Healthcare in Canada
Compare recent bills on this issue across different governments.
Canada
View Bills →Stopping Supply to Save Lives Act
The law forces life sentences for supplying tiny amounts of powerful synthetic opioids and bans parole for 25 years. Offences near schools or treatment centres bring harsher punishment.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Appropriation Act No. 2, 2026-27
This law lets federal departments keep running and paying staff through March 31, 2027. It does not change taxes or benefits.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
First Nations Clean Water Act
Gives First Nations power to set and enforce water rules on their lands. Seeks reliable, safe drinking water, enough water for needs, and better wastewater services.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Faster Access to Unapproved Treatments
This law makes a public list of non-marketed drugs and devices doctors can use for serious cases when no option exists. It speeds emergency access while keeping safety checks.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Mental Health Parity Act
Makes mental health and addictions care insured like other health services. Bans extra fees and links federal funding to provincial compliance.
Status
First reading
Timeline
An act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Food and Drugs Act
Doctors could prescribe psilocybin and psilocin under narcotic rules. Health Canada must fast-track reviews for these drugs, but non-medical use stays illegal.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1
Changes taxes, funds housing and school meals, and creates open banking and stablecoin rules. It gives credits, housing money, and new bank protections.
Status
N/A
Timeline
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures)
If someone sterilizes you without consent, it can be charged as aggravated assault. Doctors and hospitals must document clear consent for sterilization procedures.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Ontario
View Bills →Vape Retail Crackdown: Age Raised To 21
People under 21 cannot buy or enter vape shops. Most flavours and online sales are banned, and only approved specialty stores may sell vapes.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Workers' Protections and Faster Project Approvals
Employers can no longer charge for normal uniforms and some injury benefits rise. The law also speeds some project approvals and limits fees by talent agencies.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Ban on Paid Online Gambling Ads
Paid online gambling ads and paid promotions would be banned. You will see far fewer gambling ads, but foreign broadcasts may still show them.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Student Online Safety and AI Education Act
Creates a committee to add online safety and AI lessons for grades K to 12 students. Schools could restrict social media and chatbots during school, with some exceptions.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Plan to Limit Social Media for Under 16s
Requires the health minister to make and carry out a plan to limit social media use by people under 16. It could lead to age checks or future bans.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Health Worker Support and Accountability
Government must publish a plan to improve health worker pay, safety, and mental health, with annual workforce reports. If deadlines are missed, the minister and premier pay personal fines.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Black Health Equity and Accountability Act
Requires hospitals and health units to collect race data, set equity targets, and fund Black-led services. Audits and penalties apply for institutions that fail to meet targets.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Stronger Support and Transparency for Survivors
Police must tell people 16 or older who report sexual assault about free legal advice. Regulators cannot set time limits on therapy and the government must publish yearly progress updates.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
British Columbia
View Bills →Risk Agreements for Experimental Medicines
Doctors and pharmacists could use listed drugs only if distributors sign risk agreements with the health minister. This may delay access to vaccines, SSRIs, harm-reduction medicines, and gender care.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Half Tax for Under-40s, Big Spending Cut
People under 40 would pay half their provincial income tax. Public services could face deep cuts to meet a required 50% spending cut within five years.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Close Overdose Sites and Suspend Benefits
It would close provincially funded supervised drug sites, require not using illegal drugs in funded housing, and suspend benefits after drug possession until treatment is done.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Annual Government Spending Authorization
Allows the government to pay for public services and approved projects during the year. It does not create new taxes or change program rules.
