Connected health data has the power to transform cancer care, saving lives and leading to better outcomes for those living with cancer.
February 5, 2026 (Ottawa, ON) – This World Cancer Day, the federal government tabled Bill S-5, the Connected Care for Canadians Act, which aims at improving how health information is accessed and shared across the country. The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) welcomes this legislation as a vital step toward building a more connected, patient-centred health data system that can improve cancer care and outcomes for people in Canada.
If passed, Bill S‑5 will improve Canadians’ access to their own health information, empowering people to better understand, manage and advocate for their care. By setting clear guidelines for how digital health systems work together, the Bill will ensure health information can be shared safely and securely with patients and their health care providers.
Data is the backbone of our health care system. CCS has long advocated for robust governance of health data, emphasizing the need for well-defined standards related to data collection, quality and consistency. For those affected by cancer, access to timely, connected health data can be life‑changing. When health information is fragmented or delayed, it can lead to repeated tests, gaps in follow‑up care and missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Stronger data interoperability ensures Canadians can securely access their own health records — no matter where they live and free of charge. This eliminates costs for patients while reducing jurisdictional barriers and administrative burden for clinicians, ultimately improving continuity of care and helping deliver better outcomes for people with cancer.
“When health data can move seamlessly across our health care system, everyone benefits – including people with cancer,” says Andrea Seale, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. “Effective data sharing gives people access to their own health information, helping them to better understand their health and the agency to make decisions that best serve their unique needs. It also provides healthcare professionals a fuller, clearer picture that supports more responsive, equitable and effective care across Canada.”
We applaud the introduction of this Bill as it follows years of advocacy and engagement with all levels of government from CCS and partners calling for a stronger, more consistent approach to health data across Canada. This foundational legislation is a critical component of the pan-Canadian Cancer Data Strategy, which was developed through a partnership between CCS and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. The strategy aims to improve cancer outcomes and make cancer care in Canada better and more equitable and aligns to the broader pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy.
By laying the foundation to standardize and link health data, Bill S-5 also creates new opportunities for innovation in research, clinical trials and diagnostics — by cutting red tape, streamlining data collection, helping accelerate discoveries and improving care for people affected by cancer.
As the Bill moves forward through the legislative process, CCS looks forward to continuing to work with governments and partners to support this legislation and its implementation.
With only 47% of Canadians currently able to access their electronic health information and just 29% of physicians exchanging records outside their own practices, the need for action is clear. By improving connectivity and interoperability, connected digital health data systems have the potential to save an estimated $4 billion annually while delivering more timely, coordinated and equitable care for people affected by cancer.
Quotes
“The Connected Care for Canadians Act is an important step towards modern, digitally-connected cancer care. It will make it easier for patients to access their own health information and ensure their data follows them across care settings and jurisdictions. This will mean clearer care pathways, fewer delays, and better coordination of prevention, screening, treatment and follow-up. With the right investments, this legislation will support implementation of the pan-Canadian Cancer Data Strategy and deliver real benefits—such as faster, more timely cancer data—to improve planning and equitable care for people affected by cancer.” – Dr Craig Earle, CEO of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we raise funds to invest in transformative cancer research, we provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and we advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer – and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Victoria Young
Communications Coordinator
416-572-4252
victoria.young@cancer.ca
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