Provinces Urged to Exercise Caution in Virtual Care Partnerships

Provincial governments in Canada are advised to exercise caution when establishing partnerships with for-profit virtual health care companies. This recommendation comes from an analysis published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. As at least four provinces have embraced corporate virtual care services to address primary care access challenges, experts highlight critical concerns regarding public trust in the health care system.

In the article, Dr. Lauren Lapointe-Shaw, a clinician-scientist and associate professor at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, along with co-authors, emphasizes that “there are risks associated with direct-to-consumer virtual ‘walk-in’ style care related to access, quality of care and data privacy.” These risks necessitate thorough examination, particularly as formal partnerships may solidify corporate virtual care’s presence within Canadian health care infrastructure.

Examining Provincial Partnerships

The analysis notes the diverse approaches provinces have taken in collaborating with corporate-provided virtual care programs. While these partnerships can enhance access to medical services through video, phone, and text messaging, they also introduce significant risks that governments must address.

Key concerns include ensuring that health care quality standards are upheld, protecting patient data privacy, and maintaining transparency regarding contracts, funding, and profits associated with these corporate partnerships. “There is a need for caution before greenlighting corporations in the public health care sector,” the authors assert. “Once these programs are introduced, it may be challenging to modify what has been established.”

The potential for companies to self-regulate further complicates the issue. Without strong oversight, the desired changes to ensure quality care and data protection may not materialize.

Implications for Health Care Quality

The authors argue that government responsibilities extend beyond mere implementation; they must ensure that the public health care system retains its integrity. The analysis stresses that any partnership must prioritize the public’s health above corporate interests.

The implications of these findings are significant for the future of health care in Canada. As provinces navigate the complexities of virtual care partnerships, the need for a balanced approach that safeguards public trust while improving access to services is paramount.

For more insights on this topic, refer to the article titled “Government partnerships with corporate virtual primary care” in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, published in 2025 (DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.250639).