Status
N/A
Timeline
B.C. Can Sue Vaping Firms for Health Costs
The government can sue vaping makers and sellers to recover health and prevention costs. Courts can use population data so individual medical files stay private.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Kitselas Treaty Comes Into Force
The law makes the Kitselas Treaty legally binding and gives Kitselas ownership and control of defined lands. It changes rules on farming, forestry, taxes, and hospital services.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Include Severe Brain Injury in Mental Health Act
People with serious brain injuries that harm judgment or behavior could be assessed and treated under the Mental Health Act, and sometimes held in hospital without consent.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Repeal Health Professions Overhaul
Keeps current rules for health regulators and stops planned reforms. Complaint and discipline processes stay the same; changes don't take effect for 18 months.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Alberta
View Bills →Tightening Rules for Medical Assistance in Dying
MAID would be limited to adults expected to die within 12 months and excludes mental-illness-only cases. Some facilities can refuse on-site MAID and a provincial service will approve providers.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Shielding School, Sport, and Youth Health Rules
Keeps certain school, sport, and youth health rules in force even if they conflict with Charter or human rights. Courts and rights bodies will have limited power to change them.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Approving Spending for Services and Projects
This bill lets government pay for hospitals, schools, roads, and social programs. It keeps services running and allows shifts to speed up school and health projects.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
No-Fault Auto Care and Seniors Reform
Drivers get faster no-fault crash care and limited rights to sue. Seniors get higher benefits, and the province can invest directly in startups.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Self-Referral Tests and Health Funding Changes
You can book some screening tests without a doctor if the government lists them. Private insurance pays first; the public plan pays last and denials cannot be appealed.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Protecting Public Care, Tightening Private Billing
Keeps insured doctor and hospital care covered while banning extra billing. It requires written consent for private services, modernizes health records, and raises penalties.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Finance Overhaul: Data Levy, Disability Redesign
New finance law adds a data‑centre levy and redesigns disability benefits. It tightens tax rules and gives some legal protections, affecting families, tech operators, and investors.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Shielding Professionals' Speech and Banning DEI Training
Stops regulators from disciplining most off-duty speech and bans mandatory DEI or cultural competency training. Protections still allow discipline for threats, sexual misconduct, confidentiality breaches, or criminal convictions.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Québec
View Bills →Act mainly aimed at better supporting individuals whose mental state may pose a risk to their own safety or that of others.
You can write psychiatric directives. Assessments and temporary holds will be faster, with the right to a lawyer and appeal to a specialized court.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Personal Self-Directed Assistance Act for Persons with Disabilities
You receive a monthly payment to pay for assistants of your choice. The application is made to Retraite Québec and needs are reassessed every two years.
Status
Présentation
Timeline
Act to Reduce Bureaucracy, Increase State Efficiency, and Strengthen Accountability of Senior Officials
The project brings together agencies and changes who manages certain public benefits. This could affect daily processes such as family benefits and health services.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Bill No. 1 on Credits, 2026-2027
This law allows for the payment of public services starting April 1st. Hospitals, schools, daycare centers, and roads receive funding without a tax increase.
Status
Adoption du principe
Timeline
Act to Improve Access to Medical Services and Healthcare for the Population
The bill adjusts the remuneration of doctors and teams to better follow patients, especially the most vulnerable. It aims to facilitate registration and access to care.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Quebec Overhauls Taxes, Rentals, and Health Costs
New Quebec law changes many taxes and credits. It adds foreign-asset reporting, limits unregistered short-term rental write-offs, removes QST from therapy, and lowers many public drug plan premiums.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Quebec Sets Rules for Supervised Drug Sites
Quebec requires approval for fixed supervised drug sites and bans them within 150 meters of schools. Permits last four years and include safety plans with public input.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Act mainly aimed at establishing collective responsibility for improving access to medical services and ensuring the continuity of the provision of these services.
The project places patients in a practice environment and sets payment rules. This can change who sees you and the wait times for getting an appointment.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Newfoundland and Labrador
View Bills →AN ACT RESPECTING THE SENIORS' ADVOCATE
Creates a stronger, independent Seniors' Advocate who can investigate problems and get records. Care homes must forward seniors' requests to the office.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
AN ACT FOR GRANTING TO HIS MAJESTY CERTAIN SUMS OF MONEY FOR DEFRAYING CERTAIN EXPENSES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2027 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Funds government services for 2026–27 and keeps hospitals, schools, roads, and social programs running. It also lets officials move money for pay, emergencies, and federal projects.
Status
N/A
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE REVENUE ADMINISTRATION ACT
Sugary drinks will cost less because the sugary drink tax is removed. Stores and makers no longer collect or report this tax.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
AN ACT RESPECTING THE DISABILITY ADVOCATE
Creates an independent office to help people with disabilities get service problems investigated and fixed. It can receive complaints, investigate, mediate with consent, and issue public recommendations.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
AN ACT GRANTING TO HIS MAJESTY CERTAIN SUMS OF MONEY FOR DEFRAYING CERTAIN EXPENSES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2027 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Allows about $4 billion to keep hospitals, schools, roads and services running until the full budget is passed.
Status
N/A
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES ACT
Pharmacies can accept phone, transfers, and direct e-prescriptions for some controlled drugs when federal rules allow. Tamper-resistant pads are not required in several common cases.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
AN ACT TO REMOVE ANOMALIES AND ERRORS IN THE STATUTE LAW
Mostly technical fixes to update, clarify, and repeal old rules. Few direct changes; snowmobile stickers and a greenhouse gas penalty reference may affect certain users and businesses.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Manitoba
View Bills →The Health System Governance and Accountability Amendment Act (Nurse-to- Patient Ratios)
Government can set minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. Hospitals must plan and report shortfalls; missed ratios do not allow lawsuits.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
The Pharmaceutical Amendment, Regulated Health Professions Amendment and Public Health Amendment Act
Pharmacists may give a different medicine with a similar effect unless you or your doctor say no. The law also lets regulators merge and judges change some health orders.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
The Mental Health Amendment Act
More health workers can do urgent mental-health assessments. Some exams and hearings can happen by phone or video, which may reduce wait times and travel.
