Connected Care for Canadians Act

Summary#

This bill, called the Connected Care for Canadians Act, sets national rules so health IT systems can work together. It also bans “data blocking” by companies that make or sell health software or services. The goal is to help patients and health workers get the right health information, safely and on time.

• Health IT vendors must make their products interoperable (able to share and use electronic health information with other systems).
• Vendors are banned from any practice that prevents or slows access to, use of, or exchange of electronic health information.
• Privacy rules still apply. Sharing is allowed only when it is not barred by federal, provincial, or territorial privacy laws.
• The federal government can set detailed standards, define banned practices, handle complaints, check compliance, and issue monetary penalties.
• The Act applies in a province or territory only if the federal government decides that local rules are not as strong, and then makes an order.
• It takes effect on a date set by the federal government through an order.

What it means for you#

• Patients
  • Easier, more complete access to your own digital health records.
  • Your records should move with you when you change clinics or move across regions, where the Act applies.
  • Faster, safer care when different providers can see the same up‑to‑date information.
• Health care providers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists)
  • Better ability to view patients’ information from other systems, reducing duplicate tests and manual work like faxing.
  • Fewer gaps in medication lists, allergies, and test results at the point of care.
  • Your current software may need updates from vendors to meet the new standards.
• Health IT vendors
  • You must ensure your products can exchange data with other systems and do not block or discourage access or exchange.
  • You may face compliance checks, a complaints process, and administrative monetary penalties if you do not comply.
  • You will need to meet technical standards set in future regulations.
• Provincial and territorial governments and health systems
  • The Act will apply only if local rules are not already similar or stronger and the federal government issues an order.
  • Coordination may be needed to align local policies and procurement with federal standards where the Act applies.
• Researchers and health system planners
  • If allowed by privacy laws, more consistent data exchange can support analysis and planning with de‑identified data.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Improves patient safety by giving clinicians timely, complete information.
• Helps patients make informed choices with easier access to their own records.
• Supports virtual care and care across regions, including rural and remote areas.
• Cuts waste from repeat tests and missing information, and can improve health outcomes.
• Curbs vendor practices that lock in data, encouraging competition and innovation.
• Sets common standards while still respecting existing privacy laws.

Opponents' View#

• Health care is mainly a provincial responsibility; federal intervention may be seen as overreach.
• Many key details are left to regulations, creating uncertainty for vendors and health providers until rules are set.
• Compliance could be costly and harder for small vendors, possibly reducing choice in the market.
• More connected systems can increase the impact of security breaches, even with privacy laws in place.
• If only some provinces are covered by federal orders, rules may be uneven across Canada, causing confusion.
• Use of administrative penalties and audits may add red tape and operational burden for vendors.