From hearing aids to pacemakers, tariffs may drive up medical device costs – National [Video]

Whether pacemakers, insulin pumps or artificial hip joints, Canadians may face a spike in health costs if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada, set to take effect Saturday.

With the looming tariff, Medtech Canada, a national association representing 120 medical technology companies, warned the cost of health technologies could rise significantly — in both countries — if tariffs are implemented.

“Medtech Canada has been advocating on behalf of the medical technology industry on this important matter, and our members are planning for and taking this tariff threat very seriously,” said Gerry Frenette, vice president of Medtech Canada.

“We’re working with our partners in government and other key stakeholders to help ensure that patients and clinicians have continued access to all the necessary medical technologies they need,” he told Global News in a Friday email.

Medical equipment has typically been exempt from tariffs between Canada and …