May 28, 2021
(Ottawa/York Region) Today, Dr. Helena Jaczek, the Member of Parliament for Markham-Stouffville, introduced legislation entitled C-303: An Act to Establish a National Strategy for Health Data Collection.
If passed, this bill would enable the Minister of Health to develop a national strategy, in consultation with representatives of provincial and territorial governments and of Indigenous governing bodies, as well as with health researchers and public health experts, for the collection of health data to ensure that data is available in a consistent manner across Canada for research and policy development.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for coordinated national health practices to protect Canadians and their health. Throughout the pandemic- sharing of best practices, research, and data have played a fundamental part in shaping health policy. The purpose of Bill C-303 is to create data collection infrastructure that would expand these efforts to share information with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes for Canadians.
While the pandemic has highlighted the need for this type of health data sharing and collection, this is not just a COVID-19 issue. This legislation would provide comprehensive data collection to increase our capacity to address health care challenges, including common diseases and conditions that affect Canadians across the country.
There have been ongoing calls from medical experts and stakeholders for the need for a Pan-Canadian health data framework. The federal government could play a critical role in compiling data that would provide decisionmakers at all levels with a better understanding of the health challenges facing Canadians. A national public health database would provide a clearer picture of Canada’s health challenges, so we can ensure our health policy addresses the real health needs of Canadians.
QUOTES
“As a physician and former chief medical officer of health for York Region, my goal through Bill C-303: An Act to Establish a National Strategy for Health Data Collection is for the development of a national strategy for health data collection that supports and facilitates the vital work of health care providers and researchers to improve health outcomes for all Canadians.”
“As a Member of the Standing Committee on Health, I have heard from numerous health experts and witnesses about the importance of a national strategy for health data collection, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Bill C-303 addresses this critical need in Canada’s health sector, and I am proud to support Dr. Jaczek’s leadership and initiative in making this a reality.”
LINK:
Bill C-303 – An Act to Establish a National Strategy for Health Data Collection
