As Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technology continues to evolve and enter the healthcare space, government oversight of post-market products is critical.
CAR President Dr. Alison Harris recently met with her local Member of Parliament (MP) to discuss this important topic.
“I am fortunate that MP Noormohamed is the MP for my neighbourhood – Vancouver Granville, BC – and I was able to meet at his local constituency office,” said Dr. Harris.
Taleeb Noormohamed and Dr. Harris met in early August and took the opportunity to talk about the role of AI in the Canadian healthcare system.
“He is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of AI and Digital Innovation (the Honorable Evan Solomon),” recalled Dr. Harris, “so the role of AI was an important topic along with medical imaging in research and innovation.”
She says the two discussed multiple topics and the CAR’s priorities were well received.
“We discussed the Health AI Validation Network (HAIVN) and the importance of having a national entity that provides oversight for AI, that it has an advisory group with representation from multiple specialties, and that is adequately funded as outlined in our 2026 Pre-Budget Submission.”
The topic of AI and HAIVN also included prioritizing Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems to provide guidance for referring physicians regarding which imaging test would best answer a given clinical question.
The CAR recommends that the Government:
Invest $5 million over five years to support a targeted Health Canada initiative aimed at strengthening the radiology workforce.
Make a $50 million investment over 5 years in the Health Artificial Intelligence Validation Network (HAIVN) to ensure the safe, effective integration of AI in healthcare.
Support the national integration of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems into electronic medical records (EMRs) with a $50 million investment over 5 years.
Guide an independent $2 billion investment over 3 years to modernize Canada’s radiology equipment stock.
In addition to advancing technology, Dr. Harris and MP Noormohamed talked about the need for more health human resources to meet the demand for medical imaging and shorten the extremely long wait times that patients currently face. This includes investment for more technologists, sonographers, and radiologists across Canada.
Dr. Harris says she plans to continue the conversation with MP Noormohamed at a local community social event in September, and at Day on the Hill in Ottawa from October 20-21.