Health Canada carried out a seizure of low‑pressure hyperbaric chambers from Arthur Tétrault wellness centers across Quebec on June 20, 2026. The devices, which had not received certification for medical use, were removed after the agency issued a public advisory two days earlier warning about the presence of non‑approved hyperbaric equipment in certain wellness facilities.
The seized chambers are designed to operate at pressures lower than those used in conventional medical hyperbaric therapy. Because they lack the required approvals, Health Canada classified them as unsuitable for therapeutic purposes and a potential safety risk. The agency’s action follows its June 18 advisory that highlighted the growing use of such devices by wellness centers offering treatments that have not been validated by health regulators.
Arthur Tétrault wellness centers, which operate multiple locations throughout the province, were identified as providers of the unapproved chambers. The centres had advertised the equipment as part of their wellness services, prompting the federal regulator to intervene. The seizure was conducted in coordination with provincial authorities, and the chambers were taken into federal custody for further examination.
Health Canada emphasized that only hyperbaric chambers that meet established safety and efficacy standards may be used for medical treatment. The agency’s warning noted that unapproved devices could expose users to risks such as inadequate pressure control, insufficient oxygen monitoring, and other hazards associated with improperly regulated equipment.
The removal of the chambers underscores the regulator’s commitment to enforcing compliance with medical device regulations and protecting public health. The agency has not disclosed the exact number of chambers seized, but confirmed that the action applies to all Arthur Tétrault locations where the devices were found. Health Canada continues to monitor the situation and will issue further guidance if additional non‑compliant equipment is discovered.
The incident follows increased scrutiny of alternative wellness practices that employ medical‑grade technologies without proper authorization, reinforcing the importance of regulatory oversight in the sector.