Author: Lorian Hardcastle Page 3 of 5

J.D. (Dalhousie), LL.M. and S.J.D. (Toronto). Assistant Professor. Please click here for more information.

Matter Commented On: COVID-19 in Alberta and Canada

Introduction

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that affect humans and animals and, in some circumstances, can pass between species. Coronaviruses cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to SARS. A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. There have been over 1,250,000 cases worldwide, over 68,000 of which have been fatal. Actual infection rates are likely much higher, given the limited number of tests conducted in many jurisdictions, the backlog in receiving test results, and the prevalence of false negative tests. As of April 5, there have been 1181 cases in Alberta, including 20 fatalities.

Recent Health System Reforms: Sustainability Measures or a Push to Privatization?

By Lorian Hardcastle

On March 10, 2020

In Health Law

By: Lorian Hardcastle

PDF Version: Recent Health System Reforms: Sustainability Measures or a Push to Privatization?

Matter Commented On: Recent health policy changes in Alberta

Health care costs are undoubtedly a pressing policy issue, with Alberta spending an estimated $7658 per person in 2019. Since the election, the UCP has taken various steps to aggressively contain health spending. While reducing the deficit is a laudable goal, recent changes may save little money and could worsen the health of Albertans and undermine the public health care system.

Canadian Women Still Struggling with Access to Reproductive Care

By Lorian Hardcastle

On December 9, 2019

In Health Law

By: Lorian Hardcastle

PDF Version: Canadian Women Still Struggling with Access to Reproductive Care

Matter Commented On: Federal and provincial barriers to medical abortion

Fifty years after Henry Morgentaler disregarded restrictive federal laws that limited access to abortion and opened his first clinic in Montreal, the health care system continues to fail women by not providing them with evidence-based reproductive care. This post will explore the barriers women face in accessing abortion services at the federal and provincial levels.

Will Alberta’s Lawsuit Against Opioid Manufacturers Improve Public Health?

By Lorian Hardcastle

On October 24, 2019

In Health Law, Torts

By: Lorian Hardcastle

PDF Version: Will Alberta’s Lawsuit Against Opioid Manufacturers Improve Public Health?

Matter Commented On: Litigation Against Opioid Manufacturers

Opioid-related deaths and injuries are a critical public health issue, with one Canadian dying every two hours due to opioids. Individuals who become addicted to prescribed opioids may progress to buying legal products on the black market or taking illegal substances like heroin. Heroin is increasingly laced with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, which can be lethal even in small doses. In 2018, 73% of accidental opioid-related deaths in Canada involved synthetic opioids.

Canadian Cannabis Regulation Part II: Edibles, Extracts, and Topicals

By Lorian Hardcastle

On October 22, 2019

In Cannabis, Health Law

By: Lorian Hardcastle

PDF Version: Canadian Cannabis Regulation Part II: Edibles, Extracts, and Topicals

Legislation Commented On: Cannabis Regulations, SOR/2018-144

In October 2018, the federal government legalized the sale and possession of recreational dried cannabis, cannabis oil, and fresh cannabis, plants, and seeds. Effective October 17, 2019, these legal changes were extended to four additional categories of products: edible cannabis (including food and beverages), cannabis extracts for ingestion (typically in capsule form), cannabis extracts for inhalation, and topical cannabis (products for external use on skin, hair, and nails).

Author: Lorian Hardcastle Page 3 of 5

The Effects of COVID-19 on the Health System: Legal and Ethical Tensions Part I

Recent Health System Reforms: Sustainability Measures or a Push to Privatization?

Canadian Women Still Struggling with Access to Reproductive Care

Will Alberta’s Lawsuit Against Opioid Manufacturers Improve Public Health?

Canadian Cannabis Regulation Part II: Edibles, Extracts, and Topicals