Category: Health

July 15, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

Canadians expect timely access to safe and effective drugs and medical devices. Health Canada is taking practical steps to modernize and improve the efficiency of its regulatory processes, while maintaining its high standards for safety, efficacy, and quality.

Over the last three months, Health Canada has approved 537 new drugs and medical devices to help Canadians manage and treat a range of health issues. This includes three generic versions of semaglutide, the first G7 country to do so.

In addition, to help bring more medications and treatments to Canada sooner, Health Canada has published a Ministerial Reliance Order. The Order allows the department to review certain parts of drug submissions faster by using decisions or documents produced by select foreign regulators. This approach maintains Canada’s requirements for safety, efficacy and quality, while reducing unnecessary duplication. A more efficient process will also encourage manufacturers to bring products to Canada. The first classes of drugs that will be accepted by Health Canada under the Order include drugs for pediatric use and veterinary drugs.

At the same time, Health Canada is seeking feedback on a proposed approach to prioritize the review of certain generic drug submissions that involve Canadian manufacturing. Supporting Canada’s generic pharmaceutical and life sciences sector will play a key role in enhancing the security of the drug supply and preventing harmful shortages that could negatively impact the health of Canadians.

Complementing Health Canada’s regulatory modernization efforts, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) continues to support health research and clinical trials that generate the evidence needed to evaluate new drugs, medical devices and other health products, helping strengthen Canada’s life sciences ecosystem and improve access to innovative treatments for Canadians.

These initiatives are helping build a more modern and efficient regulatory system—one that supports faster and expanded access to drugs for Canadians, without compromising Canada’s high standards for safety, efficacy and quality.

July 13, 2026 | Montreal, QC | Health Canada

Young people across Canada are struggling with their mental health. Timely access to the right services and supports within their communities can help create lasting and meaningful improvements in the mental health of youth and for their families.

Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, and Lionel Carmant, Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Social Services and the Fight Against Homelessness, announced a new agreement that will provide the Province of Quebec with $70.8 million over four years through the Youth Mental Health Fund.

This investment will help Quebec strengthen the networks of Integrated Youth Services (IYS). It aims to improve equitable access to comprehensive health care—both physical and mental—in order to better meet the needs of young people and promote their well-being. Thanks to this support, more youth facing physical or mental health challenges will be able to access the services they need. Many of these youth, who are often underserved, face disproportionate barriers to accessing high-quality care.

This funding will, among other things, make it possible to expand Quebec’s Aire Ouverte model. Youth will have access to a range of services in one place, including mental health and substance use support, physical and sexual health, youth and family peer support, and social services. Established in 2018, Quebec’s Aire Ouverte IYS model offers comprehensive services, including mental health services, to young people aged 12 to 25 in a free and confidential manner.

The government of Canada, in collaboration with the government of Quebec, remains committed to supporting the mental health of young people everywhere in Canada, providing them with timely access to services and supports in their communities.

June 30, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

Aerial application of pest-management products by aircraft presents several challenges. Weather, particularly wind, can cause spray drift and uneven coverage. They also consume large quantities of aviation fuel, increasing operating costs and emissions. Additionally, typical aircraft payloads and spray systems can make precise, low-altitude targeted applications difficult.

By contrast, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or RPAS, commonly known as drones can operate from confined sites, fly lower and slower for greater application precision and reduce fuel use and emissions, making them an easier and more sustainable alternative for many pest-management tasks.

On June 30, 2026, Health Canada introduced a new policy allowing drone technology to be used to apply pesticides that are already approved for conventional aerial application. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Health Canada and industry worked collaboratively to gather evidence to inform the development of this policy decision. This policy removes barriers and gives Canadian farmers another way to protect and grow their crops more efficiently.

Drone technology offers farmers an innovative, precise and more cost-effective tool for pest management. By helping growers reach fields and areas that may be difficult to access using conventional equipment, it can support timely crop protection, reduce operational challenges and help safeguard crop yields.

By adopting this new science policy, Health Canada is addressing the needs of farmers and growers and bringing Canada into alignment competitively with other countries such as Australia and Japan, where drones are already being used for pesticide application. As this technology advances, Health Canada will continue to adapt, using science-based decision-making to support innovation while maintaining strong protections for human health and the environment.

June 29, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

Today, Health Canada authorized a first generic semaglutide injection for weight loss. Health Canada is currently reviewing six other submissions for generic semaglutide by different companies. The department expects to make regulatory decisions on more of these submissions in the coming weeks and months.

The semaglutide injection submission, known as Svemia, filed by Canadian-based Apotex is a generic version of the brand name drug Wegovy. Health Canada authorized the drug after a thorough review of evidence provided by the company demonstrated that the drug meets Health Canada’s criteria for safety, efficacy and quality for generic drugs. This semaglutide injection is indicated for the once-weekly treatment of patients 12 years and over, as a supplement to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management.

The generic versions of semaglutide are complex synthetic products that are pharmaceutically equivalent to the brand name biologic drug. Health Canada’s review ensures that differences between these products do not affect the safety, efficacy, or quality of the drug. The availability of generic drugs is expected to have a positive impact in Canada, including potential cost savings for patients and the healthcare system.

As it does with all drugs authorized in Canada, Health Canada will continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of all generic semaglutide products. Should any unexpected safety or effectiveness concerns arise, Health Canada will take appropriate action to protect the health and safety of Canadians.