Canadian Public Health Association | Association Canadienne de Santé Publique
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Canadian Public Health Association

Health Data and Digital Health for Population and Public Health

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PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS

The effective use of health data and digital health tools can transform public health in Canada, improving disease surveillance, addressing health inequities, and strengthening community well-being. The federal government plays a pivotal role in creating a national framework for the collection, integration, and use of health data to ensure that all communities benefit from informed, equitable, and timely public health interventions.

A Higher Standard

Robust health data systems are essential for effective public health decision-making, timely interventions, and reducing health inequities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of comprehensive, real-time, and interoperable health data for population health surveillance. However, Canada’s health data infrastructure remains fragmented, limiting the ability to track disease trends, assess environmental health risks, and address social determinants of health (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2023).

It’s time for Canada to do better.

Why It Matters

Comprehensive and well-integrated health data is fundamental to an effective public health system. A strong data infrastructure allows for early detection of disease outbreaks, facilitates the monitoring of environmental health threats, and informs policy interventions aimed at improving community well-being. Without reliable and timely data, public health professionals face challenges in tracking trends, identifying vulnerable populations, and responding efficiently to crises.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of real-time data collection and sharing, as gaps in interoperability and fragmented data systems hindered coordinated response efforts. Similarly, disparities in social determinants of health—such as income, housing, and access to healthcare—can only be effectively addressed when decision-makers have access to robust and disaggregated data. High-quality health data ensures that public health interventions are evidence-based, targeted, and capable of reducing health inequities. Investing in digital health infrastructure is not just a technological advancement—it is a necessary step towards achieving a healthier and more equitable society.

Policy Solutions for the Next Federal Government

  1. National Public Health Data Strategy: Develop a comprehensive strategy to improve data collection, integration, and interoperability for population health monitoring across all jurisdictions.
  2. Funding for Public Health Data Infrastructure: Invest in modernized public health data systems to ensure real-time tracking of disease outbreaks, environmental health threats, and social determinants of health.
  3. Expand Equity-focused Data Collection: Support the collection of disaggregated health data to better address health inequities and inform targeted interventions for structurally disadvantaged populations.
  4. Strengthen Data Privacy and Governance: Ensure that robust privacy protections are in place while enabling timely access to public health data for research and policy development.
  5. Increase Public Health Workforce Capacity: Provide federal funding for training programs to enhance digital literacy and data management skills within public health institutions.

Questions for the Candidates

How will your party ensure that public health data governance is consistent across Canada while respecting provincial and territorial jurisdictions as well as Indigenous health data sovereignty?
What policies will your party implement to improve interoperability and secure data sharing for public health surveillance?
How will your party invest in digital infrastructure to enhance public health monitoring and response efforts?

Resources