Joan Kingston
Senator, Senate of Canada·23 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
Canadian Medical Association
7HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMAs perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. BUDGET: Provide CMAs perspective on the Government of Canadas budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canadas health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMAs perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION: Increased investments in health and social-determinants-of-health related programs, including measures to address the opioid crisis, mental health and addictions, and the regulation of natural health products. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, the development of a Federal Disability Benefit, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, providing clarity and guidance on federal forms, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs. Improve safeguards for Canadian health data. Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country. Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMAs perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key s
BUDGET: Provide CMAs perspective on the Government of Canadas budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canadas health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMAs perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMAs perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs. Improve safeguards for Canadian health data. Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country. Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMAs perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES: Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada, including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key stakeholders, including the public, physicians, patients/PWLE, policymakers, system leaders and others, in a dialogue on public-private healthcare. What we hear will inform CMA policy moving forward, and our recommendations for action at a national level. PHYSICIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN CAUCUS: advocate for the formation of a Physician Parliamentarian
TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMAs perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. BUDGET: Provide CMAs perspective on the Government of Canadas budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canadas health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMAs perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs Improve safeguards for Canadian health data Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES: Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMAs perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada, including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key stakeholders, including the public, physicians, patients/PWLE, policymakers, system leaders and others, in a dialogue on public-private healthcare. What we hear will inform CMA policy moving forward, and our recommendations for action at a national level. PHYSICIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN CAUCUS: advocate for the formation of a Physician Parliamentarian Cauc
University of New Brunswick
4Advocating for faster processing of student immigration applications Arranging meetings to advocate for research and infrastructure support and to increase awareness of the client's research capabilities, and government support for university-led innovation and commercialization.
Communication with regards to the role of the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and public universities in the emerging federal innovation agenda and how UNB can get funding. Sources of funding are to be determined. Communication with regards to the role of the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and public universities in the emerging federal innovation agenda. Communication with federal government with regards to ongoing status of National Research Council Canada.
Arranging meetings to advocate for research and infrastructure support, and to increase awareness of the client's research capabilities.
Advocating for faster processing of student immigration applications. Arranging meetings to advocate for research and infrastructure support and to increase awareness of the client's research capabilities, and government support for university-led innovation and commercialization. Communication with regards to the role of the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and public universities in the emerging federal innovation agenda and how UNB can get funding. Sources of funding are to be determined. Communication with regards to the role of the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and public universities in the emerging federal innovation agenda. Communication with federal government with regards to ongoing status of National Research Council Canada.
The Porter O'Brien Agency
CANADIAN NURSES ASSOCIATION/ASSOCIATION DES INFIRMIERES ET INFIRMIERS DU CANADA(CNA)
3Urging the federal government to lead the development of and work with the provinces and territories to implement a pan-Canadian digital health strategy. That the minister of health create a public awareness campaign to bring attention to the scourge of counterfeit prescription drugs That the federal government lead efforts to educate health-care workers on the importance of medication safety and deprescribing Support for regulated nurses working at full scope of practice Strengthening of programs and supports for vulnerable populations, including child health, senior's health and domestic maternal, newborn and child health strategy development. Strengthening and creating programs to support illness prevention and health promotion, long term care, palliative care, home and community care, affordable housing and other social determinants of health Strategies to address the health human resources crisis and nursing shortages across Canada, including providing funding to provinces and territories to help optimize workloads; financial supports for nurses and health-care workers such as loan forgiveness, tax incentives, retention bonuses for senior nurses; creating a mental health action plan for health-care workers; increasing training and education for