Skip to main content

Featured

Carney Tempers Expectations on U.S.-Canada Trade Talks

                                             Carney says U.S. tariff reprieve 'unlikely' to happen before CUSMA review talks. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has downplayed the likelihood of a near-term trade deal between Canada and the United States, signaling that any progress will likely be folded into the upcoming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) scheduled for 2026. Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, Carney explained that efforts to secure sector-specific agreements—particularly in industries such as steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber—have stalled since U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly ended negotiations in October. The talks were derailed after Ontario aired a controversial anti-tariff advertisement featuring former President Ronald Reagan, which drew sharp criticism from Washington. Carney emphasized that while Canada...

article

Family Doctors Could Reduce ER Visits by 15% in Canada, Report Finds


A recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) reveals that 15% of emergency room visits in Canada could be managed by family doctors. The report, covering data from April 2023 to March 2024, highlights the significant role primary care could play in alleviating the pressure on emergency departments.

The findings indicate that many Canadians, especially those without regular access to a family doctor, turn to emergency departments for conditions that could be managed in primary care. This includes common ailments such as colds, sore throats, and ear infections. The report also suggests that over half of these visits could be managed virtually, pointing to the potential benefits of telemedicine.

Dr. Sunita Karmakar-Hore, CIHI’s manager of health system performance reporting, emphasized the need for improved access to primary and virtual care. "When access to a regular care provider is challenging, people often turn to emergency departments to receive the care they need," she said.

The report underscores the importance of addressing the shortage of family doctors and enhancing the availability of virtual care options to reduce unnecessary ER visits and improve overall healthcare efficiency in Canada.



Comments