Status
N/A
Timeline
The Health System Governance and Accountability Amendment Act (Eliminating Mandatory Overtime for Nurses)
Nurses can refuse non-emergency mandatory overtime without facing professional discipline. Health authorities must make plans to meet minister-set overtime reduction targets; emergencies still allow overtime.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Sick Notes for Employee Absences)
Employers cannot demand a sick note for short absences under one week. If a note is needed, many health workers can issue it and employers must repay any fee.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
The Intimate Partner Violence Death Review Committee Act
Creates a private committee to study deaths from intimate partner violence and make safety recommendations. Reports are anonymized and start after court cases finish.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
The Improving Access to Breast Cancer Screening Act
This bill requires clear rules to identify people at higher breast cancer risk and expands access to mammograms, with yearly public reporting and outreach to underserved communities.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
Limit Flavoured Vapes To Adult Shops
In listed cities, flavoured vaping liquids can only be sold in shops that bar children. Convenience stores in those cities must stop selling flavours; tobacco flavours stay allowed.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Nova Scotia
View Bills →Publicly funded birth control and IVF
Public health would cover birth control and menopause treatment, and a new IVF program would be funded. Coverage could depend on income and residency.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Expands medical coverage for injured workers
The bill broadens medical aid for injured workers and requires clear decision reasons. It keeps treatment going during appeals and speeds up urgent cases.
Status
N/A
Timeline
New Suicide Prevention Strategy Moves Forward
A plan to improve mental health support and suicide prevention across government. It will set goals and report yearly on progress for communities and people who need help.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Plan for Public Addiction Treatment Network
The bill would create publicly funded residential addiction treatment centers. It would help people access housing, jobs and ongoing support during recovery.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Renters Get Carbon Monoxide and Radon Safety Rules
The bill would require landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms and test for radon. Tenants get radon results and protections, while landlords may face higher costs.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Cooling rules protect indoor heat in buildings
The bill would require certain buildings to keep indoor areas cool in summer. It aims to reduce heat risks for residents, especially in care homes and multi-unit housing.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Study barriers to women's healthcare
The bill asks the government to study barriers to women's healthcare and report wait times. It does not fund new services now.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Appropriations Act, 2026
An Act to Provide for Defraying Certain Charges and Expenses of the Public Service of the Province
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Saskatchewan
View Bills →Hold Drug Traffickers Financially Accountable
The law lets government and people sue drug traffickers to recover health and social costs. It can also cancel some public jobs, grants, and contracts for recent convictions.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Rapid Treatment Orders for High-Risk Addiction
Police or health workers can take adults with severe substance problems for quick assessment. A board or judge can order short inpatient stays or community treatment with legal review.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Spending Authority for 2026–27 Budget
Gives legal permission to spend on health, schools, roads and social programs for 2026–27. It does not change taxes or create new programs.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Public Registry for Private Health Contracts
Requires posting of private health contracts and audits. People can see what services cost, staffing levels, and wait times.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Modernizing Vital Records and Privacy Rules
Changes let families use more name characters and single names, ease birth and death paperwork, add privacy limits, allow some police access, and enable recalling misissued certificates.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Modern Co-operative Act Overhauls Rules
One new law modernizes co-ops. It allows digital filings and meetings, gives members stronger rights, and sets clearer rules for housing, health, worker co-ops, and investors.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Modernizing Co-ops and Corporate Records
Updates laws to use the new co-op act and names co-ops in other rules. Businesses must record who owns or controls them and can use electronic shareholder notices.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Limits on Prison Segregation and Discipline
Caps segregation at 15 days, requires daily health checks and faster reviews. Updates discipline rules, adds short temporary confinement and moves transfer rules to regulations.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Nunavut
View Bills →Interim Funding to Keep Services Running
Allows government to spend up to $2.47 billion for core services in 2026–27. It keeps hospitals, schools, housing and other services funded but does not create new programs.
