AGP Executive Report

Air Quality & Wildfire After-Effects: A mold and air quality expert urges Canadians to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, citing links to respiratory distress, inflammation, headaches, fatigue, and longer-term risks like heart disease and cancer. Transplant Access Claim Under Review: A Canadian man’s family says he was denied a kidney transplant because he wasn’t vaccinated for COVID-19; the claim is under investigation and not independently verified. Immunization Watch: Researchers highlight measles immunity gaps in Australia, warning travellers and communities to check vaccination status as imported cases rise. New Treatment News (Autoimmune Myositis): argenx reports positive Phase 3 results for efgartigimod in autoimmune myositis, with sustained improvements through Week 52. Biosimilars Collaboration: Henlius and Sandoz announce a strategic collaboration to develop multiple monoclonal antibody/ADC biosimilars, expanding oncology options. Health Tech & Regulation: A look at how AI-enabled software-as-medical-devices is reshaping regulatory routes and clinical considerations. MAID & Care Debate: Coverage continues on how medically assisted dying is increasingly used as an alternative to health care in Canada. Public Health Safety: Pediatricians warn of severe injuries and deaths tied to e-scooter and e-bike use among kids and teens.

Pediatric Injury Alert: New national data from the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program and the Public Health Agency of Canada reports 10 child deaths from e-scooter and e-bike use in 2025 (six in Ontario), plus 12 ICU admissions and 26 hospital stays longer than two days—57 severe injuries total. Caregiving Support: A local dementia program in Simcoe County uses “simulated patient” training to help care partners learn what small communication changes can do for people living with dementia. Nutrition & Kidney Health: A large study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal links adherence to plant-forward diets (including the EAT-Lancet pattern) with lower chronic kidney disease incidence over long-term follow-up. Hospital Accessibility Funding: RBC Foundation’s $60,000 Community Spaces Grant will improve accessibility at North Bay Regional Health Centre’s outdoor cultural grounds for Indigenous patients and families. Outdoor Air Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urges Canadians to check outdoor pollution daily and take indoor protective steps when air quality worsens. Food & Health Research: University of Toronto research challenges assumptions about full-fat dairy, finding three daily servings didn’t meaningfully worsen weight or blood markers in a 12-week trial. Community Health & Youth Food Skills: Sudbury’s Flour Mill Community Farm marks its 10th season with an expansion to grow more food and create more paid youth employment.**

Wildfire smoke & air quality: An air-quality expert urges Canadians to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors when levels spike, citing wildfire-driven health impacts from respiratory irritation to longer-term risks. Plant-forward nutrition: A large cohort study reported that sticking to plant-forward diets (including the EAT-Lancet pattern) is linked with lower chronic kidney disease incidence over 12 years, pointing to benefits like less inflammation and better blood pressure control. Equity in healthcare access: An opinion piece highlights research suggesting immigrants in B.C. face longer waits for elective surgeries, arguing new funding must come with policies that reduce barriers for newcomers. BC health services resume after wildfire: Interior Health is restarting home health services in Clinton after evacuation orders eased, while the Pear Lake wildfire continues to grow. Cannabis consolidation watch: Curaleaf’s unsolicited bid for Aurora Cannabis signals accelerating consolidation, with Canopy Growth potentially next. Public health & safety: Health officials confirm a second Powassan case in 2026 and urge tick-exposure precautions. Community health support: A Maple Ridge cyclist is returning to the Great Cycle Challenge to raise funds for children’s cancer care.

Drug Safety Recall: Health Canada issued a public advisory for two lots of Teva-Pregabalin 150 mg capsules due to cross-contamination with sertraline, urging patients not to stop suddenly and to return affected product for replacement. Rare Cancer Access: A North Vancouver woman with rare adrenal cancer is pushing for access to an immunotherapy drug, highlighting gaps for patients outside standard options. Pediatric IBD Care: Saskatchewan’s first Pediatric IBD Day brings families together as the province expands a dedicated multidisciplinary pediatric IBD team at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Drug Poisoning Awareness: Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy is hosting Drug Poisoning Awareness Day in Mount Forest with naloxone training and local support resources. Healthcare Tech in Philanthropy: Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation launched an AI-powered virtual engagement officer to help donors stay connected and learn about impact. Wildlife & Public Health: B.C. conservation officers confirmed the bear killed by RCMP was the one responsible for a Maple Ridge child attack after DNA review. Community Health & Wellness: Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Alberta continues to spotlight inclusion and athlete wellbeing, with medal moments across the week.

