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CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Maternity health providers in B.C. lament shortage of qualified workers
Expectant parents in B.C. are facing maternity staffing shortages. As CBC's Hanna Petersen reports, maternity doctors say the existing workforce is spread too thin.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
‘Very unbearable': Okotoks man facing chronic pain impacted by national painkiller shortage
Health Canada is warning that some prescription painkillers might not be available because of an ongoing drug shortage. Health Canada is warning that some prescription painkillers might not be available because of an ongoing drug shortage. Tony Heembrock was injured in a workplace accident in 2020 and takes Percocet for the chronic pain. While working, he used to take two to three pills a day, but because of a national painkiller shortage, he's down to his last two. 'It's very unbearable. I know I've become more withdrawn from my son, who lives here with me and his friends when they come over, and my family. I just sort of keep very low-key and try not to do anything and participate in life anymore. It shouldn't be that way,' Heembrock said. Since his accident, he's developed chronic migraines and a heart issue. These conditions put him in a hard spot because he's unable to use many Percocet alternatives available due to their side effects. Health Canada says the country is experiencing a shortage of both acetaminophen with oxycodone and acetaminophen with codeine. This includes: Teva-Oxycocet; Apo-Oxycodone/Acet; Rivacocet; and Teva-Lenoltec No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4. 'The shortage is the result of manufacturing issues affecting one major supplier, which has increased pressure on other manufacturers. While the supply situation is expected to improve by mid-August, supply constraints are expected to continue until the end of September,' said the Canadian Pharmacists Association in a statement. Tony Heembrock was injured in a workplace accident in 2020 and takes Percocet for the chronic pain. Tony Heembrock was injured in a workplace accident in 2020 and takes Percocet for the chronic pain. In the meantime, pharmacist Randy Howden suggests talking to your physician or pharmacist. 'It's really helpful for us as patients around these products that they call us before they're completely out of their medication, to give us a bit of time to figure it out. They shouldn't panic. There are some alternatives that can be figured out for them. It just might take a bit of time, because pharmacies will need to talk to the physicians,' Howden said. Howden believes more drug suppliers and better communication from Health Canada would make a situation like this better in the future. 'One thing that we are seeing in Canada over the last decade or more is more single-source or only dual-source products, and what that means is you get one shortage of one manufacturer and all of a sudden you have no product,' said Howden. Howden says the drugs usually stop coming into the pharmacies and then the notices from the Canadian Public Health Association or Health Canada come afterward; there's usually a lag in reporting. 'We're seeing that with other drugs as well right now. Pharmacists are actively managing shortages all the time,' said Howden.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Wildfire smoke triggers air quality warnings across northern Ontario
Environment Canada issued air quality advisories in Northern Ontario as wildfire smoke drifted into the region. Madison Marier has more details. Environment Canada issued an air quality alert for most of northern Ontario Wednesday as wildfire smoke continues to affect the region. Evan Lizotte, a fire information officer, confirmed that the smoke originates from active wildfires in northwestern Ontario and western Canada. 'Parts of Ontario are being impacted by wildfire smoke, drift from active wildland fires from the northwest region of Ontario, as well as western Canada,' he said. Forest fire smoke Areas in northern Ontario are under air quality statements, Environment Canada said Wednesday. Forest fire smoke drifting over a rural Ontario skyline is shown in this image. (File photo/CTV News) (Ontario Forest Fires file photo) Sudbury sees spike in health risks The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in Sudbury rose from 6 to 8, marking a shift from moderate to high risk. Adam Ranger, an Environmental Support Officer with Public Health Sudbury & Districts, explained the measures being taken to inform residents. 'With that advisory, we initiated a communication to alert the public that there potentially could be poor air quality today and to ensure that they're taking measures to protect themselves,' he said. Widespread advisories across northern communities Northern Ontario Air Quality Warnings - July 30, 2025 This image captures northern Ontario Air Quality Health Indexes on July 30, 2025. (CTV News Northern Ontario | Data from Air Quality Ontario) As of mid-afternoon, multiple northern Ontario communities were under air quality warnings: North Bay and Parry Sound reported an AQHI of 7. Sudbury's index climbed to 8. Sault Ste. Marie reached 9. Thunder Bay faced the most severe conditions, with levels exceeding 10, according to Air Quality Ontario. Health officials recommend precautions Ranger advised residents to minimize exposure by staying indoors and taking additional precautions. 'During poor air quality, being indoors is a good way to avoid the exposure,' he said. 'So, keeping doors and windows closed. If you do have an air conditioner, put it on recirculate to ensure that it's not drawing air from outside back inside Local wildfires add to smoke concerns While much of the smoke is carried by wind from other regions, northeastern Ontario is currently monitoring 10 active wildland fires. Lizotte provided CTV News with some context on this year's wildfire activity compared to previous years. 'Compared to last year, this season has been… we've had more fires than that season prior. But in the ten-year average, we've had 472 fires on average and 197,000 hectares burned,' he said. 'So, we're below the ten-year average for fires in the province, but we're above in hectares burned.' No fire restrictions, but masks recommended outdoors Although there are no fire restrictions by the province in northeastern Ontario at this time, public health officials recommend wearing N95 masks for prolonged outdoor exposure and spending time in indoor public spaces to reduce health risks from poor air quality.
