Canada’s health ministers seek fixes to fentanyl crisis, access to pharmaceuticals

CALGARY — Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and her provincial and territorial counterparts wrapped a meeting in Calgary on Friday with a pledge for deeper collaboration to tackle the most pressing challenges in Canada’s health-care system.

A joint statement released after the meeting said the ministers discussed priorities ranging from securing access to pharmaceuticals, fighting the fentanyl crisis and breaking down barriers to a stronger health workforce.

“Access to timely, quality health care is a fundamental part of what Canadians expect and deserve of their health systems,” the statement reads. “Ensuring that health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay, remains a shared commitment.”

The ministers also discussed the importance of modernizing the health system, including using digital tools for improved care.

Michel promised to meet again with provincial and territorial ministers after the federal budget is tabled Nov. 4.

“This meeting was part of a renewed collaboration between the federal government, the provinces and the territories,” Michel said during a press conference Friday. “We addressed the challenges created by the current context south of the border, but also the opportunities that come with it.”

Adriana LaGrange, Alberta’s minister of primary and preventative health services, has said provinces and territories are facing increased demands on their health-care systems and the federal government needs to step up its support.

LaGrange said without greater federal support, the health and well-being of patients and workers is at risk.

She said the provincial and territorial ministers want commitments that Ottawa will move away from “one-size-fits-all” funding programs.

At Friday’s press conference, LaGrange said the group spoke about federal contribution to provincial and territorial health budgets, adding that the Canada Health Transfer is “not keeping pace with the rising cost of delivering care.”

“With the new federal budget yet to be tabled, we join our finance colleagues in urging the federal government to strengthen the Canada Health Transfer and provide long-term predictable funding,” LaGrange said.

“With equitable and sustainable investment from the federal government, we can sustain, improve and transform our health-care systems to meet the needs of patients right across the country.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2025.