limited hours. NDP associate Shadow Health Minister Keith Jorgenson called the situation a result of poor planning and staffing issues, while the Saskatchewan Health Authority said efforts to recruit staff are ongoing.
Nova Scotia’s virtual urgent care program, now available at 14 rural hospitals, is helping reduce emergency department wait times by offering patients with non-life-threatening conditions faster access to care through remote consultations.
Early results showed significant reductions in wait times and positive patient feedback, with nurses assisting patients on-site while Ontario-based physicians provide virtual assessments.
Meanwhile, in Prince Edward Island, cancer patients at Summerside’s Prince County Hospital were given little notice that their treatments would be temporarily relocated to Charlottetown’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital due to oncologist vacation coverage, prompting concern from Green Leader Matt MacFarlane over poor communication.
Experts Raise Red Flags on Wearables and AI Self-Diagnosis
A growing reliance on digital health tools in Canada is revealing serious gaps between available technology and real-world patient care. A new report by NiaHealth found that 88% of Canadians using health trackers had treatable but previously undetected health risks, yet much of their personal health data remained unreviewed by medical professionals. The study cited limited clinician access to wearable data, lack of billing codes for interpretation, and growing public reliance on unverified sources, leading to delayed care and preventable illness.
At the same time, Ontario doctors are sounding the alarm over the rise of self-diagnosis driven by online information. As more Canadians struggle to access consistent primary care, they are increasingly turning to online platforms and AI-generated health assessments as alternatives to professional medical guidance, which can lead to misinformation and potential health risks.
Despite some benefits in terms of mental health support, experts emphasize the importance of relying on vetted resources and professional medical advice to ensure safe and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, president of the Ontario Medical Association, pointed out that the absence of trusted healthcare relationships, like those typically formed with family doctors, led individuals to resort to less credible online and AI sources.
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