health-care workers. Seeking funding for the Nursing the Future initiative Seek funding for nursing research Review the Income Tax Act, List of Authorized Medical Practitioners to ensure all categories of nurses are easily identified. Requesting the federal government to create a one-time fund of $1.2 billion over four years via the Primary Care Transition Fund II to expand the establishment of primary care teams in each province and territory, with a special focus in remote and underserved communities. Reinstate the position of a Chief Nursing Officer at the federal level, and support for CNO's in all provinces and territories. Provide funding for a comprehensive, universal, public, affordable prescription medication coverage that ensures access in all health-care settings based on need and not the ability to pay Protection of public from the ongoing and growing threat of antimicrobial resistance Pandemic Planning and COVID-19: ensure all nurses are properly supported and protecting by ensuring appropriate stockpiling of PPE, support for mental health while on the front lines, support for nursing students, increased access to education and training when return to work or working in various care setting while responding to a pandemic, ensuring appropriate guidelines and resources are disseminated and developed and ensure senior nurses are part of discussions and advisory review boards during pandemics in planning phases as well as post pandemic in the review. Nursing-entry to practice Invest in strategies to prevent and mitigate the health effects of climate change Influencing the Canada Health Transfer and Health Bilateral Agreements between the federal government and provinces and territories to urge governments to increase healthcare investments and invest in priority areas such as the health workforce, primary care, long-term care, mental health, data and virtual care, and surgeries and backlogs. Increasing federal health transfers to the provinces and territories via a demographic top-up to meet the needs of Canada's aging population. Increase support to Canadians who provide care for aging relatives and friends. Incorporate Primary Health Care (PHP) principles within a Health in All Policies approach Improving care in long-term care facilities through enhanced access to and provision of care from regulated nurses. Improve community- and home-based health promotion Improve access to primary care, home care, and palliative and end-of-life care for all people in Canada. Funding to support nursing certification across Canada to strengthen the safe delivery of expert care to older adults. Funding to support newly graduated nurses moving into professional practice for the first tim
Urging Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, in collaboration with Health Canada, to reconsider introducing copayments for medications and supplemental health services under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for refugees and asylum seekers. Pandemic Planning: ensure all nurses are properly supported and protected by maintaining appropriate stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE), providing mental health supports for those working on the front lines, and ensuring nursing students receive adequate assistance. Increase access to education and training for nurses returning to work or working across various care settings during public health emergencies. Ensure clear guidelines and resources are developed and disseminated, and that senior nurses are included in discussions and advisory boards during emergency planning phases as well as in post-emergency reviews. Discussions aim to ensure that artificial intelligence and emerging health technologies are developed, assessed, and approved in ways that meet the needs of the Canadian population. Communications emphasize the importance of integrating nursing perspectives into governance, regulation, clinical and ethical evaluation, and approval processes for new technologies. Communications relate to ongoing efforts to strengthen the collection, harmonization, and use of nursing workforce data at the pan-Canadian level. Discussions include modelling future health and workforce needs, supporting evidence-based health human resource planning, and investing in robust data systems to inform public policy and decision-making. Discussions include a request for federal funding to support the organization of CNA's 2026 national conference, which will bring together nursing leaders, health system partners, and policy-makers to advance dialogue on workforce priorities, innovation, public health, and health system transformation. Communications address the need for federal investment in strategies to improve retention of nursing professionals, including support for mental health and well-being, improved working conditions, continuing professional development, and initiatives to reduce burnout and strengthen workforce stability across all regions of Canada. Discussions focus on measures to expand the capacity to educate and support Indigenous nurses across Canada, including targeted investments in nursing education programs, partnerships with Indigenous and community-based institutions, and initiatives that improve access, retention, and graduation outcomes for Indigenous nursing students. Support the development of a national licensure framework for nurses. Enhance nursing leadership at the federal level and ensure ongoing support, resources, and sustainability for Chief Nursing Officer roles in all provinces and territories. Communications relate to federal measures aimed at protecting health-care workers, including initiatives to improve workplace safety, prevent harassment and violence, and strengthen legislative and regulatory frameworks that support a safe and respectful environment for health professionals. Bill S-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assault against persons who provide health services and first responders) Harmonize nursing regulatory practices to support a responsive and sustainable nursing workforce Support a Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative based on past similar initiatives Allow nurses to certify the Disability Tax Credit form Seek funding for nursing research, including Indigenous nursing Create a pan-Canadian health human resources strategy Urging the federal government to lead the development of and work with the provinces and territories to implement a pan-Canadian digital health strategy. That the federal government lead efforts to educate health-care workers on the importance of medication safety and deprescribing Support for regulated nurses working at full scope of practice Strengthening of programs and supports for vulnerable po
Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions
3Discuss increasing incidents of violence against health care workers, prevention, and enforcement of existing laws. Support nursing students through targeted financial support such as paid preceptorships and federal grants. Support internationally educated nurses through establishing a collaborative, multi-stakeholder body hosted by Health Canada, to lead national strategy, planning and coordination for internationally educated nurses' registration, integration and support. Targeted funding of $1 billion as an initial investment to immediately begin to address the current health care workforce crisis experienced by provinces/territories across Canada, with funding focused on short and long-term goals. To achieve patient-centred quality care based on the WHOs comprehensive health labour markets framework that would be acceptable to, and delivered by, the provinces/territories. Provide sustainable funding so nurses and other healthcare workers have access to mental health supports. In keeping with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, establish specific targets and timelines for the admission and graduation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit health professionals in all postsecondary institutions and provide funding dedicated to indigenous nurse students. Implementing a Universal single-payer pharmacare program. Fund innovative retention and recruitment programs targeted at early-career, mid-career and late-career nurses. Establish a dedicated coordinating body to address critical health workforce data gaps based on global best practices on health workforce management. Address health workforce shortages through the implementation of a comprehensive, pan-Canadian health human resources strategy, in coordination with the provinces and territories, backed by sufficient funding and with real accountability for achieving desired health outcomes; and address critical data gaps through significantly enhancing existing health workforce data infrastructure to standardize data collection and analysis across workers, sectors and jurisdictions, with links to relevant patient information, healthcare utilization and outcome data, for more fit-for-purpose planning and tools available at the provincial, territorial, regional and training program level. In designing this, Canada should draw on global best practices in health workforce planning including in Australia and New Zealand.
Canadian Labour Congress
2Clean electricity regulations and emissions cap Investing in Employment Insurance, care workers, unionized jobs and strong workplace standards Addressing the high cost of living and investing in affordable housing Implementation of universal pharmacare, dental care, long term care and mental health care Labour provisions in the Canada-Ecuador Trade Agreement and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. The regularization of undocumented workers, update and possible next steps for the CLC Out-of-status Construction Workers in the GTA project Bill C-65, Canada Elections Act With interest in provisions that impact Third Parties and contributions to Third Parties Bill C-27, Digitial Charter Implementation Act - Part III of C-27 and the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and workers.
Chicken Farmers of Canada
2Supply management system as it relates to the chicken sector. World Trade Organization agreements (WTO) as they relate to the negotiations on agriculture. The Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) as it relates to supply management. Regional and Bilateral Trade Negotiations with regard to possible impact on the Canadian chicken sector. Meat Inspection Regulations with respect to poultry processing. Environment initiatives as they relate to the chicken industry. Consumer Packaging and Labeling Regulations with respect to production claims on labels. Chicken Farmers of Canadas Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program. Canadian Food Inspection Agency programs related to the chicken industry. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement related to chicken products and the chicken sector. Administration and allocation of the Tariff Rate Quota. Health of Animals Act and Regulations dealing with the development and refinement of animal disease preparedness and response protocols. Funding for the development and implementation of on-farm programs. Tariff classifications, Tariff enforcement, Duties Deferral and Drawback Programs. Animal Health Products (antimicrobials, vaccines, feed/water additives) availability in Canada.
Agriculture industry as it relates to growth. Supply management system as it relates to the chicken sector. Environment initiatives as they relate to the chicken industry. Chicken Farmers of Canadas Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program. World Trade Organization agreements (WTO) as they relate to the negotiations on agriculture. The Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) as it relates to supply management. Regional and Bilateral Trade Negotiations with regard to possible impact on the Canadian chicken sector. Meat Inspection Regulations with respect to poultry processing. Health of Animals Act and Regulations dealing with the development and refinement of animal disease preparedness and response protocols. Funding for the development and implementation of on-farm programs. Tariff classifications, Tariff enforcement, Duties Deferral and Drawback Programs. Consumer Packaging and Labeling Regulations with respect to production claims on labels. Administration and allocation of the Tariff Rate Quota. Canadian Food Inspection Agency programs related to the chicken industry. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement related to chicken products and the chicken sector. Animal Health Products (antimicrobials, vaccines, feed/water additives) availability in Canada.
