October 27, 2026 CALGARY, AB: Canadian think tank SecondStreet.org released new poll results today that examine several preventative health care issues, including: the new federally required food packaging warning labels, access to personal health records and access to approved treatments from the U.S. and EU. “We spend billions each year in the health care system on treating diseases and health problems that could have been prevented through healthier living,” said SecondStreet.org President Colin Craig. “We asked Canadians about the new food warning labels the federal government requires if a product is high in saturated fat, sugars and sodium. It looks like most Canadians have seen them and half have purchased healthier products because of them.” The online poll was conducted for SecondStreet.org by national pollster Leger between October 16-18 among 1,510 participants. Highlights from the research include: 84% of Canadians have seen the new labels on packaged food products that warn if the product has a high level of saturated fat, sodium or sugars. (See sample below) 50% of those who have seen the new warning labels indicated the labels led them to purchase healthier products. Younger Canadians aged 18-24 were most likely (62%) to indicate the labels contributed to healthier choices compared with the 45-54 age bracket which were least likely (42%) to say yes. Just over half (54%) of Canadians indicated they have access to personal health information from the health system to make “good health decisions” while nearly one third (31%) indicated they do not. 69% believe Canadian patients with life-threatening medical conditions should be allowed to try medical treatments already approved in the US and EU without requiring additional approval by Health Canada (or an equivalent domestic regulator).  “Innovative pharmaceuticals and medical treatments can improve (and save) Canadians lives, while potentially even lowering hospital costs ” said Bacchus Barua, Research Director at SecondStreet.org. “While all medical treatments come with associated risks, and the insurance implications are unclear, the majority of Canadians clearly believe patients with life-threatening conditions should be allowed to at least try products deemed safe by our peers in the EU and the United…​Read More