Nova Scotia weighs risks of online gambling as other provinces expand access

This article is new today!

Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-10-30 20:11:56.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Healthcare, Public Safety, Governance]

The Nova Scotia government, through Finance Minister John Lohr, is evaluating whether to expand government-regulated online gambling after seeing Ontario and Alberta open up their markets in 2022 and July respectively, currently relying solely on the Atlantic Lottery Corporation for authorized platforms. Opposition leaders, including NDP Leader Claudia Chender and Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin, have cautioned that the province must proceed very carefully and conduct public health risk assessments first. This comes as studies from institutions like the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health highlight significant concerns regarding online gambling harms, noting that Ontario emergency department visits for gambling disorders doubled following expansion and high school youth participation rates rose from one per cent in 2019 to nine per cent.

Experts, Liberal MP hope for full ban on sports betting ads as advocates cite mental health decline

This article is new today!

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 14:50:39.0
Tags: [National, Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, Healthcare, Social Services, Governance]

Bill S-211, introduced in May 2025 by Senator Marty Deacon and sponsored in the House by MP Bardish Chagger, is currently before the House standing committee on Canadian heritage to restrict sports betting ads across Canada. Supporters including Liberal MP Michael Coteau and public policy think-tank Cardus cite a University of Toronto study showing gambling-related emergency room visits nearly doubled in Ontario, alongside a 161 per cent increase in helpline calls among males aged 15-24 since single-game betting was legalized in 2021. Provincial officials from Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec, along with the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, have raised concerns regarding provincial jurisdiction, overlapping regulations, and economic impacts on commercial operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.

Laurae Kloschinsky appointed CEO of Health P.E.I. months after taking on interim role

Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
Date: 2026-10-28 22:41:19.0
Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Healthcare, Governance]

Health P.E.I. has officially appointed Laurae Kloschinsky as its permanent chief executive officer, following her tenure as interim CEO since March 11 following the departure of former CEO Melanie Fraser. Kloschinsky, who holds a bachelor of science in pharmacy from the University of Saskatchewan and formerly served as assistant deputy minister of mental health and addictions for the P.E.I. Department of Health and Wellness, was confirmed by Health P.E.I. chair Dr. Richard Wedge and Health and Wellness Minister Cory Deagle. Her appointment aims to provide leadership continuity and focus on workforce support, patient care access, and health system strengthening across the province.

Fraud, breach of trust and money laundering subject of RCMP Alberta health care procurement probe: court filing

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-28 17:11:45.0
Tags: [Alberta, Healthcare, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]

An Ontario Crown prosecutor's letter filed in Athana Mentzelopoulos's $1.7-million wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the Alberta government revealed that the RCMP are investigating Alberta Health Services procurement practices for potential fraud, breach of trust, and money laundering. Mentzelopoulos, the former CEO of Alberta Health Services, claims she was fired after investigating inflated contracts for private clinic surgeries and conflicts of interest involving Sam Mraiche's medical supply company, MHCare. While opposition NDP leader Naheed Nenshi renewed calls for a public inquiry, Premier Danielle Smith rejected the demand, citing an earlier report by retired judge Raymond Wyant.

Le gouvernement du Québec souhaite mettre fin au changement d'heure

Source: Quebec - Fil de presse gouvernemental
Date: 2026-10-28 14:22:30.0
Tags: [Quebec, Justice, Healthcare, Governance]

Quebec Minister of Justice Marie-Claude Sarrazin announced the government's intention to make the upcoming time change the last one in the province. The decision follows public consultations and studies highlighting the negative impacts of time changes on mental and physical health. The initiative represents a significant regulatory and governance shift for the province regarding standard time observation.

2026 Speech From the Throne will Keep Saskatchewan Strong and Steady

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-28 02:09:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Economy, Healthcare, Justice, Infrastructure, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan delivered its 2026 Speech from the Throne, outlining a legislative agenda centered on maintaining economic stability amid global market uncertainties and highlighting over $100 billion in major projects currently underway. Premier Scott Moe's administration announced plans to introduce several new pieces of legislation, including the Safer Homes for Seniors Act, the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Additional Safeguards Act prohibiting MAID for minors and sole mental illness conditions, and the Protection of Economic Infrastructure Act to prevent disruptions to critical supply chains. Additional proposed laws include the Opioids Damages Act to recover health care costs from manufacturers, the Prevention of Deceptive AI Act, and amendments to The Traffic Safety Act and The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act. Furthermore, the government committed to raising the provincial income tax-free threshold for a family of four above the current $65,000 level in the upcoming spring budget.

