The government is bringing back proposed legislation to facilitate the secure sharing of digital health information across electronic platforms, granting patients and healthcare providers access to more comprehensive medical records.
Introduced in June 2024, the Connected Care for Canadians Act passed its initial reading but lapsed when Parliament was prorogued. The bill has now been tabled in the Senate and is set to undergo the legislative process for potential enactment.
According to Health Canada, the current health data system in the country is fragmented and compartmentalized, leading to incomplete health records that could jeopardize patient care and safety. Health data is currently stored in disparate systems within hospitals and medical practices, often incompatible with each other.
If approved, the legislation would establish standards for companies developing electronic medical records, enabling data sharing among healthcare providers and across various provinces and territories. Health Minister Marjorie Michel emphasized the need to eliminate these information silos during the bill announcement in Ottawa.
The proposed law would also prevent health information firms from imposing unnecessary restrictions on data access and sharing, while upholding patient privacy regulations. Health Canada officials anticipate that enhanced connectivity in healthcare will result in safer, more integrated, and higher-quality care, reduce burdens on providers, and empower patients in managing their health.
Despite 95% of physicians utilizing electronic systems, the department noted that fax and paper referrals are still prevalent due to the lack of interoperability between digital platforms. Some regions are already collaborating on voluntary initiatives to develop compatible systems that allow patients to access their records.
According to Health Canada, comprehensive digital health information will enhance access to coordinated care, particularly benefiting remote, Indigenous, and underserved communities reliant on virtual care and medical travel. Additionally, harmonized systems will enable de-identified data to support research, improve the healthcare system, guide public health responses, and drive advancements in artificial intelligence.
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