Christine Fréchette confirms digital health record rollout at 2 CIUSSSs

Premier Christine Fréchette next to Health Minister Sonia Bélanger in Montreal, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (LA PRESSE CANADIENNE/Christopher Katsarov)

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has confirmed that the province’s Digital Health Record (DSN) will be rolled out starting Saturday in two CIUSSSs.

The premier stated that the health care system’s digital transformation is a project “that can no longer be postponed.”

Fréchette made the announcement in a video posted Monday morning on social media.

• READ MORE: Santé Québec gives the green light for Digital Health Record, Fréchette wants assurances

In it, she explained that the DSN would be a positive change for the health care system, which she argued should not be relying on fax machines in 2026.

The DSN is set to be rolled out at the Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec CIUSSS and the Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal CIUSSS on Saturday.

Fréchette said that “Santé Quebec will conduct regular follow-ups” and “the public will be kept informed.”

Nevertheless, the premier insisted that, “It’s not impossible that the start will be more complex.”

“Yes, there could be some bugs, but I’m telling you, there’s no way we’re going to go through a second SAAQclic,” Fréchette said, referring to the failed digital transition by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (CAAQ).

• READ MORE: Santé Québec says digital health record will finally roll out in spring 2026

“Despite the challenges, this transition is necessary. Others have done it. They’ve succeeded, and we, too, will succeed,” she said.

In recent weeks, opposition parties, as well as some professionals, have raised concerns and highlighted risks regarding the DSN.

In April, Gilles Bélanger, then minister of cybersecurity and digital affairs, suggested that the DSN was heading toward an “obvious derailment.”

• READ MORE: Digital Health Record launch to reduce elective care for four weeks in Quebec

He was particularly concerned about “sovereign data protection.”

On Monday, while giving her approval for the two “pilot projects,” Fréchette reiterated that “all necessary safeguards to ensure continuity of care and the protection of Quebecers’ data” will be required for the project to move forward.

• READ MORE: Quebec health minister offers reassurance about digital transformation, delays in cancer treatment

“It’s time to move forward,” she declared.

The DSN, which is expected to allow health care professionals to view and update a patient’s digital medical record in real time, is an ambitious digitization project expected to cost between $1.5 billion and $3 billion.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 4, 2026.