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Background: Understanding the complex interaction of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing common diseases is challenging. The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project (CPTP) is a prospective cohort study created as a population-health research platform for assessing the effect of genetics, behaviour, family health history and environment (among other factors) on chronic diseases.Methods: Volunteer participants were recruited from the general Canadian population for a confederation of 5 regional cohorts. Participants were enrolled in the study and core information obtained using 2 approaches: attendance at a study assessment centre for all study measures (questionnaire, venous blood sample and physical measurements) or completion of the core questionnaire (online or paper), with later collection of other study measures where possible. Physical measurements included height, weight, percentage body fat and blood pressure. Participants consented to passive follow-up through linkage with administrative health databases and active follow-up through recontact. All participant data across the 5 regional cohorts were harmonized.Results: A total of 307 017 participants aged 30-74 from 8 provinces were recruited. More than half provided a venous blood sample and/or other biological sample, and 33% completed physical measurements. A total of 709 harmonized variables were created; almost 25% are available for all participants and 60% for at least 220 000 participants.Interpretation: Primary recruitment for the CPTP is complete, and data and biosamples are available to Canadian and international researchers through a data-access process. The CPTP will support research into how modifiable risk factors, genetics and the environment interact to affect the development of cancer and other chronic diseases, ultimately contributing evidence to reduce the global burden of chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a discussion paper released by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board which asks Canadians, physicians, and pharmaceutical companies to review the drug-pricing system in Canada, with the aim of modernizing and simplifying the regulatory framework on patented drug pricing. It highlights statistics which compare the cost of medicines in the country with others. The discussion paper is said to be a part of a consultation process designed to focus drug-pricing problems.

The article stresses the importance of social determinants, such as income, on health outcomes and the role of physicians in addressing them. Topics discussed include the policy papers of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) on the role of physicians in addressing the social determinants and health equity and a series of public town meetings across Canada on what makes people sick hosted by the CMA.

This section offers news briefs relating to the health industry in Canada as of March 20, 2015. A research paper published in the "Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ)" reveals that a national pharmacare plan can reduce spending on prescription drugs in Canada. A report from Fraser Institute reveals that more than 52,000 Canadians received non-emergency medical care outside Canada in 2014. Decentralized health care system will again be used in Alberta, Canada.

The article discusses the sanctions of scientists to speak freely abut their works by the Liberal government of Canada. It notes the 2013 survey of trade union Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) which reported the highest rates of interference by management with manuscripts and conference presentations among members of government department Health Canada. It also notes the call of PIPSC and Evidence for Democracy for a legacy of draconian communication policies.