The idea that citizens should have extensive access to the information their governments collect and employ is fairly new, and is part of the broader phenomenon of open government. Sameer Vasta of the MaRS Discovery District, an innovation centre in Toronto, says governments are buying into the benefits of such openness. "When we talk about open data, it's really a subset of open government," Vasta says. "If you look at open government as coming up with solutions with society versus for society, the sharing of information just makes sense."
Read more: CA: Open data and open government: how access to information enhances cities
On Monday, the issue and renewal of provincial health cards joins vital statistics as a public service for residents of Saskatchewan. This follows the transfer of health cards from the Ministry of Health to eHealth Saskatchewan that occurred in early January.
Read more: CA: Saskatchewan: Health registries and vital statistics in new location
Gordon Lummis said he agrees with the recommendations put forth in a report by Kings County chief administrative officer Tom MacEwan.
Read more: CA: Nova Scotia: Explore shared services first: Kings County CAO's report
At least, that’s the hope for Dr. Edward Brown, founder and CEO of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN). He was one of the speakers at the Mobile Healthcare Summit on Tuesday, a two-day event bringing together healthcare professionals and IT solutions providers in downtown Toronto.
Read more: CA: Ontario: Telemedicine offers hope for patients and challenges for IT
“Given our region’s significant geography, information technology and information management are key resources to connect patients with care,” says Louise Paquette, CEO, NE LHIN. “Technology is the enabler for improving care coordination, navigation and access for fellow Northerners.”