Health

OTTAWA — The governing Liberals took their first major step toward national pharmacare Thursday as the health minister tabled a bill that paves the way for a universal drug program and secures NDP support in the House of Commons.

OTTAWA — A Liberal government bill delaying the expansion of medical assistance in dying eligibility until 2027 is poised to become law after passing in the Senate.

EDMONTON — Alberta’s budget for 2024-25 foresees a slim $367 million surplus, with slightly lower revenues compared to last year’s estimated top line.

A Texas prosecutor has been disciplined for allowing murder charges to be filed against a woman who self-managed an abortion in a case that sparked national outrage.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota’s Republican-controlled Legislature on Thursday approved the creation of a video to outline the state’s abortion laws and to clarify when health care providers are legally allowed to intervene.

A national LGBTQ+ advocacy group is suing the Texas Attorney General's office rather than hand over information about its support of transgender children receiving gender-confirming medical care.

Cases of norovirus, a nasty stomach bug that spreads easily, are climbing in the Northeastern U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Early estimates suggest flu shots are performing OK in the current U.S. winter flu season.

HALIFAX — Highlights of the Nova Scotia government's provincial budget presented Thursday: — The province is bringing in a $16.5-billion budget, with a projected deficit of $467.4 million. --- — Health-care spending is expected to reach $7.

TORONTO — Ontario is investing $1.6 billion for two new buildings at a mental health hospital in Toronto. The province says the money will go toward the design and construction of the buildings at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.