S-5Connected Care for Canadians Act
An Act respecting the interoperability of health information technology and to prohibit data blocking by health information technology vendors
Government bill, introduced in the Senate on February 4, 2026
- Status
- At second reading in the House of Commons since May 28, 2026
- Sponsor
- Pierre MoreauSenator
- Senator
What it does
Requires health information technology vendors to make their systems interoperable and bans data blocking, through federal rules that can apply province by province.
What it does
- Requires health information technology vendors to make the systems they license, sell, or provide as a service interoperable, so users can access, use, and exchange electronic health information.
- Prohibits data blocking by vendors, unless the regulations allow a specific practice or act.
- Lets the Governor in Council make the Act apply in a province or territory only if that government does not have requirements that are substantially similar to, or stronger than, the federal rules.
- Allows regulations to set standards, define data blocking practices, create complaint and review processes, and establish administrative monetary penalties for non-compliance.
- Removes the usual Statutory Instruments Act limit on incorporating documents by reference for certain technical standards.
- Says section 126 of the Criminal Code does not apply to contraventions of this Act or its regulations.
Who it affects
- Health information technology vendors
- Patients
- Health care providers
- Provincial and territorial governments
Background
The drafters say the bill is meant to make electronic health information easier to access, use, and exchange, and to keep it secure.
Where it is
Senate
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Completed.
Committee
Completed.
Report stage
Completed.
Third reading
Completed.
House of Commons
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Current stage. Now here
Committee
Not reached.
Report stage
Not reached.
Third reading
Not reached.
Royal assent
Royal assent
Not reached.
Introduced by a cabinet minister on behalf of the government. Government bills get set time for debate, so they are the most likely to become law. How a bill becomes law
How the House voted
No recorded votes yet
Read the source
LEGISinfo status: At second reading in the House of Commons. Bill data from LEGISinfo, votes from openparliament.ca and the House of Commons. Last updated October 13, 2026.