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Alanna Smith

@alannasmith.bsky.social
3.3K followers 182 following 120 posts

National health reporter with The Globe and Mail. Based in Calgary. Formerly with the Canadian Press, Calgary Herald. DM for Signal/Whatsapp or email alannasmith@globeandmail.com 🔗: www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/ala…

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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
University of British Columbia researchers say the unusual genetic mutations identified in Canada’s first human avian influenza case weakened the virus’ ability to bind to human cells, a critical first step in infection. @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Study challenges original theory about Canada’s first human case of bird flu
UBC researchers found avian flu doesn’t bind to cells like other similar viruses
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Plasma collection in Canada is a bloody mess that needs fixing. It’s time for Grifols, the private plasma collector, to get its act together or get out of Canada, by @picardonhealth.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti... via @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: Plasma collection in Canada is a bloody mess that needs fixing
The importance of plasma-derived medications can’t be overstated, but integrity of the system is even more crucial
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
More than a dozen emergency room nurses have resigned from a hospital in the Greater Toronto Area over the past two months, owing to unmanageable patient volumes and an unsafe work environment, according to a provincial union. #onpoli @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Fifteen ER nurses leave Ontario hospital citing overcrowding, safety issues, union says
Resignations at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital highlight a health care system under pressure across the country
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The number of older Ontarians living with opioid use disorder has more than doubled over the past decade, according to new research that highlights how the country is not currently equipped to support this growing population. @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Opioid addiction among older Ontarians more than doubled over past decade, study finds
Researchers warn the health care system is ill-equipped to meet the growing needs of an aging population struggling with addiction
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
How a woman’s kidney donation saved her sister – as part of a nationwide transplant chain. Kim Chow donated one of her organs through the Kidney Paired Donation Program setting off a chain reaction, by @alannasmith.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... via @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
How a woman’s kidney donation saved her sister – as part of a nationwide transplant chain
Kim Chow donated one of her organs through the Kidney Paired Donation Program
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Ottawa should invest in intensive housing for Canadians w/ severe cognitive impairment, a uniquely visible and costly subgroup in the homeless population that no current housing model is designed to serve, the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness argues. @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Ottawa urged to fund intensive housing for homeless Canadians with cognitive impairments
The proposed model would be secure or semi-secure units with 24-7 staff, including nurses and health care aides, similar to a dementia unit
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The Globe and Mail @theglobeandmail.com · 10/09/2026
theglobeandmail.com
First Nation plans to flout Alberta law that restricts gender-affirming care for transgender youth
Asserting treaty rights, Saddle Lake Cree Nation says it will establish safe haven for the treatment on reserved lands
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Anna Mehler Paperny @mehlerpaperny.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Freedom of information? We filed an FOI for refused FOIs to find out what Ontario's government doesn't want you to know. ijb.utoronto.ca/news/freedom...
ijb.utoronto.ca
Freedom of information? Here’s what Ontario’s government doesn’t want you to know - Investigative Journalism Bureau
We filed an FOI for refused FOIs. Here’s what we found.
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Leading cancer organizations, in an open letter, are calling on a national panel on preventative health to immediately review its guidance for prostate cancer, which has not been updated for more than a decade. @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Cancer organizations urge national panel to review outdated testing advice for prostate cancer
Signatories say current guideline is out of step with clinical practice, and must be updated to advance detection and prevention
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
After revolutionizing weight loss, GLP-1s show promise on another front: opioid addiction. Here's our in-depth look at what the research shows so far. @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
After revolutionizing weight loss, GLP-1s show promise on another front: opioid addiction
Researchers test whether drugs to reduce food cravings can help people with substance-use disorders, but urge a cautious approach
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Quebec no longer offering free flu shots to entire population, a year after it ended no cost COVID-19 vaccinations. Other provinces are maintaining universal flu shot coverage, by @tuthanhha.bsky.social @alannasmith.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... via @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Quebec will not administer free flu shots this fall
Quebec was the second province after Alberta to stop providing free COVID-19 vaccines to its population last year
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The Globe and Mail @theglobeandmail.com · 02/09/2026
theglobeandmail.com
Tumbler Ridge mass shooting survivors filing lawsuits against OpenAI
Lawsuits name CEO Sam Altman and accuse the company of having a double standard when it comes to safety
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
For our final piece in the Care Between the Lines summer series, I profiled a volunteer who provides comfort to patients without loved ones in their final moments. #cdnhealth
theglobeandmail.com
Volunteer program aims to comfort patients without loved ones in their final moments
No One Dies Alone pairs those who are nearing death and have no family or close friends available to sit with them with trained volunteers
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Emergency physicians in major cities across Canada say they can usually catch their breath during the summer months. But this year has been unlike any other. “This is the end state of what people have been warning everybody about for years." @theglobeandmail.com #cdnhealth
theglobeandmail.com
Emergency physicians say this summer’s patient levels are unprecedented
Health care system is no longer on the brink of collapse but caving in before our eyes, an ER doctor says
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The Globe and Mail @theglobeandmail.com · 19/08/2026
theglobeandmail.com
Where have all the Black cowboys gone?
