Advocacy in Action: November + December 2025
November 15, 2025
.png)
CSHP is pleased to share an update on the key advocacy and pharmacy practice initiatives that the Professional Practice team has been focused on over the past month.
CSHP in the News
CSHP CPO Rita Dhami recently spoke with the CBC, emphasizing the importance of safe medication practices across healthcare systems stating, “We want to ensure that hospitals don't become a source of harm for the larger opioid crisis.”
Click
here to read the article or
here to watch the news coverage.
CSHP at the House of Commons
On December 2, CPO Rita Dhami addressed the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, bringing forward the healthcare-system pharmacy perspective on antimicrobial resistance. In her testimony, she encouraged the committee to strengthen AMR surveillance, sustain stewardship efforts, and ensure access to effective treatments.
To watch Rita's remarks, click
here (testimony begins at 11m00s).
Drug Shortages
Through participation at these drug shortage meetings, CSHP has provided healthcare-systems pharmacy's perspective on these acute drug shortages:
Calcitonin (Calcimar®)
Calcimar®, which was previously classified as a Tier 3 shortage in March has now been removed from Health Canada’s Tier 3 Drug Shortages list. Sanofi has released approximately 11.5 months of Canadian-authorized supply. During the shortage period, mitigation efforts included the temporary use of U.S.-authorized supply from Hikma Pharmaceuticals until the recent resupply by Sanofi.
Ropivacaine
Fresenius Kabi and Aspen Pharmacare are both reporting a shortage of Ropivacaine bags and ampoules. The current estimated resolution date for most presentations is mid-to-late December 2025. However, one product, Naropin 10mg/mL 10mL ampoule, is anticipated to remain in shortage until mid-February 2026. Ropivacaine, an anesthetic widely used in clinical practice, is currently facing a Tier 3 shortage due to its status as a preferred agent for certain indications based on its safety profile. Health Canada will continue to monitor the situation and is assessing options to secure foreign supply.
Vincristine
Health Canada has de-escalated its vincristine sulfate injection shortage from Tier 3. Teva reported full availability of all vial sizes (1mg/mL: 1mL, 2mL and 5mL vials) in late October, and inventory levels are now stable with no need for allocation.
Anagrelide
Health Canada has also de-escalated the anagrelide shortage from Tier 3 as Canadian supply is expected to meet demand. Additional foreign supply remains available to bridge any potential delays in resupply. This shortage was first escalated to Tier 3 in April due to a prolonged stockout of Anagrelide 0.5 mg capsules.
Digoxin immune Fab (Digifab®)
Digoxin immune fab’s (Digifab®) shortage was downgraded from its Tier 3 status by Health Canada. The powder solution for 40mg vials initially escalated in June due to a prolonged shortage; however, BTG International Inc. has resolved their shortage and does not expect any further issues. Current inventory is expected to cover demand until April 2026, with a resupply scheduled for March 2026. Based on historical demand, supply is expected to last until then, though lower forecasted demand may extend availability.
Hydroxocobalamin Powder (Cyanokit®)
After being put at Tier 3 status in December 2024 due to a prolonged shortage, Hydroxocobalamin powder for infusion (Cyanokit®) 5g vials has officially been de-escalated by Health Canada. Methapharm has stabilized their inventory and does not expect any shortages in the next 6 months. Current inventory is expected to last until March 2026, with a resupply expected in January, providing an additional 8 months of coverage based on current demand.
Insulin Regular Vials
A national working group—comprised of key stakeholders from CSHP, PTDSTT, Group Purchasing Organizations, Indigenous Services Canada, and provincial representatives—has been established to address the anticipated discontinuation of Eli Lilly’s Insulin Regular vials in Spring 2026. The group has begun meeting to identify potential gaps, develop guidance to mitigate risks associated with the supply interruption, and determine recommendations for clinically appropriate alternatives. Further updates will be provided as work progresses.
Sterile Light Mineral Oil
Omega Laboratories has extended the shortage of Sterile Light Mineral Oil 100% to have an estimated end date of January 23. Smith & Nephew have confirmed adequate supply of JELONET® and have reported no foreseeable issues. Health Canada has indicated that the situation is expected to remain manageable.
Strategic Collaborations
Adult Vaccine Alliance (AVA)
CSHP has officially joined the Adult Vaccine Alliance (AVA), a national coalition of healthcare, academic, industry, advocacy, and public-health organizations dedicated to advancing awareness, access, funding, and uptake of adult vaccines across Canada. This partnership complements the Society's existing work with Immunize Canada and further strengthens pharmacy’s role in adult immunization.
Consultations
CSHP has participated in the following consultations:
We are continuing to work on responses for the following consultations. Please contact [email protected] to provide your feedback.
To catch up on CSHP advocacy news, click here.
Have a question about Advocacy in Action or CSHP's advocacy and consultation work?
Reach out to our professional practice team!