News for Newfoundland and Labrador’s health workforce

Health policyOct 20, 2026Canada

Ontario petition seeks public funding for long-term psychotherapy services

Guelph psychotherapist Marinela Trickett has launched a petition asking Ontario to cover long-term supportive psychotherapy under OHIP, saying her clinic gets daily calls from people who cannot access long-term support and many wait until crisis, then go to hospitals where their needs are not met. With Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner she will bring the petition, aiming for 5,000 signatures, to Queen's Park in November. OHIP now covers psychotherapy only from a doctor or psychiatrist; private sessions average $150 to $180 each.

It asks Ontario to treat psychotherapy as medically necessary care, not a private expense, a question frontline workers hear from patients every day.

Public healthOct 19, 2026Canada

Public health officials declare end to national two-year measles outbreak

The Public Health Agency of Canada has declared the two-year national measles outbreak over, following two months without new linked cases. The outbreak resulted in 6,417 total cases across 10 provinces and territories, including 1,033 in Manitoba. Officials continue to emphasize the importance of routine vaccinations to prevent future transmission.

Health policyOct 16, 2026Canada

Nurses union urges health ministers to establish national seniors care standards

The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions met with federal and provincial health ministers to advocate for a national seniors' care strategy. The union is calling for mandatory staffing standards, increased funding, and improved support for long-term care workers to address chronic overcapacity and workplace violence.

OpinionHealth policyOct 16, 2026Canada

Expanding emergency departments may increase patient boarding without improved hospital flow

The author argues that expanding emergency departments to address overcrowding often fails if inpatient bottlenecks remain. Citing studies and national data, the piece suggests that increasing ED capacity without improving patient flow can worsen boarding times and strain nursing resources. Governments are urged to prioritize flow management and bed availability over physical facility expansion.

Health policyOct 15, 2026Canada

Federal government extends health funding agreements for provinces by one year

The federal government has extended health funding for mental health, addictions, home care, and community services by one year. This extension aligns with existing long-term care agreements and provides a new timeline for governments to discuss long-term funding formulas.

Health policyOct 14, 2026Canada

Nurses union seeks national seniors care strategy from provincial health ministers

The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions is meeting with health ministers on October 16 to advocate for a national seniors’ care strategy. The union is calling for the renewal of expiring federal funding agreements for long-term, home, and community care to support staffing standards and improved care delivery for older Canadians.