Wildfire smoke health guidance: A mold and air-quality expert urges Canadians to check outdoor air daily and limit exposure when pollution spikes, noting wildfire smoke can worsen asthma/COPD and raise heart and inflammation risks. Kidney health via diet: A Canadian Medical Association Journal study links sticking to plant-forward eating patterns (including EAT-Lancet) with lower chronic kidney disease incidence over 12 years. Access to care, Alberta case: An Alberta teen’s family sues the government after nearly $200K spent on out-of-country surgery, arguing they missed a surgical “window” in Canada. Pediatric surgery capacity: Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital is set to open a new $18.65M pediatric surgery clinic with 23 rooms and on-site imaging. Air quality alerts: Orange/yellow air quality warnings remain for parts of B.C.’s Okanagan and Eastern Fraser Valley, with additional local advisories reported. Plasma collection pause: Canadian plasma clinics halted collections after two donor deaths, with ministerial response tied to pay-for-plasma concerns. Community health supports: United Way Perth-Huron funded air conditioning at the Stratford Connection Centre run by CMHA Huron Perth to help people at risk of homelessness cope during extreme heat. Public safety: Quebec police report two deaths and multiple injuries after a Route 105 collision near Gracefield.

B.C. Cabinet Shuffle: B.C. Premier David Eby moved Health Minister Josie Osborne to Finance after Finance Minister Brenda Bailey disclosed early-stage, treatable cancer; Ravi Kahlon takes over Health, with Bailey off for treatment and returning in October. Plasma Access & Oversight: Grifols paused paid plasma collection at its Canadian clinics after Health Canada found recurring compliance issues following deaths of two donors; separate reporting says Novartis won Health Canada approval for an IgA nephropathy drug but chose not to pursue reimbursement, leaving patients without access. Emergency Care Upgrade: Grey-Bruce is rolling out Ontario’s Medical Priority Dispatch System to better classify calls so paramedics reach life-threatening emergencies faster. Water Safety: Vernon’s Greater Vernon Water customers face a precautionary advisory due to elevated turbidity in Kalamalka Lake, though bacterial results remain clear. Health & Wellness Research: A Canadian Medical Association Journal study links plant-forward diets (including EAT-Lancet) with lower chronic kidney disease incidence. Air Quality Guidance: A mold and air quality expert urges Canadians to check outdoor air daily and reduce exposure during pollution spikes, especially during wildfire smoke season.

Primary Care Access: A Canadian randomized trial found relationship-based navigation (ARC) helped more patients access needed health and social services than simple signposting to 211-Ontario—especially when language match mattered. Indigenous Rights & Energy: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation leadership backed B.C. First Nations in calling for Ottawa and Alberta to halt a fast-tracked tar sands pipeline to the West Coast, warning it threatens rights and accelerates fossil-fuel expansion amid climate disasters. Public Health & Wildfire Smoke: Guidance and reporting highlighted ongoing wildfire-driven air-quality risks, including how smoke health effects can linger even as conditions improve. Tick-Borne Disease Watch: Ontario coverage urged stronger tick prevention as tick activity rises and Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses remain a growing concern. Food & Nutrition: A study linked plant-forward eating patterns with lower chronic kidney disease incidence, adding to the diet-health debate. Health Tech/Policy: Digital rights groups argued social media bans for minors aren’t working as intended and called for more transparency around platform algorithms. Clinical Pipeline: Pfizer and Valneva said the EMA validated a Lyme vaccine application for review, based on Phase 3 results.