Amendments to the Social Workers Act Will Strengthen Public Safety

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-27 17:55:46.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Healthcare, Public Safety, Governance]

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through Minister of Health and Community Services Joedy Wall, has introduced amendments to the Social Workers Act to establish a new Registered Clinical Social Worker category for private practice. Developed in collaboration with the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, the designation requires a Master of Social Work, proven clinical experience, and a recognized clinical exam. A transition plan is being formulated for existing private practice social workers who do not yet meet the new standard. Additional amendments clarify that social work students on field placements do not require registration, remove redundant honorary membership provisions, mandate the college board to appoint an auditor, and incorporate gender-neutral language.

C-41 (45-1) - Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act

Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-27 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Healthcare, Justice, Governance]

The Minister of Justice introduced Bill C-41, titled the Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act, in the House of Commons during the 1st session of the 45th Parliament on October 27, 2026. The legislation proposes amendments to the Criminal Code and related statutes concerning medical assistance in dying (MAID). The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons following its first reading and introduction.

Provincial Government Releases Core Staffing Review

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-26 18:30:12.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Healthcare, Labour, Governance]

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador released a core staffing review conducted by Deloitte Inc. that evaluates minimum staffing levels and skill mixes across six Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services sites, including Community Health Mount Pearl Square and the Health Sciences Centre. The report outlines 21 recommendations focused on enabling staff to work to full value, stabilizing core staffing, transitioning to forecasted staffing models, and reducing structural loads. Minister of Health and Community Services Joedy Wall announced that the government is collaborating with the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador, NAPE, and CUPE to review the recommendations.

Solu Med inc. de Montréal perd son autorisation de contracter et est inscrite au RENA

Source: Quebec - Fil de presse gouvernemental
Date: 2026-10-26 11:59:00.0
Tags: [Quebec, Healthcare, Labour, Governance, Public Safety]

The Autorité des marchés publics has revoked the contracting authorization of Solu Med inc., a Montreal-based nursing personnel placement agency. Consequently, the company has been officially registered in Quebec's Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA), barring it from participating in public sector contracts.

N.W.T. MLAs decry lengthy medical travel flights for seniors

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-23 17:34:19.0
Tags: [National, Healthcare, Seniors, Transportation, Governance]

Members of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, including Frame Lake MLA Julian Morse and Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins, decried the physical toll that lengthy, indirect medical travel flights lasting up to six hours to Edmonton take on seniors and elders. Lawmakers raised concerns that doctor-recommended requests for shorter flight exemptions are frequently denied by the Department of Health and Social Services, despite over 23,000 people utilizing the medical travel service annually at a significant taxpayer cost. Newly appointed Health Minister Denny Rodgers stated he is willing to review all aspects of the policy but declined to promise any immediate new exemptions as the government enters the final year of its term.

Denny Rodgers named N.W.T.’s new health and social services minister

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-21 23:04:42.0
Tags: [National, Healthcare, Social Services, Governance]

Denny Rodgers, MLA for Inuvik-Boot Lake, was appointed as the Northwest Territories' new Minister of Health and Social Services by Premier R.J. Simpson following an acclamation to cabinet in the N.W.T. Legislative Assembly. Rodgers assumes the portfolio previously vacated by former minister and Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Lesa Semmler following her sudden resignation in mid-September. Lucy Kuptana, who managed the department on an interim basis, will return solely to her duties as Minister for Housing N.W.T. and Minister responsible for the Status of Women. Meanwhile, a by-election to fill Semmler's vacant legislative seat in Inuvik Twin Lakes is scheduled for November 24.

Quebec's new PQ premier unveils smaller cabinet as minority government prepares to govern

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-21 16:45:26.0
Tags: [Quebec, Governance, Education, Healthcare, Finance, Justice]

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has unveiled a new minority government cabinet consisting of 23 ministers, down from the previous Coalition Avenir Québec government's 29. Notable appointments include Nicolas Marceau as finance minister, Marie-Karlynn Laflamme as health minister, Joël Arseneau as national education minister, Marie-Claude Sarrazin as justice minister, and Pascal Bérubé as culture minister. The swearing-in ceremony marked a historic departure by taking place without the lieutenant-governor presiding in person at St-Pierre Plamondon's request.

