Connecting the dots: New federal bill tackles Canada’s fragmented health-care data systems

By Kristél Kriel ( February 20, 2026, 2:56 PM EST) -- Canada’s health-care system has long struggled with disconnected digital infrastructure, leaving patients and providers frustrated by siloed data. In response, the federal government introduced Bill S-5, the Connected Care for Canadians Act, on Feb. 4, 2026. The legislation is substantially similar to Bill C-72, which was introduced in June 2024 but failed to pass before Parliament was prorogued....