Wildfire health response: Castlegar, B.C. is handing out free N95 masks as smoke continues to threaten respiratory and heart-lung health, with guidance to limit outdoor exertion and create clean air spaces indoors. Public health alerts: The Simcoe Muskoka health unit says mosquitoes in Barrie tested positive for West Nile virus, urging repellent use, protective clothing, and removing standing water. Community care in heat: United Way Perth-Huron funded new air conditioning at the Stratford Connection Centre to help people seeking heat relief and mental health supports stay safe and comfortable. Rural health legacy: Owen Byers, a longtime advocate for rural health care and chair of the Bluewater Health foundation, has died at 86. Health tech expansion: DIAGNOS received Saudi FDA authorization to market its AI CARA retinal screening system for diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Mental health tools: York University researchers report universal digital mental health interventions can improve child and youth well-being, with hybrid approaches showing the most consistent benefits. Food & wellness: Gay Lea Foods is investing $200M to expand cottage cheese production to meet growing demand for affordable, high-protein options.

Wildfire Health Impact: B.C. has forced over 20,000 people to evacuate as fast-moving blazes near Summerland drive a state of emergency, with officials warning about ongoing smoke and health risks. Injury Prevention: New Canadian data shows e-scooters and e-bikes are causing severe harm to kids, with 10 deaths in 2025 and 57 cases involving prolonged hospital stays, ICU care, or death. Rare Disease Treatment Access: Pharming says Joenja (leniolisib) is now commercially available in Japan for APDS patients aged 4+ after listing on the national drug price schedule. Kidney Health Research: A large study links plant-forward eating patterns (including EAT-Lancet) with lower chronic kidney disease incidence over 12 years. Emergency Training: United Hatzalah launched its first EMT training program for young adults, offering an NREMT pathway plus real-world ambulance experience in Israel. Mental Health & Harm Reduction: A Canadian-linked music festival model highlights on-site drug testing to reduce risk, while still acknowledging limits. Public Health & Policy: Canada’s English Language Bill debate continues in Parliament as lawmakers move clause-by-clause.

Supervised Consumption in Manitoba: Manitoba opened the province’s first supervised consumption site in central Winnipeg, aiming to reduce overdose harms while connecting people to recovery supports. Public Safety & Health Risks: A Brampton landlord was convicted after a 2023 house fire killed a pregnant woman and her 3-year-old daughter, tied to illegal basement conversions and fire-safety violations. Workforce Strain in Care: Local health care aides in Alberta say burnout and low pay are worsening staffing shortages as negotiations drag on. Euthanasia & Access to Palliative Care: A family says a man was denied hospice twice before being able to access euthanasia, raising questions about end-of-life care pathways. Health-Adjacent Community Support: Lactalis Canada’s “Pack More Than Lunches” campaign runs Aug. 10–Sept. 27 with donations to Kids Help Phone for youth mental health. Kidney Health Nutrition Study: A large cohort analysis links plant-forward diets (including EAT-Lancet) with lower chronic kidney disease incidence over 12 years. Fire Safety Alert: Toronto’s fire chief flagged multiple lithium-ion battery fires, including an e-bike battery incident that sent people to hospital. AI & Health-Tech Context: Canada’s military is accelerating drone adoption with industry through a new uncrewed systems showcase.

Ontario Hospital Funding Fight: CUPE’s Ontario hospital unions say Sudbury-area hospitals need $105M more and 1,000+ full-time workers to cut wait times, add beds, and reach other provinces’ per-capita spending—warning privatization is driving ER closures and poorer care. Youth Mental Health Value: A McGill-led Lancet Psychiatry study finds the ACCESS Open Minds community model saved the system about $4,355 per patient annually (nearly $10 per $1 invested) by reducing hospital and emergency use for high-need youth. Wildfire Health Pressure in BC: BC Wildfire Service reports the Bald Range blaze near Summerland grew overnight even without strong winds; crews expect decreased fire behaviour on the northern flank with cloudy skies and possible thunderstorms. Maternal & Youth Health Support (Canada-linked): Kaduna’s government, with UNICEF and Global Affairs Canada, rolled out Traditional Birth Attendant guidelines plus adolescent “safe spaces” and maternal/newborn supplies to strengthen primary care. Clinical Research/Devices: Anteris Technologies says its PARADIGM aortic stenosis trial advanced with first US patient enrolment after CMS reimbursement eligibility, with Canada and France regulatory clearance. Wellness & Diet Research: A large cohort study links plant-forward diets (including EAT-Lancet) with a lower chronic kidney disease incidence over 12 years.

