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Wednesday, October 14, 2026English edition
The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Canada · Country watch

Ontario Drug Rule, TC Energy Deal, Alberta Vote

Ontario's medical regulator changes drug prescription rules; TC Energy sells pipeline stake; Alberta referendum voting begins.

The picture Mixed

Business conditions in Canada are mixed today. Ontario's new drug prescription rules and TC Energy's pipeline stake sale to First Nations are significant developments. Meanwhile, Alberta's referendum voting begins, potentially affecting the province's political and economic landscape.

In this briefing College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario · Alberta · Elections Alberta · TC Energy · Coastal GasLink

Regulation

  • pharma
  • public-sector

Ontario alters safer supply drug prescription rules

brown wooden framed glass door
Nikhil Mitra / Unsplash

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has approved changes to the prescribing of safer supply drugs, Global News reports. The board of directors is set to implement several modifications aimed at improving the practice. These changes are part of ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis in the province by providing safer alternatives to street drugs. The specifics of the changes have not been disclosed, but they are expected to impact how physicians prescribe these drugs.

Impact Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers in Ontario will need to adjust to the new prescribing rules for safer supply drugs.

Sources: Global News ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

  • public-sector

Alberta referendum advance voting begins amid high turnout

Advance voting for the Alberta referendum on separation has commenced, with polling stations experiencing significant crowds, reports the Edmonton Journal. Elections Alberta anticipates a turnout between 80% and 85%. The referendum is a pivotal event for the province, reflecting ongoing discussions about Alberta's future relationship with the rest of Canada. The outcome could have substantial implications for provincial governance and economic policies.

Impact Alberta's public-sector and political landscape face potential shifts as the province votes on separation.

Sources: Edmonton Journal ↗

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • energy
  • public-sector

TC Energy sells Coastal GasLink stake to First Nations

TC Energy has sold an economic stake in the Coastal GasLink pipeline to five First Nations, according to the Financial Post. This transaction is part of a broader effort to involve Indigenous communities in energy projects and is expected to close before the end of the year. A second deal involving additional First Nations is anticipated. The Coastal GasLink pipeline is a key infrastructure project, and this sale marks a significant step in fostering Indigenous participation in Canada's energy sector.

Impact Energy investors and Indigenous groups gain from TC Energy's sale of Coastal GasLink stake, enhancing community involvement in the project.

Watch The second deal involving additional First Nations is expected to close before the end of the year.

Sources: Financial Post ↗

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Canada

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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