What to know about Quebec's new cabinet ahead of swearing-in ceremony

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-21 10:40:12.0
Tags: [Quebec, Governance, Healthcare, Education, Finance, Immigration]

Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's minority Parti Québécois government, holding 59 out of 127 seats, is unveiling a 22-minister cabinet during a swearing-in ceremony at the National Assembly. Key appointments include Marie-Karlynn Laflamme as Minister of Health, Prevention and Seniors tasked with abolishing Santé Québec, Joël Arseneau as Minister of Education, Nicolas Marceau as Minister of Finance, and Catherine Gentilcore as Immigration Minister. Other key portfolios include Alain Therrien as Treasury Board President, Stéphane Paquet for Economy and Energy, Nicolas Girard for Transportation and Sustainable Mobility, Guy Lapointe Jr. for Internal Security, Marie-Claude Sarrazin as Justice Minister, and Anne Nguyen for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs. Additionally, the ceremony faces a historic constitutional challenge as the lieutenant-governor will not preside over it following a provincial law that abolished the requirement to pledge allegiance to the King.

C-234 (45-1) - Living Donor Recognition Medal Act

Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-21 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Healthcare, Governance]

Private Member's Bill C-234, titled the Living Donor Recognition Medal Act, was introduced in the House of Commons by Conservative Member of Parliament Ziad Aboultaif (Edmonton Manning) on September 22, 2025. The legislation establishes a formal federal medal to recognize the contributions of living organ donors in Canada. Following its passage through the House of Commons on April 22, 2026, and second reading in the Senate, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights reviewed the bill and presented a report without amendment on October 21, 2026.

C-224 (45-1) - An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (natural health products)

Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-21 09:35:12.0
Tags: [National, Healthcare, Governance]

Private Member's Bill C-224 (45th Parliament, 1st session), sponsored by Conservative MP Blaine Calkins to amend the Food and Drugs Act regarding natural health products, has advanced through the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (HESA). The committee completed its consideration and presented its report with amendments to the House of Commons on October 21, 2026. The legislation follows previous efforts from the 44th Parliament, specifically Bill C-368, aiming to modify regulatory oversight for natural health products under Health Canada.

Health care, affordability and the economy are the priorities in N.B. throne speech

Source: New Brunswick - Regional News
Date: 2026-10-20 16:31:56.0
Tags: [New Brunswick, Healthcare, Affordability, Economy, Housing, Governance]

The New Brunswick government's throne speech, read by Lt.-Gov. Louise Imbeault in Fredericton, outlines priorities centered on health care, affordability, and economic growth for the coming year. Premier Susan Holt's government announced that the opening of 30 new collaborative care clinics is ahead of schedule for completion by the end of 2027, alongside plans to name a mental health advocate and launch a health and long-term care workforce strategy. Additionally, the province is creating a trade diversification plan to target high-potential export markets outside the United States and is committing increased funding toward new housing infrastructure.

Albertans mixed on other referendum questions after rejecting separation

Source: Alberta - Provincial Politics
Date: 2026-10-20 12:29:00.0
Tags: [Alberta, Governance, Immigration, Healthcare, Education]

Albertans decisively rejected provincial separation in a 10-question referendum overseen by Elections Alberta, with roughly 76 per cent voting against moving toward independence. The remaining questions produced mixed, narrower margins, including 59 per cent support for increased provincial control to decrease immigration and 57 per cent support for limiting access to health care, education, and social services. Additionally, roughly 63 per cent backed requiring proof of citizenship to vote, 52 per cent opposed opting out of federal programs without losing funding, and 51 per cent supported giving provincial laws priority over federal laws in conflict.

Advance voting opens as experts debate meaning of Alberta referendum results

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-12 18:08:35.0
Tags: [Alberta, National, Governance, Immigration, Healthcare, Education, Energy]

Advance voting has opened for the 2026 Alberta Referendum, featuring 10 distinct questions covering immigration, constitutional matters, healthcare and education fees for non-permanent residents, Senate abolition, and a final question on holding a binding referendum to separate from Canada. Elections Alberta reported receiving 650,000 special ballot requests and hired over 44,000 election workers to manage turnout. Meanwhile, the Government of Canada designated the Pacific Link pipeline a project of national interest, and Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized federal unity in opposition to provincial separation.

Inuvik’s Crystal Lennie appointed to national health council

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-10 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Healthcare, Indigenous, Governance]

Crystal Lennie of Inuvik has been appointed as one of 16 members to the governing council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the federal agency overseeing national health research funding. Appointed by Health Minister Marjorie Michel, Lennie brings northern and Inuit perspectives to the council, aiming to leverage community-led data and Indigenous knowledge to direct policy changes regarding food security, homelessness, and housing. Lennie has extensive prior experience with national bodies including Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's National Inuit Committee on Health and the Inuit Public Health Task Group.