The federal government has announced a series of measures designed to accelerate access to safe and effective medicines and medical devices for Canadians without compromising regulatory oversight.

According to Health Canada, the reforms introduce a Ministerial Reliance Order, allowing regulators to make greater use of trusted international assessments when reviewing certain medicines. The goal is to reduce unnecessary duplication while maintaining Canada's high standards for safety, effectiveness and quality.

Health Canada also reported that it authorized 537 new drugs and medical devices during the last quarter, including three generic versions of semaglutide, making Canada the first G7 country to approve generic versions of the medicine. The approvals are expected to improve treatment options for patients managing chronic health conditions.

Federal officials say the updated regulatory framework will help innovative therapies reach Canadian patients sooner, strengthen the country's life sciences sector and improve access to essential healthcare products across hospitals, pharmacies and clinics.

Healthcare organizations have welcomed the changes, noting that more efficient regulatory pathways can support earlier access to critical treatments while preserving public confidence in Canada's evidence-based approval system.

The initiative forms part of Canada's broader strategy to modernize healthcare regulation, encourage pharmaceutical innovation and ensure Canadians continue to benefit from timely access to high-quality medical treatments.