Health Policy News

Health workers, advocates and those who use the sites say the closure of supervised consumption sites in Ontario could prove deadly for those with opioid addictions.

The government issued a press release saying it has asked the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions to respect the conditions laid out in the province’s act respecting end-of-life care when it comes to pressing criminal charges.

The premier, speaking after a deadly random stranger attack in downtown Vancouver this week, says the 2012 closure of Riverview mental health hospital in Coquitlam put vulnerable people on the streets without adequate supports.

Jenica Atwin, who represents Fredericton in the House of Commons, wrote to federal Health Minister Mark Holland to request ‘a full investigation’ into the cluster of diseases.

A spokesman for the provincial health officer says B.C. residents are encouraged to wait for the updated COVID vaccines if possible, but people can still get last season’s shots if they need them.

Labour Minister Jill Balser says the bill is the product of consultations with the Canadian Cancer Society, adding that it aligns with other Canadian jurisdictions.

Eligible physicians must be currently employed by NL Health Services and must join a family care team before the end of this year.