Kelsey Pyde
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Recent News
I created this page to share recent articles and updates that highlight important developments in healthcare. As someone deeply invested in the industry, I believe it’s essential to stay informed about changes that impact patient care, healthcare providers, and systems as a whole. These articles reflect key issues and innovations shaping the future of healthcare.
How bad are wait times in Canada? Study suggests millions still waiting for health-care services

Surgical and diagnostic wait times across Canada continue to expand, stressing growing backlogs even as healthcare systems attempt to recover from pandemic disruptions. The report emphasizes the strain on provinces to reduce delays and maintain timely access to essential procedures.
'I'm a problem solver': Meet the mayor whose plan to attract family doctors is turning heads across Canada

Cities across Canada are increasingly hiring family doctors to address shortages in primary care access, using targeted recruitment strategies and incentives to attract physicians to underserved areas. The article examines how municipalities are stepping in to fill gaps in care and improve continuity for patients.
A medical records firm just changed its user agreement. Here’s how Canadian patients might be impacted

MyChart’s new user agreement is raising flags for patients and privacy advocates. The updated terms include clauses that may require users to waive their rights to join class‑action lawsuits and resolve disputes through arbitration. Experts caution that the changes could limit patients’ legal recourse if their medical data is mishandled, and they urge users to review the agreement carefully before consenting.
Researchers turn to AI for help fighting superbugs

Canadian researchers and health systems are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, also known as "superbugs." It highlights innovations such as predictive algorithms, data analysis, and early detection tools aimed at improving antibiotic stewardship and preventing the spread of drug-resistant infections. The article underscores the importance of combining AI with clinical expertise to address one of modern healthcare’s most pressing challenges.
Ontario looks to expand pharmacist prescription powers, take pressure off family doctors

Ontario government is looking at expanding pharmacists’ prescribing powers, allowing them to treat 19 additional common ailments, including pink eye, acne, and cold sores. The move aims to improve access to care and reduce strain on clinics and emergency departments by enabling patients to receive timely treatment directly from their local pharmacy.
How Indigenous midwives and doulas in B.C. are providing cultural care for expectant mothers

Indigenous midwives and doulas in British Columbia are stepping in to provide culturally safe care for pregnant Indigenous people. The story highlights efforts to rebuild traditional support systems, enhance trust in maternal healthcare, and address gaps in the existing medical framework by centring cultural knowledge and voices.
New end-of-life care home in Quebec highlights growing demand for MAID

Quebec’s plan to open a new end-of-life care facility dedicated to both palliative care and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). The facility aims to ensure that individuals seeking MAiD or palliative care receive compassionate, specialized support within a facility designed for both services, addressing concerns about space, stigma, and access.
Alberta transferring ownership of health care properties April 1

Alberta is set to transfer ownership of numerous healthcare properties, including hospitals and care centers, effective April 1. This strategic move aims to optimize the management and operation of these facilities, potentially enhancing healthcare delivery across the province. The transition reflects Alberta's commitment to improving its healthcare infrastructure and services.
Alberta looking to save $400M in doctor payments, medical association president says in memo

This CBC News article discusses concerns raised by Alberta physicians in response to the provincial government’s proposed plan to cut $400 million from physician billing fees. The article explores the potential impacts of these cuts on healthcare delivery, physician retention, and patient access, particularly in rural areas. It also features perspectives from the Alberta Medical Association and government representatives, highlighting the tension between cost-saving measures and quality care.
Alberta Health Services confirms measles case found in Taber

This Global News article reports on a confirmed case of measles in Taber, Alberta, as announced by Alberta Health Services in March 2024. It highlights the public health response, including exposure notifications and guidance for those who may have been in contact with the infected individual. The article underscores the importance of vaccination and timely public health communication in managing infectious disease outbreaks within communities.
Fluid Biomed: From a research project to an innovative health-care tech business

​The University of Calgary article highlights the journey of Fluid Biomed, a startup originating from UCalgary research, which developed the world's first bioabsorbable polymer-based brain stent, ReSolv, aiming to improve treatment for brain aneurysms. The company recently secured $27 million USD in funding to advance clinical trials and commercialization efforts.
Let doctors practise where they are needed: CMA

​The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) advocates for pan-Canadian licensure to allow physicians to practice across provincial and territorial borders without obtaining separate licenses. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved areas, by enabling physicians to work where they are most needed. ​
'Life-changing' pelvic health suite opens at Dartmouth General Hospital

​The CBC News article reports on the opening of a new pelvic health suite at Dartmouth General Hospital in Nova Scotia. This facility aims to provide specialized care for individuals experiencing pelvic health issues, offering services such as physiotherapy and surgical consultations to improve patient outcomes.
Sick of sick notes: Doctors say scrapping paperwork would save time better spent on patients

