A coalition of Canadian doctors has released new guidelines aimed at improving access to medications that prevent HIV infection. The guidelines emphasize that healthcare providers should not restrict access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatments.

The updated clinical guidelines include 31 recommendations and 10 best practices for prescribing antiretroviral medications. Lead author Dr. Darrell Tan stated that a team of 19 physicians spent three years reviewing the latest research to develop these guidelines. The need for updated guidance arose from the expansion of available PrEP and PEP options since the last recommendations were issued in 2017.

The primary goal of these new recommendations is to combat the rising number of HIV infections in Canada. The country aims to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030. The guidelines encourage healthcare providers to promote awareness and accessibility of these preventive medications.

In other news, Nova Scotia's Natural Resources Minister Kim Masland has expressed her disinterest in allowing a prominent golf developer to construct a course in a provincial park in Cape Breton. However, she is open to discussing other potential projects on protected land. This statement has drawn criticism from the Opposition, who argue that her comments are contradictory. The Toronto-based company Cabot has made multiple attempts to build on West Mabou Beach.

Additionally, Nova Scotia liquor stores are set to resume selling American alcohol for a limited time. The province plans to sell its remaining stock of U.S. liquor and donate the estimated $4 million in proceeds to food-related charities. This decision follows earlier actions to remove American products from shelves due to tariff threats from the U.S. government. Premier Tim Houston noted that the province had already paid for the products and did not want them to go to waste.

As the holiday shopping season progresses, small business owners are observing whether Canadians will support local businesses. While studies indicate that many Canadians intend to buy from homegrown companies, some business owners report that shoppers are not following through. Lisa Pozin, owner of a Vancouver shop, noted that while customers appreciate domestic products, the importance of their origin seems to have diminished.

Lastly, a Montreal museum is showcasing the history of sex worker activism. The exhibit highlights the contributions of Maimie Pinzer, who established a community space for sex workers in 1915. Pinzer has been honored with a mural in the Mile End neighborhood and serves as an inspiration for the advocacy group Stella, l’amie de Maimie. The exhibit focuses on the activism of sex workers in defending their rights and addressing broader social issues, including the fight against AIDS and poverty.