Ottawa, March 14, 2022—Digital healthcare in Canada became more accessible—and often digital—during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to patient demand for more convenient and safer health services.

This trend toward more accessible healthcare Canada, particularly in rural and remote communities, depends on modern, patient-centered data infrastructure, better broadband connectivity, more digital skills among healthcare practitioners, as well as more inclusive design.

These are some of the findings in the report, ICTC Policy Roundtable on Smart Health and Wellbeing in Canada, which is the fifth installment of ICTC’s multi-year national research initiative on smart cities. The initiative aims to understand the labour, technology, and societal needs and opportunities for Canada’s future communities. Roundtable discussions engage a variety of stakeholders across Canada to uncover specific policy needs and offer recommendations that can support a smart future for our cities.

Other findings in this report include:

  • The role of private sector companies in Canada’s public healthcare
  • The supports needed for smart health adoption in rural and remote communities
  • The types of collaboration needed for effective tech design of smart health solutions

“The journey towards smart health and wellbeing begins with a focus on connected, human-centred, trustworthy, and data driven health system. This will continue to require transformative action to adopt advanced technologies to foster a more responsive and inclusive health ecosystem in Canada.” —Namir Anani, ICTC President & CEO.

The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a not-for-profit, national centre of expertise for strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in a global economy. Through trusted research, practical policy advice, and creative capacity-building programs, ICTC fosters globally competitive Canadian industries enabled by innovative and diverse digital talent. In partnership with an expansive network of industry leaders, academic partners, and policy makers from across Canada, ICTC has empowered a robust and inclusive digital economy for 30 years.

To arrange an interview on this study or other media inquiries, please contact Paul Stastny at @email or 403.351.0138 Ext. 823.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program.

A copy of the study can be accessed here.

A French language press release of this report is here.