The American rodeo scene makes space for Black participation that Canada still lacks, despite a long history in the Prairies
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The Globe and Mail @theglobeandmail.com · 19/08/2026
theglobeandmail.com
Grifols revises reports of serious injuries or death at its centres down to six from 25 since 2018
Few details have been released on the incidents, however Health Canada has accepted the new numbers
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Seth Klein @sethdklein.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Excellent piece by @andreawoo.bsky.social on the many costs of wildfire, particular to our health: www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
The metrics that reveal the human cost of a wildfire season
Calculations should include health effects and socioeconomic costs, researchers say
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Breaking: Private blood-plasma collector Grifols, which has for months faced intense scrutiny after the death of two donors, is temporarily pausing plasma collection at all of its donation centres across Canada. W/ @hannay.bsky.social #cdnhealth @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Grifols pauses plasma collection at Canada donation centres
Private blood-plasma collector has been under scrutiny for months after the deaths of two donors
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
The Manitoba government opened its first supervised drug-use site on Tuesday after a lengthy delay and community pushback, charting a path opposite to other Canadian provinces. @theglobeandmail.com #cdnhealth
theglobeandmail.com
Manitoba opens first supervised drug-use site in Winnipeg after prolonged delay
Province partnered with Indigenous health non-profit to establish the facility, which faced community pushback and political opposition
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Homelessness is growing the fastest in Canadian communities where rental prices have spiked and vacancy rates have tightened for low-cost rental units, according to a first-of-its-kind national analysis. @theglobeandmail.com #cdnhealth www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Rising cost of low-end rental units driving increase in homelessness, report shows
Findings challenge assumption that other factors, such as mental health or substance use, are the reason rates have surged in Canada
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
A brave face: Alberta volunteer's painted radiotherapy masks bring comfort to pediatric cancer patients and their families. @theglobeandmail.com #yeg #abhealth
theglobeandmail.com
The volunteer turning children’s radiation masks into works of art
By transforming the rigid thermoplastic shells into animated masks, Marilyn Kimura’s designs are bringing comfort to what can otherwise be a scary experience
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Less invasive heart bypass technique developed by Canadian cardiac surgeon Dr. Marc Ruel shows promising results, study finds, by @alannasmith.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... via @theglobeandmail.com @heartinstitute.bsky.social
theglobeandmail.com
Less invasive heart bypass technique developed by Canadian shows promising results, study finds
Ottawa surgeon led research across six countries that shows there is an alternative to the traditional method used for decades
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Here's the latest in our series, Care Between the Lines, highlighting health care volunteers who fill gaps in the system. Driven to help: A non-profit in southern Saskatchewan helps bridge vast distances for patients seeking medical care. @theglobeandmail.com #cdnhealth
theglobeandmail.com
In Saskatchewan, volunteer drivers go the distance to bridge rural health care’s transportation gap
A non-profit helps patients get to medical appointments that would otherwise be out of reach
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
One in 10 patients spent more than 14 hours waiting for care in Canadian ERs, and those requiring admission to hospital sometimes waited more than three times longer, according to new research. @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Emergency room wait times continue to climb as more medically complex patients seek care
Lack of primary and long-term care is driving more patients to overcrowded hospitals, report says
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
How Bad Could the Ebola Outbreak Get? Here Are 5 Key Factors. Contact tracing is improving. Treatments may be months away. Here’s what could determine whether a fast-expanding outbreak can be slowed down. www.nytimes.com/interactive/... via @nytimes.com @stephanienolen.bsky.social
nytimes.com
How Bad Could the Ebola Outbreak Get? Latest on Testing, Tracing and Vaccines
Contact tracing is improving. Treatments may be months away. Here’s what could determine whether a fast-expanding outbreak can be slowed down.
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Moncton has seen a sustained surge in suspected overdoses in the past few weeks, with officials warning that the drug supply is tainted with a notorious veterinary tranquilizer. w/ Lindsay Jones @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Surge in suspected Moncton overdoses caused by drugs tainted with veterinary tranquilizer, officials say
Fire department deployed new rapid-response vehicle with extra firefighters to attend more overdose calls than usual
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
“We poisoned our community to make cases,” DEA Special Agent David Howell told AP in a series of interviews in New Mexico. “Through our own willful blindness, we get to say, ‘We don’t really know what happened to the drugs.’ But we 100% got people killed.” @apnews.com
apnews.com
Staggering amounts of fentanyl hit streets as the DEA watched and took no action, records show
According to current and former DEA agents and records reviewed by The Associated Press, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to hit the streets of ...
