Nearly half of Canadian hospitals failed to report serious adverse drug reactions despite mandatory reporting laws, raising concerns about the quality of data used by Health Canada to assess drug safety. The analysis revealed significant discrepancies in reporting, with some hospitals reporting no incidents and others reporting over 1,000. Experts suggest that inconsistent reporting may be due to a lack of clear guidelines and insufficient training. The article highlights the importance of accurate data for drug safety and the potential need for stricter enforcement of reporting requirements.

Health Canada has not consistently tracked the sex of patients in adverse medical device incidents despite a commitment to do so, with sex data missing in 95% of cases between February 2020 and July 2021. Experts argue that tracking sex is crucial for understanding device failures and their impact on different groups. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Health Products for Women is urging Health Canada to make sex data collection mandatory. The article highlights the broader issue of gender bias in medical research and device approval processes.

Anishinaabe and Dakota chiefs in Manitoba, represented by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, are calling for an inquiry into the federal government's review process for major infrastructure projects on First Nations. They argue that federal policies force them to work with sub-standard firms, leading to poor project outcomes and systemic neglect. The call follows an investigation by Global News and partners, which found that outdated federal policies hinder safe drinking water on reserves. Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller disputes these claims, stating that procurement processes aim for value for money. Chiefs emphasize the need for First Nations control over projects to ensure better outcomes.

The federal government's $1.7 billion investment in new infrastructure for First Nations communities has not adequately accounted for climate change, leading to vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure like water treatment plants. Experts argue that climate change considerations should be mandatory in project designs to ensure long-term resilience. While Infrastructure Canada has implemented such requirements for municipal and provincial projects, Indigenous Services Canada has not, citing respect for First Nations' autonomy. Critics, including NDP MP Charlie Angus, argue that this approach is a cost-saving measure that ultimately places First Nations at risk. The article highlights the need for policy changes to incorporate climate resilience in all infrastructure projects, regardless of size.

The parliamentary budget office estimates that compensating First Nations families and children affected by the child welfare system and delays in essential services could cost the federal government up to $15 billion. This figure includes thousands more children, parents, and grandparents eligible for $40,000 payments under recent developments. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ordered the government to compensate those denied services or faced delays. NDP MP Charlie Angus criticized the government's refusal to negotiate, which he claims has increased costs. The report underscores the significant financial and social implications of the tribunal's rulings and the government's response.

First Nations communities in Canada face significant challenges in accessing clean water due to outdated and restrictive government policies, systemic racism, and inadequate funding. Indigenous Services Canada has acknowledged some of these issues but has been slow to implement reforms. The federal government has been criticized for its low-bid policy, which often results in substandard infrastructure projects. Legal actions and ongoing investigations highlight the persistent problems and the need for systemic change. Initiatives like the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority aim to improve local control over water services, but substantial work remains to address the root causes of these issues.

The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation are expanding their water system to provide clean drinking water to residents affected by long-term water advisories. The community has faced water contamination issues since 2008, exacerbated by a regional drought in 2017. With $16.7 million in new funding from Indigenous Services Canada, the First Nation aims to complete the third phase of their water project, which includes constructing eight kilometers of water pipes. However, two advisories near Lake Ontario remain unresolved, requiring additional design and funding. Chief R. Donald Maracle emphasizes the need for both federal and provincial government support to ensure safe drinking water for all community members.

The article discusses the challenges faced by First Nations communities in Canada due to substandard work by contractors, specifically Kingdom Construction Limited (KCL), in water infrastructure projects. It highlights the systemic issues in federal procurement policies that force communities to choose the lowest bidders, often resulting in delays and cost overruns. Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller supports calls for independent investigations into these issues. The article includes multiple perspectives, including those of community leaders, experts, and KCL's president, Gerald Landry, who defends the company's work but faces criticism for culturally insensitive remarks and alleged poor performance.

An Ontario company, Kingdom Construction, will receive $1.9 million from federal funds to settle a legal claim after being asked to leave a First Nation reserve due to delays in a water treatment project. The Neskantaga Nation, under Canada's longest boil-water advisory, evacuated over water safety concerns. The settlement, nearly double the project's original cost, was confirmed by Indigenous Services Canada. The federal government will investigate the business practices of contractors involved in the project, with terms of reference being co-developed with the Neskantaga First Nation. Kingdom Construction's president expressed satisfaction with the settlement and a desire to move on, despite confusion over the contract termination.

The article discusses the initiative by Calcutta Metro to empower women by staffing Netaji Bhavan station entirely with female employees, from management to maintenance. This move aims to provide security to female passengers and encourage women's participation in the workforce, which has declined in India. The article highlights the broader context of women's safety in Indian public transportation, especially after the 2012 Delhi bus gang rape. It also covers other women-centric transportation services like She Taxi, a cab service for women driven by women, which faces challenges due to competition from companies like Uber and Ola Cabs. The article underscores the need for more comprehensive measures to ensure women's safety and the hope that with education, gender-segregated transportation will no longer be necessary.

The article from The Globe and Mail investigates the underreporting and tracking of sexual violence on Canada's public transit systems. Through Freedom of Information requests, the newspaper found that nearly 4,000 incidents of sexual assault or harassment were recorded on the country's 22 largest transit systems between 2013 and 2017, with the majority of victims being women. However, these numbers are likely lower than the actual occurrences due to various reasons, such as incidents at bus stops not being counted, misclassification of incidents, and lack of proper reporting mechanisms. The article highlights individual cases where victims' reports were not included in official statistics and discusses the need for better data collection and safety measures. Transit authorities in some cities, like Calgary, are working to improve their data-collection methods as a result of the findings. The article also points out that most transit systems only track criminal acts, leaving out non-criminal forms of sexual harassment, and that some transit workers have discouraged passengers from filing complaints.