This opinion column originally appeared in the Oct. 18 issue of the Hill Times . It contains numerous exceptions designed precisely to balance individual privacy with other social needs such as law enforcement and health care. It is, in fact, a finely crafted compromise between public demand for fair and honest dealing and the desire of businesses for minimal restrictions. Pharmacists claim that respecting a customer's right to privacy will tie their hands unduly, cost billions and jeopardize the Canadian health care system. If this is the case, something is wrong with the way that pharmacists are doing business now.
Health data are among the most sensitive information about individuals.
It deserves at least as much protection as other types of information. Under no circumstances should the health sector be exempt from the fundamental principles set out in Bill C-6. Surely patients deserve to know what is being done with their personal health information and to control the subsequent use or disclosure of this very sensitive information. Primary care providers appreciate this and both the CMA and the Canadian Dental Association have spoken out in favour of stronger patient privacy protections than exist in Bill C-6. The CPhA is clearly out of line with its professional colleagues.