The consultations have now closed but we encourage you to leave your details and contact information so we can keep you updated on progress made in building one global barcoding system for Canada’s healthcare system.
See how other countries are benefiting from the global barcoding system
Did You Know
There’s no required barcoding system for Canadian healthcare? Fortunately, Health Canada is now considering the implementation of a national, integrated barcode system, starting with medical devices.
Implementing the GS1 system, which you know as the barcode, would provide greater safety, transparency, efficiency and cost savings in our healthcare system. GS1 is a trusted, proven system that has been used in global retail for more than 50 years.
Whether it’s yourself, a family member or a loved one, we’re all patients in the Canadian healthcare system. And today, we have an opportunity to positively influence what that system looks like.
This proven, trusted system is an easy choice for Canada
The GS1 global barcoding system is used in over 150 countries in more than 25 sectors. Countries in the European Union, as well as the U.S. and the U.K., require this barcode system for their healthcare supply chains. In Canada, you hear the barcode’s “beep” at the grocery store check-out. Globally, this standard “beep” happens over 6 billion times a day!
One simple scan provides important information that can help keep Canadians safe and informed.
With GS1 being a trusted, proven system all over the world including by multiple sectors here in Canada who have already paved the way, it’s an easy choice for Canada.
Now, it’s time for Canada’s healthcare system to join.
One global barcoding system for healthcare could...
Trace healthcare products, like a hip implant or vaccine, directly back to you, the patient in the event of a recall.
Increase the efficiency of healthcare professionals by 25%3.
Save the healthcare system millions of dollars and countless hours spent on relabelling products with proprietary barcoding systems.
Strengthen our healthcare system’s ability to negate fraud with the ability to quickly confirm product and manufacturer authenticity.
Provide healthcare professionals visibility to health care products and supply at all times.
A better system exists, and your voice can help get us there.
The Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) is a national, member-driven, non-profit association. The College strives to provide the leadership development, tools, knowledge and networks that members need to become high impact leaders in Canadian healthcare.
As defined by the LEADS in a Caring Environment framework, a leader is anyone with the capacity to influence others to work together constructively. The College’s Professional & Leadership Development Team provides LEADS-based leadership development services, and partners with organizations, authorities and regions to facilitate not only the adoption of the framework, but a cultural shift required to fully imbed LEADS throughout an organization.
Through LEADS, the CHE designation, credentialing, training, conferences, mentoring and a nationwide careers network, we support health leaders in every sector and region, from every professional background and at any stage of their career.
Located in Ottawa, the College collaborates with 20 chapters across the country and engages with its 4,000 members and 80 corporate members to promote lifelong learning and professional development while recognizing leadership excellence.
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of action for health organizations and hospitals across Canada. We advocate in support of health research and innovation; to enhance access to high-quality health services for Canadians; and we empower health professionals through our best-in-class learning programs.
GS1 is a neutral, not-for-profit organization that develops and maintains global standards for efficient business communication, improving the efficiency, safety, security, sustainability and visibility of value chains across physical and digital channels. In Canada, through our unique community management role, we collaborate with business leaders and industry work groups to develop standards, implementation guidelines and non-proprietary business solutions, supporting subscribers of all sizes across multiple sectors. Find out more at www.gs1ca.org
1Lynn Desjardins, Thousands die from medical errors yearly, notes advocacy group, Radio Canada International, Oct 28, 2019
2Anne Snowdon, Visibility: The New Value Proposition for Health Systems, 2016
3McKinsey Report, Strength in Unity, 2012