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Access to free naloxone in B.C. preventing 4 out of 5 potentially fatal overdoses, BCCDC report finds. However, 12,356 lives were lost to the toxic drug crisis in B.C. from 2019 to 2024, by @thatemfagan.bsky.social www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... via @cbcnews.ca @bccdc.bsky.social
cbc.ca
Access to free naloxone in B.C. preventing 4 out of 5 potentially fatal overdoses, report finds | CBC News
Thousands of people have died due to the toxic drug crisis in the decade since B.C. declared it a public health emergency. But a new study shows that many more could have died if not for the province'...
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The faces of MAID: A decade after medical assistance in dying became legal in Canada, family and friends of people who chose to die tell the stories of their loved ones, by @kkirkup.bsky.social @mikehager.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... via @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
The faces of MAID
A decade after medical assistance in dying became legal in Canada, family and friends of people who chose to die tell the stories of their loved ones
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
An Alberta judge has dismissed an injunction application to halt the closing of supervised drug-use sites in Calgary and Lethbridge, effectively clearing the path for the province to shutter the life-saving services at the end of this month. #ableg #yyc
theglobeandmail.com
Alberta judge dismisses bid to halt closure of supervised drug-use sites
Justice Jason Wilkins’ dismissal of injunction application effectively clears path for provincial government to shutter sites in Calgary and Lethbridge
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Carrie Tait @carrietait.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
SCOOP: Alberta Health Services received a court order to hand over documents to law enforcement, according to an exec at the agency: www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... w @tomcardoso.bsky.social
theglobeandmail.com
Alberta Health Services ordered to hand over documents to authorities, senior executive confirms
The health agency received a production order, indicating law enforcement is directly probing an arm of Premier Danielle Smith’s government
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Ebola one month on: will the latest outbreak in DRC become the most deadly yet? With more than 670 confirmed cases and over 135 deaths, the disease has yet to be contained amid funding shortfalls, fear and disinformation, by @katlay.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j... @theguardian.com
theguardian.com
Ebola one month on: will the latest outbreak in DRC become the most deadly yet?
With more than 670 confirmed cases and over 135 deaths, the disease has yet to be contained amid funding shortfalls, fear and disinformation
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Andrea Woo @andreawoo.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
The Yukon resident who tested positive for hantavirus after MV Hondius cruise has recovered and was discharged from hospital late last week, B.C. health officials say. Three others still in 42-day quarantine not showing any symptoms www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Canadian who tested positive for hantavirus has recovered, B.C. health officials say
Three other Canadians who have been isolating since last month are being monitored in their 42-day quarantine and are not showing any symptoms
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
CTE ruins lives but can’t be confirmed until you’re dead. Canadian scientists are trying to change that. Researchers aim to be first team to diagnose CTE while people are alive to 'stop the disease and reverse it,' by @laurenpelley.bsky.social www.cbc.ca/news/health/... via @cbcnews.ca
cbc.ca
Rage, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts. Could he have CTE? Inside the race to find a diagnosis | CBC News
Former soldier Brendan Hynes thinks he has CTE, but the devastating brain disease can’t be confirmed until after someone’s dead. Could cutting-edge Canadian research be the solution?