Status
Assent
Timeline
2026–27 Capital Spending Authority
Adds $274 million for buildings, roads, schools and hospitals in 2026–27. You may see more local construction, though projects aren't listed.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Top-up Funding for Health and Social Services
Government can adopt official safety and technical codes published online. This may make rules update faster and affect trades, insurers, and people using those services.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Northwest Territories
View Bills →An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act, No. 2
Firefighters and front-line emergency workers get an automatic presumption for some cancers, heart injuries, and PTSD so it's easier to get workers' compensation.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Missing Persons Act
Police can get records or enter places quickly to find missing people. Emergency demands and limited public updates are allowed, with some privacy safeguards and fines for misuse.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2026-2027
Adds one-time government funds for hospitals, schools, roads, and local services. Money must be spent by March 31, 2027.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2026-2027.
Adds $61 million so public services keep running this year. It lets key departments spend more on health, education, infrastructure, justice, Indigenous and environment services.
Status
2nd Reading
Timeline
Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures) 2026-2027.
Keeps government services funded for April 2026–March 2027 and sets how much the government can borrow. It does not change tax rates or program eligibility.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Vital Statistics Act
Updates birth, death and name records. Lets more parents be listed, allows changing or removing sex markers, and lets some nurses certify deaths.
Status
2nd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act
Creates a one-time lump sum for permanent loss and monthly pay for lost earnings after recovery. Monthly payments usually end near retirement age and can be reviewed.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 2025-2026.
This bill gives $178.6M more to fund buildings, roads, schools and health work. Departments get the money now but must spend it by March 31, 2026.
Status
1st Reading
Timeline
Yukon
View Bills →Suing Opioid Companies for Health Costs
Governments can sue opioid makers to recover health care costs using population data. Your medical records stay private and prescriptions are not affected.
Status
Assent
Timeline
Health Transition: Interim Authority and Powers
Gives the minister short-term control over the health system during the change. Your care continues, but health information may be shared and suing over transition actions is mostly barred.
Status
Assent
Timeline
Budget Approves $2.46B for Services
This bill lets the government spend $2.46 billion on health, schools, roads, and homes. It also sets a $100 million contingency for emergencies.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Budget Contingency Vote for Emergencies
Allows a small emergency fund in the annual budget for urgent, unforeseen public needs. Transfers need board approval and public reports.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Mid-Year Budget Top-Up Keeps Services Running
This adds money to keep health, schools, roads, and help programs running until March 31, 2026. It does not add new taxes.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Bridge Funding to Keep Services Running
Keeps government services running for two months while the full budget is finished. Pays for hospitals, schools, roads, and income supports.
Status
Assent
Timeline
United States
View Bills →Ban Federal Funding for Abortion Coverage
Federal funds would not pay for abortions or plans that cover them, except rape, incest, or life-saving care. Plans must clearly show abortion coverage and any surcharge.
Status
N/A
Timeline
New Liability for Youth Gender Treatments
Allows children or parents to sue health providers for puberty blockers, hormones, and sex change surgeries given to minors. Providers face strict federal liability and money damages.
Status
N/A
Timeline
INSULIN Act of 2026
Limits out-of-pocket insulin costs, funds an uninsured resource center and hotline, and aims to speed biosimilar competition.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Behavioral Health Crisis Expansion Act
Requires Medicare, Medicaid, private plans, TRICARE, VA, FEHB, and CHIP to cover crisis response services and defines facility types.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Medicare Cognitive Impairment Detection
Requires cognitive screening and documentation during Medicare wellness and preventive visits using NIA-approved tools starting January 1, 2026.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Uterine Fibroid Research Act
Funds and coordinates research, Medicaid data collection, and education on uterine fibroids, with attention to risk for minority individuals.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Medically Tailored Meals Pilot
Creates a 6-year Medicare pilot for hospitals to provide tailored home meals and nutrition therapy to high-risk patients to reduce readmissions.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Counting patient payments toward deductibles
Counts external payments toward deductibles and out-of-pocket limits for health plans, starting 2026; preserves HSA eligibility and existing utilization management tools.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Toronto
View Bills →Fairer Rules for Park Encampment Clearings
City will give clearer notices, a contact person, and on-site health supports during park encampment clearings. Residents get more engagement and a public complaints process.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
City Declares Gender-Based Violence Epidemic
The city calls gender-based and intimate partner violence an epidemic and asks higher governments to act. There are no immediate law changes but this may bring more programs and supports.
Status
N/A
Timeline
More free portable ACs for vulnerable tenants
This funds and installs free portable air conditioners for low-income and vulnerable tenants, about 2,400 units in summer 2026. It does not create a universal right to indoor cooling.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Board of Health Member Appointments
Council appoints public members and a school representative to the Board of Health through Nov 14, 2026. This fills vacancies and keeps public health oversight running.
Status
Considered by City Council
Timeline