Caution Urged in Corporate Virtual Care Partnerships Across Canada

Provincial governments in Canada are being urged to exercise caution when forming partnerships with for-profit virtual health care companies. This advisory comes from an analysis published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, highlighting concerns regarding public trust in the health care system amid these collaborations.

At least four provinces have begun partnering with corporate virtual care organizations to address ongoing challenges related to primary care access. These partnerships facilitate medical consultations via video, phone, and text messaging, but they are not without risks. Dr. Lauren Lapointe-Shaw, a clinician-scientist and associate professor at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto, along with her co-authors, emphasizes that there are significant risks associated with direct-to-consumer virtual care.

Risks and Responsibilities in Virtual Care

In their analysis, the authors point out potential issues regarding access, quality of care, and data privacy. They stress that these risks require careful consideration, especially as formal partnerships could further entrench corporate virtual care within Canada’s health care systems. The authors also identify a variation in how provinces engage with these corporate entities, discussing both the benefits and the inherent challenges of such arrangements.

A key concern raised is the necessity to uphold health care quality standards. The authors argue that governments must ensure that any partnerships comply with established guidelines to protect data privacy and enhance transparency surrounding contracts, funding, and profits. They urge governments to be vigilant, stating that “there is a need for caution before greenlighting corporations in the public health care sector.”

Once these corporate programs are implemented, modifying or retracting them may prove difficult. The authors caution that relying on self-regulation by these companies is unlikely to yield substantial changes in the future.

Ensuring Trust in Health Care Systems

The implications of this analysis extend beyond the immediate concerns of access and quality. Trust in the health care system is paramount, and the introduction of corporate interests could undermine public confidence. The article serves as a reminder that while innovative solutions are essential, the integration of corporate entities into public health care requires careful and deliberate action.

As Canada navigates the complexities of virtual health care partnerships, the message is clear: caution is warranted. Ensuring that public health interests remain at the forefront of these collaborations will be vital in maintaining trust and safeguarding the integrity of the health care system.

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