Fredericton International Airport
2Funding assistance for the rehabilitation of the Fredericton International Airport's primary runway to begin in the summer of 2026.
The Porter O'Brien Agency
MS Canada
2Postal service disruption and the significant hardships these disruptions cause for Canadians and on health charities We ask the federal government to fund MS research in partnership with MS Canada, leveraging our connections and expertise to focus and further our understanding of MS, pursue leading-edge research on repair and regeneration, and explore prevention strategies, including targeting the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Safe Long-Term Care Act with respect to persons affected by MS National Housing Strategy with respect for persons with MS and other chronic conditions and disabilities Measures and funding for the charitable sector generally Home care, with respect to creation with provincial/ territorial governments programs relating to increased home care for persons with MS and other disabilities/ diseases and the support of caregivers Federal Budget: Allocate funding for the Canada Disability Benefit, the Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit; health research; access to treatment and care; and other budgetary policy as it relates to MS. Establishment of national strategy for neurological conditions, with respect to persons with MS and other neurological conditions. Employment Insurance sickness benefits, with respect to creation of flexible benefits for persons with MS and other episodic disabilities Disability Tax Credit with respect to making it refundable and ensuring eligibility for Canadians with episodic disabilities Comprehensive disability income programs, with respect to persons with MS and other chronic and episodic disabilities CIHR as it relates to federal funding & long term investment in health research Canada Pension Plan – Disability with respect to eligibility for persons with MS and other chronic and episodic disabilities Canada Health Transfer - health system funding transfer and agreements intended for provinces/territories to support the delivery of healthcare services, including MS care Canada Health Act and regulations, as it relates to long-term and home care Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare with respect for persons with MS and other chronic conditions and disabilities Access to treatments as it relates to the current regulatory and price negotiation processes to enhance timely access to all Health Canada approved MS disease-modifying therapies, with respect to the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases and national pharmacare.
Breakfast Club of Canada
1Recherche de financement et un soutien du gouvernement fédéral accru pour assurer la réussite et la pérennité du Programme?national dalimentation scolaire universel. Collaborer avec les différents paliers de gouvernement, le secteur privé et les organisations communautaires pour établir un modèle de partage des coûts durable qui soutient en priorité les enfants et les milieux qui font face à des obstacles à une alimentation saine. "Lorganisme défend et participe à la mise en uvre des lois, politiques et programmes de financement pour instaurer un Programme?national dalimentation scolaire universel, pérenne, et renforçant les liens avec les systèmes alimentaires locaux. La vision du Club des petits?déjeuners est celle dun pays où tous les enfants ont accès chaque jour à des aliments nutritifs à lécole. Pour réaliser cette vision, lorganisme défend et participe à la mise en uvre des lois, politiques et programmes de financement pour instaurer un Programme?national dalimentation scolaire universel, pérenne, et renforçant les liens avec les systèmes alimentaires locaux. Il collabore avec les différents paliers de gouvernement, le secteur privé et les organisations communautaires pour établir un modèle de partage des coûts durable qui soutient en priorité les enfants et les milieux qui font face à des obstacles à une alimentation saine. Un financement et un soutien du gouvernement fédéral accru sont indispensables pour assurer la réussite et la pérennité de ce programme.
Canadian Craft Brewers Association
1Bill S-202 - An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages) Working to support craft brewers through rural economic development. Working to support craft brewers through the Excise Act. Looking for greater clarity on Safe Food for Canadians Regulations - Traceability. Looking for greater clarity on compliance with single-use plastics prohibition. Looking for greater clarity on CFIA Food and Drug Regulations related to labelling. Investigating available programs to assist members in exporting products.