Another Crisis: What Would be the Impact of US Tariffs on Canada’s Healthcare Sector?

The current trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada and other countries would have real consequences for our healthcare systems which are still not fully recovered from the impact of the COVID pandemic. A resurrected policy issue, tariffs are now at the centre of economic and political discourse, raising urgent questions for all health care organizations, leaders, and governments. The proposed US-tariffs and economic policies would threaten all supply chains, including healthcare’s, and with that the cost of essential medical supplies, devices, and equipment would certainly rise, straining government and hospital budgets. Such disruptions in our intertwined supply chains would lead to shortages and increased costs… and both would threaten our health workforce and its capacity to deliver timely, accessible, and quality patient care.

Could we see shortages of critical medical resources? How will rising costs affect healthcare organizations? And what can leaders do to navigate this uncertainty?

In this episode of The HQ podcast, we explore the risks and realities of U.S. tariffs on Canada’s healthcare sector. To unpack these pressing questions, we are joined by two leaders with firsthand expertise. Kendra Frey, Vice President of Strategic Sourcing & Innovative Solutions at HealthPRO Canada, oversees procurement for over 2,000 healthcare facilities nationwide. Nicole DeKort, President & CEO of Medtech Canada, represents Canada’s medical technology companies and has worked at the intersection of healthcare policy and industry for years. Together, they provide insight into the economic, logistical, and policy-driven aspects of this complex issue—and what tariffs could mean for the future of healthcare in Canada.

With tariffs threatening to disrupt healthcare supply chains and drive-up costs, healthcare leaders need to be prepared for the challenges ahead. How can the system adapt? What strategies can organizations use to navigate uncertainty? Tune in to this episode of The HQ podcast for expert insights and practical takeaways on what these trade policies mean for the future of healthcare in Canada.

 

Key Discussions:

Understanding Tariffs & Their Risks

• What exactly are tariffs, and how do they function in global trade?
• How do the proposed U.S. tariffs threaten the stability of healthcare supply chains in Canada?

The Threat to Healthcare Providers & Patients

• Could these tariffs lead to shortages of critical medical supplies and devices?
• What are the potential consequences for healthcare workers and patient care?

Lessons from the Pandemic & Proactive Strategies

• What lessons did Canada’s healthcare system learn from previous supply chain disruptions, like COVID-19?
• How can procurement leaders and policymakers mitigate risks and build supply chain resilience?

Domestic Innovation vs. Economic Strain

• Could tariffs drive new opportunities for domestic production, or will they simply create additional strain on existing resources?
• How do international trade agreements factor into Canada’s ability to navigate these economic pressures?

Actionable Takeaways for Healthcare Leaders

• What immediate steps can healthcare organizations take to prepare for potential tariff impacts?
• How can organizations balance cost-efficiency with supply chain resilience in an uncertain economic landscape?

 

About Our Guests: 

Kendra Frey

Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Innovative Solutions

HealthPRO Canada

As Vice President of Strategic Sourcing and Innovative Solutions at HealthPRO Canada, Kendra provides...