Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial privacy commissioners and ombuds have called for tighter safeguards and greater accountability in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across healthcare and medical research, warning that rapid technological development must not come at the expense of patients’ privacy and safety.
In a resolution adopted at their recent annual meeting in Ottawa, the privacy regulators urged governments, healthcare organisations, technology developers and research institutions to ensure that AI systems are introduced and operated responsibly.
The regulators acknowledged that AI could help address growing challenges facing Canada’s healthcare sector, including staff shortages, rising costs, long waiting periods, limited resources and an ageing population. Properly implemented systems could improve operational efficiency, assist medical decision-making and contribute to better patient care.
However, they cautioned that insufficient oversight could expose individuals to serious risks, including the misuse or unauthorised disclosure of sensitive medical records, incorrect conclusions based on personal information, discrimination and other forms of patient harm.
Governments urged to establish clear AI rules
The commissioners have asked federal, provincial and territorial governments to review existing laws, introduce amendments where necessary and develop regulations that encourage innovation while protecting fundamental rights.
They have outlined six essential principles that AI systems used in healthcare should follow: privacy protection, validity and reliability, safety, respect for human rights, transparency and accountability.
The regulators have also called for meaningful consultation with privacy authorities when governments design new legal frameworks. They want public engagement to take place regularly, with particular attention given to communities that may be marginalised or vulnerable.
Another key recommendation is to make effective AI governance and accountability arrangements a legal requirement for organisations involved in developing, purchasing or using these technologies in healthcare.
Healthcare providers and technology developers face recommendations
The resolution also addresses companies developing AI tools and service providers supplying them to the healthcare sector. Healthcare institutions adopting such systems have been urged to establish comprehensive management and accountability frameworks.
The regulators emphasised that privacy and safety considerations should remain central throughout the development, procurement and use of AI technology, rather than being treated as an afterthought.
Call for stronger ethical standards in medical research
Beyond healthcare delivery, the commissioners have urged Canada’s health research agencies to strengthen national research ethics policies. They want more detailed guidance for studies involving AI or AI-enabled systems and human participants.
Research Ethics Boards (REBs) have also been asked to improve the training and expertise of their members so they can properly assess proposals involving artificial intelligence.
Researchers, meanwhile, have been encouraged to examine the potential risks and benefits of their work for both individuals and wider communities. The regulators have also called for greater openness about research findings and the sharing of outcomes from AI-related studies.
Alberta privacy commissioner stresses public trust
Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod said AI is becoming increasingly common in everyday interactions with healthcare providers, businesses and government institutions.
She noted that the technology is advancing rapidly and that its implications can be difficult for the public to understand. McLeod said privacy regulators want rules that allow AI to be used responsibly while ensuring that its benefits are realised without compromising people’s personal information.
The commissioners and ombuds have also pledged to continue advocating for laws governing AI in healthcare and research. They intend to coordinate, where possible, on enforcement measures, regulatory guidance and public education.
The resolution was adopted during the annual gathering of Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial information and privacy commissioners and ombuds, hosted in Ottawa by the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and the Information Commissioner of Canada on October 29, 2026.
