Pharmacare could decide upcoming elections: polling

Recent polling suggests national pharmacare enjoys strong majority support among Canadians, and that many are willing to vote out premiers who oppose it.

Why it’s important: With broad support for pharmacare, including among 63% of Conservative voters, the issue could become a key factor in upcoming elections.

Respondents signaled that premiers’ willingness to work with the federal government on pharmacare could sway their votes. This casts light on last week’s announcement of the country’s first pharmacare deal between the feds and B.C. in the run up to the province’s Oct. 19 election. With cost-of-living concerns prevalent, nearly 20 per cent surveyed said they’d hesitate to change jobs over fears of losing drug coverage, and that they’re skipping meds or leaving prescriptions unfilled because of the cost. 88 per cent said affordability of drugs or medical devices is a concern. 
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B.C. to expand involuntary addiction care in response to safety concerns

Premier David Eby announced plans to open involuntary treatment facilities for people with severe mental health, addiction, and brain injury issues.

Why it’s important: This marks a tonal shift in B.C.'s response to the addiction crisis. Ahead of the province’s election, and amid widespread public safety concerns, Eby pledged to build “highly secure” facilities for involuntary care.

The first location will open at a women’s prison in Maple Ridge, with plans to expand across the province. The move has naturally sparked debate, with B.C. Green Party Leader, Sonia Furstenau, accusing Eby of following a "reactionary" approach. Critics say involuntary treatment can be traumatic and ineffective, with some studies suggesting increased risk of overdose post-treatment. Eby said the approach is necessary for both patient and public safety, and that current approaches leave both vulnerable people and communities at risk. 
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FDA approves at-home influenza vaccine in U.S., a nasal spray

AstraZeneca’s FluMist is now approved for home use, making it the first flu vaccine in the U.S. available for self-administration.

Why it’s important: The approval is hopefully a step towards increased uptake for flu vaccines. This is expected to improve vaccine access and combat the high burden of flu cases each year.

The FDA’s approval of FluMist allows people aged 2 to 49 to receive their flu vaccine via nasal spray, at home. Already available through healthcare providers, the vaccine will now be sold for self-administration through an online portal. After completing a questionnaire, those eligible will have the vaccine delivered to them. The approval could signal the beginning of a broader trend toward at-home vaccines, particularly as nasal vaccines for other viruses are developed, and pharma companies expand direct sales channels to consumers.
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Ford asks pharmacists to fill healthcare gaps amid corporate influence concerns

Ontario is proposing an expansion of pharmacists' roles, but the push comes amid increasing corporate pressure on pharmacists working in franchises or chains.

Why it's important: Pharmacists are being asked to take on more responsibility to improve access to care. But pharmacists say corporate pressures in large chains are a public safety issue.

Ontario’s proposal to expand the list of “minor ailments” pharmacists can independently manage coincides with a critical report from the Ontario College of Pharmacists. Findings show how pharmacists in corporate pharmacies face intense pressure to meet financial targets, often leading to rushed care. A separate report with similar findings was released in B.C. this week. In April, a group of Ont. pharmacists filed a class action arguing that Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart, through their business practices, are compromising the quality and safety of patient care. 
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Lead-tainted water at Ottawa schools prompts action from parents

Parents are taking action after lead-contaminated water was found in Ottawa-area schools and daycares.

Why it’s important: Dr. Nicole Shadbolt, an Ottawa physician, discovered elevated lead levels in her son’s blood after learning his school’s drinking water exceeded federal safety limits. Lead is linked to cognitive issues and loss of IQ in children.

An IJB investigation revealed that the drinking water in over 2,300 Ontario schools has lead exceeding the federal limit. The problem is more severe in older schools with outdated pipes and fixtures. Ottawa-area schools and daycares have shown some of the highest lead levels in the province. Despite provincial testing, many parents were never informed of elevated results, leaving children at risk of chronic exposure. Experts say replacing pipes is the only permanent solution, but it’s costly. 
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Dix to meet with Surrey ER docs sounding alarm on systemic failures

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix pledged to meet with emergency room doctors at Surrey Memorial Hospital following their letter outlining deteriorating conditions in the ER.

Why it’s important: The situation in Surrey reflects systemic issues in B.C.’s healthcare, and things seem to be spiraling. Patient visits have surged 30% over the last four years amid severe staffing shortages.

Burnout is rampant, with Surrey ER doctors describing their work environment as demoralizing. They also point to stark disparities between Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, with Surrey doctors spending much less time per patient and struggling to retain staff. New graduates are opting for better-paying, less stressful positions elsewhere. As wait times approach eight hours, the number of patients leaving without being seen has tripled since 2020. A new Surrey hospital is set to open in 2029, but something more immediate seems warranted. 
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