Innovation, access and choice in Canada’s digital health care sector: Views of Canadians and industry stakeholders

February 24, 2021 - GATINEAU, QC - Competition Bureau

Health care continues to be one of the most important issues for Canadians, and digital solutions can be instrumental in meeting Canadians’ health care needs. Today, the Competition Bureau published summaries of the feedback it received from Canadians and industry stakeholders through a survey and public consultation.

The feedback will inform the Bureau’s ongoing study of Canada’s digital health care sector, which examines how to support digital health care in Canada through pro-competitive policies. Pro-competitive policies can bring about greater innovation, choice and access to digital health care across the country.

Canadians shared their views and experiences on a range of topics, including how they use digital health services, what challenges they encounter and ways to reduce these challenges. The Bureau also received formal submissions from Canadians and key market participants. The submissions identify specific areas that can impact the availability and adoption of digital health care in Canada.

The public consultation and survey are a valuable way for the Bureau to focus its market study on the issues that matter to Canadians and Canadian businesses. The Bureau’s next step is to publish a Market Study Notice setting out the scope of the study in more detail, and providing information on key milestones and anticipated timelines.