Privacy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Infoway has previously acted as a strategic investor to foster the development and adoption of digital health information systems in Canada. Infoway supported the jurisdictions in the area of privacy and security through:
- Facilitating jurisdictional collaboration by sponsoring the Pan- Canadian Privacy Forum and the Pan-Canadian Health Information Privacy Group
- Requiring projects that involved personal health information conduct Privacy Impact Assessments
- Raising awareness of privacy and security issues through thought leadership
The Privacy Office is in the process of adapting Infoway’s privacy program, to support the organizations changing role and mandate from strategic investor to delivery and operation.
A: The Privacy Forum, established in 2007 and sponsored by Infoway, includes representatives from each federal/provincial/territorial Ministry of Health and/or e-Health agency as well as each jurisdictional privacy oversight body. The Forum offers a mechanism for members to share and leverage their collective knowledge and experience on privacy matters in the development of digital health initiatives.
Infoway also sponsors the Health Information Privacy Group (HIPG). Established in 2008, this group is made up of health ministry and e-Health agency representatives and focuses on the development of common approaches to information governance issues as they pertain to privacy in digital health information systems.
A: Historically, Infoway has not managed any personal health information or digital health solutions that use personal health information. Traditionally, this has been done by the jurisdictions and health delivery organizations.
Infoway is working with Health Canada, the provinces and territories, and industry stakeholders to create, operate and maintain a multi-jurisdiction e-prescribing service – PrescribeIT.
To learn more about PrescribeIT, please click here.
To receive a copy of the Draft PrescribeIT Privacy Policy, please
A: Questions related to Infoway’s information practices, and/or privacy program should be directed to:
Chief Privacy Officer
Canada Health Infoway
150 King St. W, Suite 1100
Toronto, On M5H 1J9
416 979 4606
Any individual may submit a concern or complaint about Infoway’s information practices to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario by contacting:
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, ON M4W 1A8
Telephone: 416 326 3333 or 1 800 387 0073
TDD/TTY: 416 325 7539
FAX: 416 325 9195
Related Resources
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Privacy & Security
Protecting personal health informationData are a valuable commodity in our digital world, and health data is no exception. Read how the provinces and territories, health providers and vendors work together to keep your health data private and secure. -
Privacy Impact Assessments
Measuring the potential impact of digital health projectsA privacy impact assessment (PIA) helps projects consider the actual or potential effects that a proposed technology, information system or program may have on an individual’s privacy. -
Digital Health Privacy Links
Links to jurisdictional oversight bodiesHave questions about privacy and your personal health information? Visit your local privacy oversight body or your health minister or e-health agency through these useful links.