In a dramatic turn of events, Michael Green, the CEO of Canada Health Infoway, has been dismissed from his position following a parliamentary inquiry into the dismal performance of the federal digital prescription initiative, PrescribeIT. Despite an investment of $300 million from the government since its inception in 2017, the programme has only managed to facilitate fewer than 5 per cent of prescriptions, prompting serious concerns about its viability and effectiveness.
Leadership Changes Amidst Scrutiny
The board of Canada Health Infoway made the decision to remove Green on Wednesday, following over 11 years at the helm. Board chair Peter Vaughan announced that the change was effective immediately, underscoring the urgency of addressing the programme’s shortcomings. The inquiry has raised questions about both the governance of the health organisation and the management of taxpayer funds.
PrescribeIT was designed to modernise the prescription process, aiming to replace traditional fax machines with a digital system allowing seamless communication between doctors and pharmacies. However, the programme’s rollout has been plagued by challenges, leading to its impending closure on May 29, 2026.
Parliamentary Frustration and Calls for Accountability
The House of Commons health committee summoned Green and other officials to provide insight into the programme’s failures last week. The session was marked by visible frustration from MPs across party lines, particularly regarding Green’s inability to offer satisfactory explanations or disclose information about his remuneration.
Following the session, Canada Health Infoway released a compensation report revealing that Green was compensated nearly £900,000 for the 2024-25 fiscal year, including a base salary of £616,700, bonuses amounting to £215,845, and additional taxable benefits. Conservative MP Dan Mazier expressed outrage at the size of Green’s bonuses amidst the programme’s evident struggles. “It’s absolutely outrageous,” Mazier stated, emphasising the need for accountability in how public funds are managed.
In response to the unfolding scandal, the health committee unanimously voted to request an audit by the Auditor-General of Canada, seeking to scrutinise the financial and operational aspects of PrescribeIT. The Auditor-General’s office has indicated that it is currently reviewing this request.
The Role of Telus Health and Adoption Challenges
Telus Health, the primary technology partner for PrescribeIT, has faced scrutiny of its own. During the inquiry, it was disclosed that the company received £98 million in payments, holding 85 per cent of the intellectual property related to the programme. Testimony revealed that the initial contract included substantial fees, which increased significantly upon renewal in March 2024.
Despite the financial investment, Telus Health has distanced itself from responsibility for the low adoption rates of PrescribeIT, stating, “Firstly, we need to be clear that adoption was the responsibility of the program owner – Canada Health Infoway. We are technology partners, not policy experts.” The company did, however, suggest improvements, including simplifying the onboarding process for physicians and embedding the tool within existing software systems.
An additional barrier to uptake arose in 2025 when a fee of 20 cents per prescription was introduced for pharmacies, prompting some to withdraw from the service. This fee, coupled with operational inefficiencies, has contributed to the programme’s failure to meet its objectives.
Outlook and Future Investigations
The health committee is scheduled to convene again next week for further testimony from both Canada Health Infoway’s chair and executives from Telus Health. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the reasons behind the programme’s shortcomings and ensuring accountability for the significant sums invested in it.
In an unsigned statement, Canada Health Infoway defended Green’s compensation, attributing it to decisions made by its board of directors, which includes representatives from various government levels. The organisation has disclosed that five other senior executives earned salaries between £270,000 and £342,000, with bonuses and benefits adding to their total remuneration.
Why it Matters
The failure of PrescribeIT not only raises concerns about the effective management of public funds but also highlights the challenges that digital health initiatives face in achieving widespread adoption. As Canada seeks to modernise its healthcare system, this debacle serves as a critical reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in government-funded programmes. The outcomes of the ongoing inquiry could set a precedent for future initiatives, influencing how health technology is developed, implemented, and evaluated across the country.