Canada: Connected Care for Canadians Act on interoperability of health information technology, including interoperability requirements was introduced to Senate

On 4 February 2026, the Connected Care for Canadians Act on interoperability of health information technology was introduced to the Senate. The Bill applies to health information technology vendors that license, sell, or supply hardware, software, or related services used to create, access, or exchange electronic health information. It requires vendors to ensure that their systems are interoperable, enabling users to easily, completely, and securely access, use, and exchange electronic health information with other systems, subject to federal, provincial, or territorial privacy laws. The Governor in Council may set binding technical standards, define prohibited practices, establish verification and complaint procedures, and introduce administrative monetary penalties for non-compliance. The Minister of Health may be authorised to verify compliance and request relevant information or documents. The Act will apply in a province or territory only if the federal government determines that local requirements are not substantially similar or stronger.