The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) has opened a 90-day systematic review of CAN/DGSI 116: Health Data Lexicon, a national standard designed to enhance data literacy and promote consistent communication across the health data ecosystem.
CAN/DGSI 116 provides a foundational vocabulary for health data in Canada. The standard defines core terminology used by healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, technology developers, and patients. It supports a shared understanding of key concepts, helping to break down communication barriers, reduce confusion, and foster greater transparency in how health data is used, governed, and shared.
DGSI is now seeking feedback from across the sector to ensure the lexicon remains current, inclusive, and practical for real-world use. Stakeholders are invited to submit input over the next 90 days as part of this systematic maintenance review.
Why this Standard Matters
Health data is foundational to modern care, research, and digital health services—but without a common language, we risk miscommunication and missed opportunities.
CAN/DGSI 116 enables:
- A consistent vocabulary across the health system
- Stronger patient and public understanding of data practices
- Improved interoperability and cross-sector collaboration
- More informed policy, ethical oversight, and digital innovation
The standard is designed to support safe, privacy-conscious digital interactions for individuals, organizations, and governments alike. It acts as a common framework for aligning identity practices across jurisdictions and service providers, fostering interoperability and trust in Canada’s digital economy.
By contributing to the review, stakeholders can help ensure that the language used to describe health data continues to reflect the needs of Canada’s diverse health communities, from front-line clinicians to patient advocates.
Submit your Feedback
The 90-day review is open until November 27 2025. Consult the current edition of the standard at CAN/DGSI 116
For more information on DGSI’s technical committees and standards development process, visit: https://dgc-cgn.org/standards
Get involved
The DGSI’s development process is collaborative and open to all, and anyone interested in contributing to the development of digital governance standards is encouraged to get involved. For more information on how to participate, contact:
Darryl Kingston
Executive Director
Digital Governance Standards Institute
darryl.kingston@dgc-cgn.org
For further details or media inquiries, please contact:
Shyra Wells
Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Lead
Digital Governance Council
shyra.craig@dgc-cgn.org
About the Digital Governance Standards Institute
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.