Ottawa – This Digital Health Week, we recognize the important role that digital health systems play in creating a secure and connected health care system. We are committed to ensuring that digital health data and tools, such as electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health apps, work together to securely connect patients, caregivers, and health care providers so Canadians can more easily access the best quality care.
Better access to data means Canadians can control their own health information. Health professionals across different health settings – offices, clinics or hospitals, for example – will be able to share information to provide patients with better care. Connected, accessible and secured access to data reduces medication errors, decreases readmission rates, increases accuracy of diagnosis, increases quality of care, and results in fewer deaths. While health information is critical to saving lives and improving health care for Canadians, still less than 40% of Canadians report accessing some of their health information electronically.
This is why we have committed close to $200 billion over 10 years under our Government’s Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians plan. This includes $25 billion in funding for four shared health priorities, including modernizing the health system with standardized health data and digital tools.
We are also collaborating with provincial and territorial governments to advance the Joint Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Action Plan on Health Data and Digital Health, which provides a path forward to improve the access, use, and secure exchange of health data. This work is guided by the Pan-Canadian Health Data Charter which outlines a commitment to a person-centred, ethical approach to health data, public engagement, equity, and Indigenous data sovereignty.
Additionally, the Connected Care for Canadians Act (Bill C-72) introduced in Parliament in June 2024, proposes to accelerate work under the Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap. By promoting common data standards for health IT systems, this legislation aims to drive connected care, enhance patient safety, and improve health outcomes for people in Canada.
Digital health technology advancements such as supporting the integration of virtual care into the health care system across the country will provide Canadians with new ways to access family health services and will make a real difference in rural and remote areas or for those who experience barriers to care. These technological advancements can also help in the collection of valuable health data, which can be analyzed to identify trends, predict disease outbreaks, and shape public health strategies.
Advancements in digital health play an important role in supporting mental health. Last year, our government launched the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. People seeking support have the option to reach out through text, allowing anyone in Canada to receive the help they need no matter where they live. Additional online mental health resources, including resources to help with substance use and overdose prevention, can be found at Canada.ca mental health page.
This Digital Health Week, our Government reaffirms its commitment to working with provinces and territories toward connected, patient-centered health care. Together, we are building a health system that ensures accessible, secure, and sustainable care to last for future generations. – Mark Holland, Ya’ara Saks