The Santis team shares its insights on the key sectors and factors driving decisions and change in the health care and life sciences sector across Canada.
First Post-Election B.C. Budget Maintains Status Quo, Cautious Fiscal Approach to Tariff Pressures
March 4, 2025 - B.C. Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey tabled the first provincial budget since Premier David Eby’s BC NDP was re-elected last fall. The government plans to spend $94.9 billion in the 2025/26 fiscal year with expected revenues of $84 billion, resulting in a forecast record deficit of $10.9 billion.
Read MoreAlberta Budget Takes a Cautious Approach to Tariff Threats, Increases Investment into Refocusing Health System
February 27, 2025 - Alberta’s Minister of Finance Nate Horner unveiled the UCP Government’s $79.3 billion budget for 2025, an increase of $4.4 billion from the year before. Total expenditure on health was increased to $28 billion, an increase of 5.4%, reflecting Premier Danielle Smith’s priority to reorganize the entire health care system in the province. This additional investment into health is aimed at supporting a more localized delivery model and building hospitals.
Read MoreNova Scotia Budget Keeps Eye on Health Care While Preparing for a Possible Trade War
February 19, 2025 - The Nova Scotia Government tabled its 2025/26 provincial budget totaling $17.6 billion on Tuesday, February 18, including heavy investments in health care, housing, and business support in the wake of U.S. tariff threats and continued lack of affordability.
Read MoreNova Scotia Releases Capital Budget with more than $1 Billion Invested in Health
February 14, 2025 - The Tim Huston government in Nova Scotia has announced the province’s largest ever capital plan, with more than $1 -billion earmarked for health care projects. The Capital Plan 2025/26 was unveiled on Thursday, February 13, by Finance and Treasury Board Minister John Lohr, one day ahead of the opening of the first session of the 65th General Assembly on February 14.
Read MoreSantis Health Adds Health Policy Expert to Roster of Associates
Toronto, ON - February 12, 2025 - Santis Health is pleased to welcome Dr. Kathie McNally as its newest Associate based out of its recently-established Atlantic Canada office. A distinguished leader in health care, Dr. McNally has over 20 years of experience as a practising family physician in both northeastern Ontario and on Prince Edward Island. She has worked in a wide range of settings including community family medicine, long-term care, and acute hospital medicine.
Read MoreRapid Recap: Federal Health Minister Releases Long-Awaited Canada Health Act Interpretation Letter
January 10, 2025 - The Federal Minister of Health has released the long-awaited Canada Health Act Interpretation Letter. The fourth Interpretation Letter since the creation of the Canada Health Act (CHA) in 1984, this letter clarifies the federal government’s interpretation of the CHA. In some cases, it also addresses changes in health care since the Act was adopted.
Read MoreSantis Health Expands to Atlantic Canada with the Appointment of Everton McLean as Vice President
Toronto, ON - January 9, 2025 - Joining Santis Health as Vice President of Atlantic Canada, Everton McLean, a senior communications leader, will drive the firm’s expansion to the East Coast, building on the successful Western Canada launch two years ago. Over the past 12 years, Santis has grown from an Ontario-based agency into a national practice, now offering expertise to clients from coast to coast.
Read MoreRapid Recap: Federal Cabinet Shuffle & Political Updates
December 20, 2024 - After a turbulent few months for the embattled Liberals, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled his new cabinet. This move was long overdue, as several ministers had been juggling multiple responsibilities to cover for cabinet resignations. Most urgently, following the recent resignation of Housing Minister Sean Fraser and the dramatic departure of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, the Prime Minister needed to stabilize his team before the new year. This comes as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20, 2025 with a protectionist agenda.
Read MoreRapid Recap: A Day of Political Turbulence in Ottawa: Key Updates and Implications
December 16, 2024 may be remembered as one of the most surprising and important days in recent federal politics and in the life of the Trudeau Government. This memo summarizes what transpired and includes key updates regarding the changing dynamics of the federal government, the Fall Economic Statement (FES), the release of the 2025 Pre-Budget Consultations Report from the Standing Committee on Finance, and the Council of the Federation meeting.
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