Canada Revives Digital Health Data Sharing Bill

The federal government of Canada is reviving the 'Connected Care for Canadians Act' (Bill S-5), legislation aimed at enabling safe digital health information sharing across electronic systems. The bill, initially introduced in June 2024 but stalled, was re-tabled in the Senate. Canada===Health Canada emphasizes that the current health data system is fragmented, leading to compromised patient care and safety. If passed, the legislation will establish interoperability standards for electronic medical record companies, prohibit 'data blocking,' and ensure patient privacy. This initiative seeks to provide patients and providers with more comprehensive medical records, improve equitable access to care, and allow de-identified data to be used for research and AI advancements. Health Minister Marjorie Michel is a key proponent, collaborating with provincial and territorial counterparts. Organizations like the Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Institute for Health Information, Public Policy Forum, and Canadian Nurses Association have expressed support for the bill.