Remarks at the Sixth Annual Conference on Privacy, Security and Trust
Address by Elizabeth Denham, Assistant Privacy Commissioner
Fredericton, New Brunswick
October 20, 2008
We want to find ways to let EHR technology achieve its promise while at the same time protecting this pivotal right we call privacy. We are acutely aware of the many – too many – examples of what goes wrong when even well-intentioned governments and private sector organizations don’t respect privacy. In the end, the greatest impediment to the introduction of EHRs may not flow from the limits imposed by technology. Instead, the limits may be imposed because of the public distrust that flows from insufficient attention to privacy in the development of EHRs. If the public continues to hear about unauthorized access, and privacy spills and accidents, they will not trust the system. It is imperative that privacy issues are addressed. I look forward to finding ways to achieve the full promise of EHRs while at the same time respecting this important right we call privacy.
Full transcript of speech here.