Social media, AI: What Canada’s health minister says [Video]

Health Minister Mark Holland says he’s optimistic about the role artificial intelligence can play in Canada’s health system, but says much of its promise will take time to realize.

Holland says he expects AI tools can help ease doctor workload and integrate health records from disparate providers, but that means greater digitization when many doctors still don’t send electronic scripts to pharmacies.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

In a wide-ranging interview conducted Dec. 12 — before Chrystia Freeland’s bombshell resignation as finance minister and an expected cabinet shuffle Friday — Holland looked back on health headlines that dominated 2024 and what lies ahead.

He weighed in on topics including medical assistance in dying and food safety. Among his impressions: Australia’s plan to ban social media for children would not work here, and he expects Canada can find common ground with …