​The CBC News article discusses the debate surrounding the necessity of sick notes for short-term illnesses in Canada. It highlights concerns from healthcare professionals about the administrative burden on doctors and the potential for increased spread of illness due to patients visiting clinics solely to obtain a note. The article also explores alternative approaches to managing employee sick leave.
Breast cancer is more likely to kill young Black women. A Sask. researcher wants to see that change

​The CBC News article discusses the increased risk of breast cancer in Black women and the importance of early screening. It highlights that Black women are often diagnosed at younger ages and with more aggressive forms of breast cancer, emphasizing the need for earlier and more frequent screenings to improve outcomes.
Canadians need doctors. These strategies from around the country aim to find them

​The CBC News article "The Cure: Solutions for Canadian Doctor Shortage" explores strategies to address Canada's physician shortage, including increasing medical school seats, streamlining foreign credential recognition, and enhancing working conditions to retain current doctors.
Alberta ousted health services CEO amid probe into medical contracts, document alleges

The Globe and Mail article reports on the dismissal of Athana Mentzelopoulos, the CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS), amid an internal investigation into procurement practices, including significant contracts awarded to private entities. The article highlights allegations of political interference and concerns over contract management within AHS.
Improving new payment models for rural family doctors

The BC Family Doctors article discusses the impact of new payment models on rural family physicians in British Columbia. While these models aim to improve support for doctors, they have unintentionally reduced financial incentives for rural practice, contributing to physician shortages. The article calls for adjustments to better reflect the unique demands of rural healthcare.
The Dutch and Danes have much to teach Canada about better health care

The Globe and Mail article discusses how healthcare systems in the Netherlands and Denmark offer valuable lessons for Canada. It highlights their successful integration of public and private healthcare services, resulting in efficient, high-quality care. The article suggests that adopting similar models could address challenges within Canada's healthcare system.
Why should Canadians care about the U.S. pulling out of the World Health Organization?

The CBC News article discusses the United States' recent decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and examines the potential implications for Canada. Experts express concerns that this move could weaken global health initiatives and collaboration, potentially affecting Canada's efforts in managing health crises and contributing to international health programs.
Alberta unveils new doctor pay model rewarding physicians for bringing on patients

The article from CBC News discusses Alberta's introduction of a new compensation model for physicians, aiming to address challenges in the healthcare system. This model seeks to improve patient care by incentivizing quality and efficiency in medical services.
Provincial health plan coverage for primary care by nurse practitioners, midwives in 2026

The National Post article discusses a provincial health plan set to be implemented in 2026, aiming to integrate nurse practitioners and midwives more extensively into the healthcare system. This initiative seeks to enhance primary care services and address healthcare provider shortages.
P.E.I. Nurses' Union applauds change to Canada Health Act

The CBC News article discusses Prince Edward Island's (PEI) recent decision to amend its healthcare policies to align with the Canada Health Act. This change aims to eliminate extra billing practices, ensuring that all residents receive medically necessary services without direct charges. By doing so, PEI seeks to uphold the principles of universality and accessibility in its healthcare system.
Strep throat and ear infection testing now available at some Sask. pharmacies

The CBC News article discusses a new initiative in Saskatchewan pharmacies, where pharmacists are now authorized to test and treat minor ailments such as strep throat and ear infections. This program aims to improve access to healthcare services, reduce the burden on emergency rooms, and provide timely care for common conditions.
Sask. NDP calls for healthcare overhaul

The CTV News article reports that the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (NDP) is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the province's healthcare system. The NDP emphasizes the need for increased funding, improved staffing levels, and enhanced access to medical services to address current challenges and ensure equitable healthcare for all residents.
B.C. doctors launch campaign to highlight inequities in rural healthcare

BC Family Doctors’ Fair Care Everywhere campaign highlights the urgent challenges of rural healthcare in B.C., including staffing shortages, long wait times, and inadequate transportation. It calls for fair pay for rural doctors, increased healthcare staffing, and better patient transport to ensure equitable access to care and sustain the communities that fuel key industries like forestry, mining, and tourism.
To deal with a doctor shortage, this B.C. city has decided to start paying them directly

