The Canadian government is bringing back a proposed law that aims to enable the secure sharing of digital health information across electronic platforms. This initiative is designed to grant patients and healthcare providers access to more complete medical records. The Connected Care for Canadians Act, initially introduced in June 2024 and subsequently stalled due to parliamentary prorogation, has now been reintroduced in the Senate for further legislative processes.
Health Canada has identified the existing health data system in the country as “fragmented and siloed,” with incomplete records potentially jeopardizing patient care and safety. The department highlighted the challenge of health data being stored in disparate systems within hospitals and medical practices that often lack interoperability.
If the bill is passed, it will set forth standards for companies developing electronic medical records, ensuring data can be shared among healthcare providers and across different regions in Canada. Health Minister Marjorie Michel emphasized the need to eliminate these data silos during the bill’s announcement in Ottawa.
Moreover, the proposed legislation will prohibit health information companies from imposing unnecessary restrictions on data access and sharing, while upholding patient privacy regulations. According to a Health Canada official, enhanced connectivity in healthcare will lead to safer, more integrated, and higher-quality care, reduce burdens on providers, and empower patients to manage their health effectively.
Despite 95% of physicians utilizing electronic systems, the department noted that fax and paper referrals are still common due to the lack of connectivity between digital systems used by providers. Efforts are already underway in some provinces and territories to develop compatible systems and enable patient access to their records.
Comprehensive digital health information is expected to enhance equitable access to coordinated care, particularly benefiting rural/remote regions, Indigenous communities, and underserved populations reliant on virtual care and medical travel. Additionally, harmonized systems will facilitate the use of de-identified data for research purposes, thereby enhancing the healthcare system, informing public health responses, and driving advancements in artificial intelligence.
The Canadian Press health coverage is supported in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association.