Kid Safety & Emergency Response: A 13-year-old girl who fell into Cultus Lake in B.C. has been found by divers; police say she wasn’t wearing a life-jacket and the case is now with the BC Coroners Service. Cybersecurity in Care: Manitoba nurses are raising safety concerns after a ransomware attack hit Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre systems, including some door access and building maintenance like HVAC. Injury Prevention Policy: Nova Scotia plans to ban children under 14 from e-bikes this fall, citing rising e-scooter injuries and faster vehicle tech. Wildfire Smoke Health: Environment Canada keeps yellow/orange air-quality warnings active in B.C.’s East Kootenay and Creston/Kootenay Lake, with possible rain offering limited relief; Saskatchewan also expects smoky conditions. Heart Research Funding: HSN Foundation’s Dr. Mohammed Shurrab wins a CIHR Project Grant (~$150K) to study atrial fibrillation treatment safety and effectiveness using Ontario health data. Organized Crime & Health System Strain: Calgary police laid nearly 60 charges in an organized crime/drug trafficking probe, including prescription fraud allegations. Wellness & Nutrition Research: A Canadian Medical Association Journal study links adherence to plant-forward diets (including EAT-Lancet) with lower chronic kidney disease incidence over 12 years. Community Health & Inclusion: Special Olympics Canada Summer Games open in Medicine Hat with 1,700+ participants across 10 sports.

Plant-forward diet and kidney health: A Canadian Medical Association Journal study tracking 179,508 people for about 12 years found that sticking to plant-forward eating patterns (especially the EAT-Lancet style) was linked to a 2.7% lower incidence of chronic kidney disease, with benefits tied to less oxidative stress, lower inflammation, and better blood pressure and gut health. COVID-19 and dormant viruses: New research in Nature reports severe COVID-19 can trigger reactivation of dormant viruses soon after hospital admission, including herpes viruses; reactivation of one virus family was associated with long-term disability and long COVID. Posture and mood: A McGill University study in the British Journal of Psychology found that sitting upright improved performance on a risk-taking task and boosted positive emotions versus slumped posture. Nursing scope-of-practice debate: A Bermuda story highlights how advanced-practice nurses there have limited autonomy compared with Canada/US/UK, reigniting calls for broader prescribing and diagnosing powers. Health tech and safety: Merck is expanding its Singapore biosafety and BioReliance testing lab for faster, more local biopharma testing across Asia Pacific. Workplace health tech: FLIR/Onterris says a thermal-imaging workflow tied to moisture assessment can cut moisture mapping costs by 40% while improving speed and accuracy. Recall: Therabody recalled 500,000+ Theragun Pro chargers after reports of overheating, smoke, and fires.

