Health Canada has informed Vancouver’s Dr. Peter Centre, a world-renowned HIV/AIDS treatment and support facility, that its application to operate a supervised consumption site has been approved. Supervised consumption sites provide a controlled space where people can bring their own illicit substances to consume under the supervision of health-care professionals, and gain access to other … Read more
Health Canada’s primary objective in regulating pesticides is to protect Canadians’ health and their environment. This includes helping to protect the health of bees and other pollinators by minimizing their exposure to pesticides. All pesticides must undergo a rigorous science-based review prior to being approved for sale in Canada. To address growing concerns about the … Read more
Health Canada is informing Canadians that the drug label for the multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya (fingolimod) has been updated with new safety information on the risk of skin cancer, as well as a rare brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Gilenya labelling already contained information on the possible risk of lymphoma, and warnings about how … Read more
Health Canada is seeking input on proposed revisions to strengthen the labelling standard for non-prescription acetaminophen products, to help consumers use these products more safely. As communicated in July 2015, this consultation is one of several steps Health Canada is taking to further minimize the risk of liver damage and improve acetaminophen safety. Canadians, health professionals, … Read more
Dr. Supriya Sharma, Health Canada chief medical advisor, and Dr. Gregory Taylor, chief public health officer of Canada, issued a joint statement: “Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada are deeply concerned about recent reports of an increase in overdoses and deaths in Canada due to the illicit use of fentanyl,” they said. Sharma … Read more
Health Minister Rona Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove, Alta.) directed Health Canada to create a task force to crack down on illegal marijuana advertising. This task force will ensure that those who engage in such illegal activities are stopped, and should these illegal activities continue, promptly referred to law enforcement. This approach reflects the serious health risks with … Read more
Health Minister Rona Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove, Alta.) and Yukon Minister of Health and Social Services Mike Nixon announced $260,000 in funding to strengthen training and support for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Yukon. This investment will increase community awareness, focus on prevention and fund training for front-line staff. Call 613-957-0200. Health Minister Rona Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove, Alta.) announced the Government of Canada’s ongoing, … Read more
Health Minister Rona Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove, Alta.) announced the final regulations to add tapentadol, a synthetic opioid used for pain relief, to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and to the Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR). The Government of Canada recognizes that the abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health and safety issue … Read more
Health Minister Rona Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove, Alta.) announced that Health Canada is advancing regulations that will require the same medical-device safety standards for non-corrective or ‘cosmetic’ contact lenses as prescription or corrective contact lenses. The new regulations relating to non-corrective contact lenses will come into effect July 16, 2016. These regulations build on the provisions of Private Member’s Bill C-313. The full … Read more
Health Canada announced the establishment of the Food Virology National Reference Centre at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) laboratory in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec. This CFIA reference centre will enhance Canada’s ability to effectively detect viral contaminants in food, such as noroviruses and hepatitis A. The full release is available online. Call 613-957-0200.
