health
Winnipeg group warns of drug supply dangers, saying 5 people died within 2 weeks
A Winnipeg organization is urging people to get their drugs tested after it says five people connected to its community died after using substances within the last two weeks. Source link
Hospitalization rates for illnesses like COVID, flu have doubled since pre-pandemic, report finds
Striking new data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows hospitalization rates for vaccine-preventable respiratory diseases more than doubled in 2024, compared to pre-pandemic levels, all while vaccination rates are backsliding. Source link
First Nations people disproportionately impacted by B.C.'s toxic drug crisis, officials say
First Nations members in B.C. make up approximately 3.4 per cent of the population, but accounted for 15.8 per cent of all toxic drug deaths in 2025. Source link
Health Canada approves 1st needle-free epinephrine treatment for severe allergic reactions
Health Canada has approved the first needle-free epinephrine treatment for severe allergic reactions: a nasal spray called Neffy. Source link
N.L. health minister calls new details of travel nurse agency billings ‘egregious’
Health Minister Lela Evans had some strong words about past billings by a company that provided travel nurses to the province. Source link
Concerns grow as ER in Mission faces its longest stretch of overnight closures yet
Mission Memorial Hospital’s emergency department is facing its longest stretch of reduced hours, leaving residents worried about access to care and calling for more urgent solutions. Meanwhile, the health authority and provincial government stress recruitment efforts are underway. Source link
B.C. declared toxic drugs a public health emergency 10 years ago. Has it made a difference?
Experts say they worry the province hasn’t used all the powers available that come with a public health emergency, and is leaning on public opinion rather than science to inform policy. Source link
Heather Winterstein's life possibly could have been saved if treated sooner in Ontario hospital, inquest told
The inquest into the death of a 24-year-old woman who died of sepsis in a St. Catharines, Ont., hospital in 2021 has heard from an infectious disease specialist. Dr. Dominik Mertz testified that if an infection had been confirmed or strongly suspected earlier, antibiotic treatment could possibly have prevented her conditioning from worsening. Source link
Alberta moves to allow private diagnostic tests without a doctor’s referral
Bill 29, if passed, would allow Albertans to self-refer to private clinics across the province, later this year. Source link