Plant-forward eating and kidney health: A Canadian Medical Association Journal study following 179,508 people for about 12 years found that sticking to plant-forward diets—especially the stricter EAT-Lancet style—was linked to a 2.7% lower incidence of chronic kidney disease, with benefits tied to less oxidative stress, inflammation, and better blood-pressure and gut health. Women’s health research push: Women’s Health Collective Canada and GreenShield announced a partnership backing the Can-RISE study on perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, with a focus on equity-deserving groups and improving access to support. Menopause support in Canada: The same partnership highlights new resources and research aimed at closing gaps in how menopause is understood and addressed across healthcare and workplaces. Blood supply warning: Canadian Blood Services says the national blood supply is down nearly 20% since June 1, with some types at limited availability, and urges donors to book appointments (including weekend slots) to meet hospital needs. Wildfire smoke and health risk: Environment Canada reissued air quality alerts in parts of B.C. and expanded warnings into Alberta, advising people—especially those with lung/heart conditions, pregnant people, kids, seniors, and others with chronic illness—to limit outdoor activity and stay indoors. Liver inflammation breakthrough: McMaster researchers report that the appetite/weight-loss hormone GDF15 can suppress liver inflammation and slow scarring via a brain-to-liver signaling pathway, offering new angles for treating advanced fatty liver disease. Healthcare system staffing and access: A New Brunswick integrated family medicine and emergency medicine residency program is training doctors to handle both everyday care and emergencies in the communities they serve. Disability support at school: A letter highlights how families of children with disabilities struggle with the preschool-to-primary transition, calling for clearer information and more consistent supports. Public health and safety in parks: Campaigners in B.C. say Goldstream Provincial Park porta-potties were overflowing and poorly maintained, prompting complaints to BC Parks and Island Health and additional units added. Policy and health governance: A B.C. budget update reports the deficit for 2025/26 fell to $7.7B, citing lower capital spending and higher revenues, including a tobacco settlement.

Plant-forward eating and kidney health: A Canadian Medical Association Journal study of 179,508 people found sticking to plant-forward diets (including the EAT-Lancet pattern) was linked to a 2.7% lower chronic kidney disease incidence over about 12 years, with benefits tied to less oxidative stress, lower inflammation, and better blood pressure and gut health. Wildfire health risk: A rapid analysis says climate change has more than doubled the likelihood of the extreme conditions behind Canada’s 2026 wildfire season, as smoke and evacuations continue to affect communities. Manitoba hepatitis A outbreak: Manitoba reported 898 hepatitis A cases since Sept. 2024, with spread linked to person-to-person transmission and strained water/sewage infrastructure in remote Indigenous communities. Public health lab investment: Ottawa approved a major expansion of Winnipeg’s National Microbiology Laboratory’s Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, aimed at medical countermeasures. Animal rescue update: Seven more beluga whales rescued after Marineland’s closure have arrived at SeaWorld San Antonio following a long Canada-to-Texas transfer. Healthcare workforce training: U.Va. Health’s Earn While You Learn program graduated its first nursing cohort, letting staff work part-time while studying full-time. Clinical breakthrough story: A Saskatchewan ALS patient described how tofersen treatment in a trial helped slow decline after earlier setbacks. Policy debate: India’s ambassador to the U.S. pushed back on claims about its FCRA bill, arguing it’s about transparency and safeguards for NGO assets. Air quality and evacuations: Fire danger and smoke warnings continued across western Canada as crews battled fast-moving blazes.

Plant-Forward Diets & Kidney Health: A Canadian Medical Association Journal study tracking 179,508 people over 12 years found sticking to plant-forward patterns (especially the stricter EAT-Lancet style) was linked to a lower risk of chronic kidney disease, with benefits tied to less inflammation and better blood pressure and gut health. Wildfire Smoke Safety (B.C.): Environment Canada issued an orange air quality warning for much of southeast B.C., urging people to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and stay indoors with cleaner air, especially for kids, seniors, and those with lung/heart issues. CF Drug Coverage (Saskatchewan): Saskatchewan began covering Alyftrek for eligible cystic fibrosis patients aged 6+, following Health Canada’s recommendation and pricing talks, aiming to improve quality of life and slow progression. Transit Workplace Policy (TTC): Toronto’s TTC board directed staff to stop random drug and alcohol testing and draft an “enhanced” compliant policy after an arbitrator ruled the old approach violated rights and the collective agreement. HealthTech Spotlight (Calgary): Canada HealthTech Innovation Symposium 2026 returns to Calgary (Nov. 4–5) with a focus on scaling AI, digital health, MedTech and connected care. Community Support (Wildfire Mental Health): Vernon’s Family Resource Centre is offering free counselling for people affected by the Bradley Creek wildfire, citing stress, anxiety and overwhelm as common fallout. Sports Injury Watch (US Open Prep): Tennis world No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the Cincinnati Open with a right knee injury, adding uncertainty to his US Open readiness.