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Brett McKay @brettmckay.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
NEW: Some of the largest funders of Sask. political parties are companies with no public profile. I went through corporate registries in three provinces to find out who was behind them, and found 5/6 of the top donations to the Sask. Part last year trace back to one influential family. zurl.co/23RQH
zurl.co
Web of companies masks identity of big political donors in Saskatchewan
Hundred of thousands of dollars pass through cryptically named corporate accounts to Sask. political parties
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Inside a downtown Toronto hospital is a six-room, highly specialized unit that can treat patients with rare and dangerous infectious diseases, such as Ebola. It is one of the only units of its kind in Canada. Here's a look inside: www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Inside the Toronto hospital unit responsible for treating rare infectious diseases
Toronto Western Hospital’s special pathogen unit is one of only a few in Canada
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Ontario girl with Rett Syndrome denied access to promising gene therapy trial, parents say. #cdnhealth @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Ontario girl with Rett Syndrome denied access to promising gene therapy trial, parents say
Parents say the four-year-old was initially selected before eligibility rules changed and later a special access request was cancelled without explanation
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Canada introduces enhanced border-screening measures as Ebola spreads. Travellers face additional questions upon arrival, including whether they have visited affected regions, by @kkirkup.bsky.social @alannasmith.bsky.social Smith www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... via @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Canada introduces enhanced border-screening measures as Ebola outbreak spreads
Travellers face additional questions upon arrival, including whether they have visited affected regions
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Alberta is investigating after a man died while waiting six hours for care in an Edmonton emergency department, reigniting calls for the government to address severe overcrowding in hospitals. #ableg @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Alberta investigating death of man who waited six hours in Edmonton ER
Patient was brought to Royal Alexandra Hospital by ambulance on May 8 evening, medical association says
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Many people across Canada are learning about hantavirus for the first time because of an outbreak aboard a cruise ship that has killed three. But hantavirus is not a new disease. Here’s our Q&A with Lynora Saxinger, an Alberta infectious-diseases specialist, on why Canadians shouldn’t be worried:
theglobeandmail.com
Canadians should not be worried about hantavirus, epidemiologist says
There have been roughly 150 hantavirus cases confirmed in Canada in recent decades, mostly linked to deer mice
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Jason Markusoff @markusoff.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
HUGE: Alberta judge quashes the separatists' referendum petition, in major victory for Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Blackfoot confederation. Justice Shaina Leonard: "the Crown failed to meet its duty to consult"
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Ottawa needs to stop saying it’s not ready for the expansion of MAID, and actually get ready. Patients with irremediable mental illness should be allowed to die with dignity, but guardrails are needed, by @picardonhealth.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti... via @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: Ottawa needs to stop saying it’s not ready for the expansion of MAID, and actually get ready
Canadians and doctors and ready to allow people who suffer from mental illness dignity in death. Politicians need to follow
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Joined @theglobeandmail.com's Decibel team to chat about why drug deaths are rising in Edmonton but falling elsewhere. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts.
podcasts.apple.com
Why are drug deaths rising in Edmonton, but falling elsewhere?
Podcast Episode · The Decibel · May 11 · 26m
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Andrea Woo @andreawoo.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
PHO Henry: Four Canadians who were on hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius cruise ship arrived in Victoria last night, now isolating in Island Health region for min 21 days. No symptoms. They are: Couple in 70s from Yukon; one in 70s from Vancouver Island; one in 50s from BC, currently living abroad
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Six months after Canada was stripped of its #measles elimination status, public health officials are still struggling to get the outbreak under control, particularly as cases surge in Manitoba. @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Six months after loss of measles elimination status, Canada nowhere close to stamping out the virus
A surge of cases in Manitoba this year caught public health officials by surprise
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Why are drug overdose deaths rising in Edmonton, even as they fall across Canada? Dangerous opioids, declines in support services make Alberta’s capital an outlier, by @alannasmith.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... via @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
Why are drug overdose deaths rising in Edmonton, even as they fall across Canada?
Dangerous opioids, declines in support services and other factors each play a part in making Alberta’s capital an outlier
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Outlier on the Prairies: Why are drug poisoning deaths rising in Edmonton, even as they fall across the province and the country? @theglobeandmail.com #ableg
theglobeandmail.com
Why are drug overdose deaths rising in Edmonton, even as they fall across Canada?
Dangerous opioids, declines in support services and other factors each play a part in making Alberta’s capital an outlier
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Andrea Woo @andreawoo.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
FIFA’s annual congress unfolded Thursday against a backdrop of geopolitical tension, including a heated moment involving Palestinian and Israeli soccer officials and the conspicuous absence of the Iranian delegation www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/e0c398c...
theglobeandmail.com
FIFA congress in Vancouver reflects global tensions, with Iranians absent
Palestinian soccer federation president refused to shake hands with Israeli counterpart
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André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
13 kids under 5 died with toxic, illegal drugs in their system since 2019, Saskatchewan child advocate says. New report examines 'pattern' of drug exposure deaths among youth, by Jeremy Warren www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... via @cbcnews.ca #ToxicDrugCrisis
cbc.ca
13 kids under 5 died with toxic, illegal drugs in their system since 2019, Sask. child advocate says | CBC News
The sudden increase in drug exposure cases among children is "deeply troubling," says Saskatchewan's advocate for children and youth Lisa Broda.
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Alanna Smith @alannasmith.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Thrilled and honoured to be part of @theglobeandmail.com team nominated for a Michener Award for our reporting into Alberta’s health procurement controversy. With pals @carrietait.bsky.social @tomcardoso.bsky.social @markmackinnon.bsky.social @hoserlibrarian.bsky.social
theglobeandmail.com
Globe and Mail nominated for Michener Award for reporting on Alberta health procurement controversy
Award recognizes journalism that results in policy changes and has a significant impact on public life
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