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Poilievre’s Commanding 87.4% Leadership Endorsement Signals Firm Control of Conservative Party

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre delivers his keynote address at the party’s national convention in Calgary on Friday. Pierre Poilievre has secured an overwhelming 87.4% support in the Conservative Party’s leadership review, reinforcing his dominant position within the party and signaling strong internal confidence in his direction. The review, held during the party’s national convention, served as a key test of Poilievre’s standing following the most recent federal election. Despite the setback of losing both the national vote and his own seat, he has remained a central figure in Conservative politics, returning to Parliament and maintaining significant influence among party members. In his address to delegates ahead of the vote, Poilievre emphasized unity, discipline, and a renewed focus on economic and social priorities. The strong endorsement suggests that party members remain aligned with his vision and strategy for the future. With nearly all eligible delegates cas...

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Drug shortages in Canada affect millions of patients and health care providers

 

  

Many Canadians have experienced the frustration and anxiety of not being able to get the medications they need, as the country faces a persistent and worsening problem of drug shortages.

According to a survey commissioned by the Canadian Pharmacists Association, one in four adults in Canada has either personally been affected by drug shortages in the last three years or knows someone who has. The survey also found that 70% of pharmacists have difficulty finding alternative drugs for their patients.

The causes of drug shortages are complex and varied, ranging from manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory hurdles, market decisions by pharmaceutical companies, and increased demand for certain drugs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the drugs that have been in short supply include Lenoltec No. 4, a painkiller containing codeine; Ozempic, a widely-used drug for type 2 diabetes; EpiPens, which are essential for people with life-threatening allergies; Wellbutrin, a popular antidepressant; and various blood pressure medications.

Drug shortages can have serious consequences for patients and health care providers, such as increased costs, reduced quality of care, delayed or cancelled treatments, adverse reactions, medication errors, and psychological distress.

Health Canada has said it is aware of the issue and working to find solutions, such as facilitating the importation of foreign drugs, monitoring the supply situation, and collaborating with stakeholders. However, some experts have called for more action, such as investing in domestic production capacity, creating a national drug agency, and implementing mandatory reporting of drug shortages by manufacturers.

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