As was noted, the critical importance of health data in informing both public health and health care responses was highlighted in the pandemic, as well as in the report of the Auditor General.
During the course of the pandemic, the Public Health Agency and Health Canada worked extensively with provinces and territories to support and facilitate data information sharing, including working with them towards common interoperability standards so that data systems can communicate with each other in the country.
We have been working with provinces, territories and other stakeholders, informed by advice from an expert advisory group chaired by Dr. Vivek Goel, on developing a pan-Canadian health data strategy to facilitate the collection, sharing, use and public reporting of health data.
This work has continued with health officials, and elements of the strategy will be discussed tomorrow at the working meeting of the Prime Minister with premiers.