Governance
Guided by a Coordinated Governance Approach
Governance refers to the structure, processes, ways of working and accountabilities to facilitate consensus, decision-making and appropriate oversight. Given the interoperability work underway at multiple levels in the health system and across jurisdictions, it is paramount to forge ahead with a coordinated governance approach, aligned with the broader health ecosystem that supports progress towards a common vision for pan-Canadian digital health and data interoperability.
To complement ongoing work, Infoway has worked with stakeholders to develop a governance approach that will accelerate the interoperability agenda at a pan-Canadian level while mutually reinforcing the efforts underway in the jurisdictions.
Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap Governance
Pan-Canadian digital health and data interoperability governance will aim to:
- Advance pan-Canadian interoperability vision and objectives.
- Accelerate priority digital health and data interoperability efforts while supporting jurisdictional initiatives.
- Report on progress made across the country towards pan-Canadian interoperability objectives, as reflected in the shared pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap.
Governance structures and reporting mechanisms have been established to support the pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap. These include the Executive Steering Council, Coordinating Table, Working Groups, and the Digital Health & Data Interoperability Secretariat, all of which work collaboratively to achieve shared objectives.
Executive Steering Council
The Executive Steering Council provides pan-Canadian strategic direction, accelerates digital health and interoperability efforts, and reports on progress. Co-chaired by Infoway and the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the ESC:
- Sets strategic priorities.
- Tracks progress across interoperability initiatives.
- Makes decisions and approves recommendations from the Coordinating Table.
Coordinating Table
The Coordinating Table aligns efforts across connected care initiatives, ensuring cross-jurisdictional collaboration. Co-hosted by Infoway and CIHI, the CT:
- Recommends strategic decisions related to specifications.
- Advises on escalated issues from Working Groups.
- Discuss jurisdictional progress against initiatives.
Working Groups
Working Groups are composed of subject matter experts who validate, develop, and recommend operational specifications aligned with strategic goals. Their objectives include:
- Validating scope and content.
- Developing operational specifications.
- Escalating unresolved issues to the Coordinating Table.
- Participating in balloting processes.
Digital Health & Data Interoperability Secretariat
Located at Infoway, the Secretariat works in collaborarion with Canadian Institute fosters collaboration across Canada’s health data and digital health landscape. Its key roles include:
- Supporting the Executive Steering Council and Coordinating Table.
- Acting as a liaison with federal, provincial, and territorial health data governance structures.
- Promoting collaboration between Infoway, CIHI, and other interest holders.
- Serving as a knowledge steward and information resource.