Ottawa – Whether facing the challenges of the unprecedented 2023 wildfire season, responding to emergencies as first responders, or risking their lives to save others, firefighters selflessly service Canadians from coast to coast to coast every single day, putting the health and safety of others before theirs. Cancer accounts for more than 86% of all duty-related deaths among Canadian firefighters. …
Minister of Health updates on Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Ottawa – January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Almost half a million people in Canada live with dementia, impacting not only themselves, but their loved ones and caregivers as well. While the risk of dementia increases with age, it is not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, the rate of newly diagnosed cases in Canadians aged 65 and over has …
Investing in projects to help people address, adapt to climate change
Ottawa – The impact of climate change is widespread – it affects our environment, our communities, and our health. It also means an increase in climate-sensitive infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified climate change as one of the biggest threats to global health. Over the past ten years, we have seen the emergence and re-emergence of infectious …
Appointments to Canadian Institutes of Health to improve drugs
Ottawa – Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced four new appointments as members to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Governing Council. Mélanie Caron is the Associate Director, Drug and Technology Evaluation for Reimbursement Purposes National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS). Ms. Caron manages human and financial resources as well as clinical orientations for the directorate …
$1b given to Alberta to improve health care over 3 years
This investment will increase access to a primary health provider, reduce wait times for mental health services, and provide greater access to health data. Calgary – Canadians want and deserve a health care system that provides timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed. That is why the Government of Canada is investing over $200 billion over …
Supporting community initiatives addressing HIV, Hepatitis C
Whitehorse – Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced more than $1.1 million in funding through the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF) to support the work of community-based organizations addressing HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) in Whitehorse. STBBI are preventable, treatable and in many cases curable. However, these infections remain a significant …
Community-based projects help expand access to vax, information on immunization
Ottawa – Vaccination, in combination with personal protective measures, are critical tools to protect against infectious respiratory diseases. Community-driven initiatives are fundamental in fostering confidence in vaccination, particularly during respiratory illness season as people return to more indoor activities, such as school and holiday gatherings. Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced a renewed commitment to the Immunization Partnership Fund (IPF) …
Canada invests in biomanufacturing capacity in Calgary
Calgary – The Government of Canada continues to make significant investments in Canada’s biomanufacturing and life sciences sector by prioritizing innovative solutions and long-term domestic biomanufacturing capacity. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a contribution of $15 million to support Northern RNA’s $50 million project through the Strategic Innovation Fund. The proposed three-year project aims to expand Northern …
Canada announces creation of Canadian Drug Agency
Helping make Canada’s drug system more sustainable and better prepared for the future Ottawa – Canadians should be able to appropriately access and afford the prescription drugs they need. However, many Canadians are left vulnerable due to high drug costs, inaccessible health data, and the lack of consistent standards for prescribing practices. To better understand these challenges, the Canadian Drug Agency …
Assessing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Canada
The assessment will help identify challenges and opportunities to strengthen Canada’s approach to addressing FASD Ottawa – Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure that can affect both brain and body development. FASD is a serious public health issue linked to many complex social determinants of health. It can have far reaching impacts …