CTS Press Release: CMA Apology to Indigenous Peoples

On September 18, 2024, in a public ceremony in Victoria, BC on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ speaking people of Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) issued a formal apology to Indigenous Peoples. The apology acknowledges the role of the CMA in the historical and ongoing harm caused to Indigenous Peoples within Canada’s healthcare system. It calls out the racism and discrimination faced by Indigenous patients and healthcare providers as deplorable. It outlines how the CMA fell short of ethical norms and standards of the medical profession. This apology also accepts responsibility for the CMA’s actions and inactions, including a commitment to work in partnership and reciprocity with Indigenous Peoples moving forward to advance reconciliation in health care. 

Read Full Statement »

Glassia Implementation FAQ

Access to Augmentation Therapy for Alpha-1 Patients

March 1, 2024 marks a significant milestone for alpha-1 patients in Canada with the availability of Glassia, an alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (A1-PI), through Canadian Blood Services. This new access will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for many individuals who previously had limited treatment options. For those interested in determining if a patient meets the prescribing criteria and the steps to prescribe treatment, it is essential to consult the attached information. It contains the necessary details and steps required for healthcare providers (HCPs). Respirologists will need to complete the Request for Patient Designated PPRP form for Canadian Blood Services (https://www.blood.ca/sites/default/files/F800135_Rev_1.pdf), and the Glassia Enrolment and Consent Form (last page of FAQ attachment). Furthermore, HCPs in Alberta will be required to complete a Bayshore Enrolment form, which will provide home delivery for Alberta alpha-1 patients, starting March 18, 2024. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the prescribing process will enable healthcare providers to effectively identify and assist eligible patients in accessing this important therapy. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact Takeda’s Patient Support Program (OnePath) at 1-844-691-7284 or Alpha-1 Canada at 1-888-669-4583 ext. 101.

Glassia Implementation Process »

Glassia Implementation FAQ
Statement

Simple Steps to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viral Illnesses this Season

The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) and the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada are jointly calling upon all eligible individuals to take proactive steps to safeguard their health this fall and winter. This includes receiving their annual influenza (commonly known as the flu) vaccine and ensuring they are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, we encourage individuals to speak with their healthcare provider about the benefits of both the conjugate pneumococcal vaccine and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine that are available in Canada. As well, we recommend everyone embrace simple daily practices to mitigate the transmission of respiratory viral illnesses during this upcoming season. Read more here.

Statement
Statement

European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Lung Foundation (ELF)'s Joint Statement on the Tight Links Between Climate and Health

The European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Lung Foundation (ELF) have produced a joint statement on the tight links between climate and health, to be sent to governments attending COP28 on 30 Nov–12 Dec. It has also been signed and endorsed by more than 60 other medical, public health and scientific societies, patient representative organizations and experts.

Statement

The Canadian Thoracic Society's Position Statement on Climate Change and Choice of Inhalers for Patients with Respiratory Disease

The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) has developed a position statement on Climate Change and the Choice of Inhalers for Patients with Respiratory Disease. As the national inter-professional society on respiratory diseases, and in recognition of our role in addressing the lung health impacts of climate change, the CTS believes that it is important for our organization to provide a summary of its position in this fast-evolving area. Read more.

CTS announces publication of the 2023 Guideline on Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Stable COPD


The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) is pleased to announce the online publication of the CTS Guideline on Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This Guideline has now been published in the Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and co-published in the CHEST Journal. Read more.

Statement

Joint statement on preventing the spread of respiratory viral illnesses

The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) and the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada urge all eligible individuals to receive their annual influenza (i.e., the flu) vaccine and to get up to date with their SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., COVID-19) vaccine, in addition to taking simple daily actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viral illnesses this winter season. Read more.

Statement
Read more

CTS written submission for the 2023 Federal Budget

Read more

CTS announces publication of the Canadian Tuberculosis Standards - 8th Edition


In conjunction with World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2022, CTS is pleased to announce the online publication of the 8th edition of the Canadian Tuberculosis Standards. This revised edition was produced in collaboration with the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada) and is available in an online supplement of the CTS journal. Highlights from the revised Standards are available here along with a list of all of the Contributors to the production of this new edition.

STATEMENT

CTS and CSRT encouraged by PHAC's recognition of aerosol transmission

The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) and Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) have released a joint statement in response to the November 12th statement from Dr. Theresa Tam, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, acknowledging COVID-19 transmission through aerosols.

STATEMENT

Acquisition of Vectura Group by Philip Morris International - CTS Statement

STATEMENT
STATEMENT
STATEMENT

REVISED: CTS Information and Guidance for Respiratory Health Care Professionals on COVID-19 Vaccination

This Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) document aims to provide guidance and relevant information for respiratory health care professionals on COVID-19 vaccination in Canada.

STATEMENT
STATEMENT

Philips Respironics Device Recall

Position Statement from the Canadian Thoracic Society, Canadian Sleep Society and the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists - Rapid guidance to physicians and medical device distributors with regard to the recent recall notice.

July 27, 2021 – Letter to the Minister of Health – A call to action to urgently deal with potential shortages of devices to ensure Canada has an adequate inventory available.  Read more.

STATEMENT
Read more

CTS written submission for the 2022 Federal Budget

Read more

Joint statement on the prioritization of Canadians with lung disease in COVID-19 vaccination rollout

STATEMENT
STATEMENT
STATEMENT

E-cigarettes in Canada - A Joint Position Statement

The Canadian Lung Association and the Canadian Thoracic Society are concerned about the safety of electronic cigarettes and we believe that urgent measures are needed to 1) ensure that strong regulations and safety standards are in place; and 2) prevent the establishment of a new generation of tobacco and nicotine users. Most importantly, we want to ensure that we do not risk the current and future lung health and overall health of Canadians. To this end, we have developed joint evidence-based recommendations directed to all levels of government and to the Canadian public.
STATEMENT