The CBC News article reports on the City of Colwood's initiative to establish a municipally funded health clinic to address the shortage of family doctors in the community. This clinic aims to provide residents with improved access to primary healthcare services, reflecting a growing trend of municipal involvement in healthcare delivery to meet local needs.
References
BC Family Doctors. (2025, February 10). Improving new payment models for rural family doctors. https://bcfamilydocs.ca/improving-new-payment-models-for-rural-family-doctors/
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Collins, L. (2025, January 15). BC doctors launch campaign to highlight inequities in rural healthcare. Westerly News. https://www.westerlynews.ca/news/bc-doctors-launch-campaign-to-highlight-inequities-in-rural-healthcare-7757127
Cuttler, M. (2025, September 21). Cities hiring family doctors to ease pressure on health system. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/cities-hiring-family-doctor-1.7638292
Dabu, C. (2025, September 26). Medical records firm MyChart has a new user agreement: Here’s what experts think patients should know. Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/article/medical-records-firm-mychart-has-a-new-user-agreement-heres-what-experts-think-patients-should-know/
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Edwards, C. (2025, January 22). Saskatchewan pharmacies now testing and treating strep throat, ear infections. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/strep-throat-ear-infection-testing-1.7438123
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Flatters, J. (2025, January 22). Sask. NDP calls for healthcare overhaul. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/saskatoon/article/sask-ndp-calls-for-healthcare-overhaul/
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Garrett, C. (2025, March 4). Gender-affirming healthcare [Video]. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/video/2025/03/04/gender-affirming-healthcare/
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Gillis, H. (2025, February 27). The Cure: Sick notes – Are they necessary or a burden? https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/the-cure-sick-notes-1.7468623
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Gomes, A., Gillis, H. (2025, February 26). The Cure: Solutions for Canadian doctor shortage. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/the-cure-solutions-for-canadian-doctor-shortage-1.7465633
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Gomez, M. (2024, December 21). Colwood to open municipally funded health clinic to address doctor shortage. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/colwood-municipal-health-clinic-1.7416840
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Ireland, N. (2025, January 10). Provincial health plan to integrate nurse practitioners and midwives by 2026. https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/provincial-health-plan-nurse-practitioner-midwives-2026
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Johnson, L. (2025, March 13). Alberta doctors say province seeks to save $400M in cuts to billing fees. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-doctors-say-province-seeks-to-save-400-million-in-cuts-to-billing-fees-1.7483261
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Jussinoja, K. (2025, February 23). Delta Hospital ER closed for second night in a row. CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/delta-hospital-er-closed-for-second-night-in-a-row/
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Lee, J. (2025, February 25). Alberta doctors oppose proposed on-call pay reductions.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-doctors-oppose-pay-reductions-on-call-1.7462772
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Lopez, S. (2025, February 13). Fluid Biomed: From a research project to an innovative health-care tech business. University of Calgary. https://www.ucalgary.ca/news/fluid-biomed-research-project-innovative-health-care-tech-business
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Lowrie, M. (2025, August 31). Quebec to open first facility dedicated to both palliative care and MAiD. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved September 20, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/palliative-care-maid-quebec-new-facility-1.7622209
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McKay, B. (2025, March 5). Alberta transferring ownership of health care properties April 1. Rocky Mountain Outlook. Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://www.rmoutlook.com/local-news/alberta-transferring-ownership-of-health-care-properties-april-1-10326556
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Moovaz. (2021). Stethoscope with Canada flag [Photograph]. Moovaz. https://www.moovaz.com/blog/canadian-healthcare-system/
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Nguyen, T. (2025, January 17). P.E.I. amends healthcare policies to comply with Canada Health Act, eliminating extra billing. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-change-canada-health-act-1.7434111
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Parmar, T (2025, September 12). Indigenous midwives and doulas in B.C. provide cultural care for pregnant people. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/indigenous-midwives-doulas-cultural-care-pregnant-1.7626987
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​Piercey, O. (2025, September 17). Ontario pharmacists can now write prescriptions for more minor ailments. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved September 20, 2025, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-pharmacists-write-prescriptions-for-more-ailments-1.7636066
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Picard, A. (2025, January 22). The Dutch and Danes have much to teach Canada about better health care. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-dutch-and-danes-have-much-to-teach-canada-about-better-health-care/
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Ponace, D. (2025, February 28). Black women face higher risk of breast cancer, prompting calls for earlier screening. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/breast-cancer-black-women-screening-age-1.7471540
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Reimer, J. (2025, February 24). Let doctors practise where they are needed: CMA. https://www.cma.ca/about-us/what-we-do/press-room/let-doctors-practise-where-they-are-needed-cma
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Sousa, A. (2024, December 19). Alberta introduces new doctor compensation model to improve healthcare delivery. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/new-alberta-doctor-pay-model-1.7415551
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Tait, C. (2025, February 5). Alberta ousted health services CEO amid probe into medical contracts, document alleges. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-alberta-ousted-health-services-ceo-amid-probe-into-medical-contracts/
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Thomson, J. (2025, February 27). New pelvic health suite opens at Dartmouth General Hospital. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/new-pelvic-health-suite-opens-at-dartmouth-general-hospital-1.7469098
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Tucker, E. (2024, March 7). Alberta Health Services confirms measles case in Taber. Global News. Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://globalnews.ca/news/11087634/measles-taber-alberta-health-services/
Wright, H. (2025, September 26). Surgery, diagnostic wait times continue to grow across Canada: report. Retrieved March 19, 2025, from https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/article/surgery-diagnostic-wait-times-continue-to-grow-across-canada-report/
Yoon, J. (2025, January 24). U.S. withdrawal from WHO raises concerns for Canada's global health efforts. https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/us-who-withdrawal-canada-1.7440256
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Zafar, A. (2025, September 20). Canadian researchers using artificial intelligence to fight deadly superbugs. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved September 20, 2025 from https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/superbugs-ai-1.7636754
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