Feds consider Manitoba's codeine restrictions

Health Canada is pondering whether to emulate Manitoba pharmacists’ move last year to restrict access to codeine products, though there is no proof the policy has helped or hindered the opioid crisis.

"We have to be careful when we make these sweeping policy changes, to think through the unintended, negative consequences," said Ian Culbert, executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association.

"These kinds of changes might seem intelligent from a bureaucrat’s desk in Ottawa, but when you’re hitting the ground… in downtown Winnipeg, the impact can be quite negative."