Federal e-health audit due today as controversy continues in B.C., Ontario

OTTAWA - Federal auditor general Sheila Fraser weighs in today on Ottawa's management of a federal electronic health program.

The same issue has prompted a cabinet resignation in Ontario and is linked to an on-going RCMP investigation in British Columbia.

Fraser will report on Ottawa's handling of its $2.1 billion e-health program through the not-for-profit Canada Health Infoway.

In the January budget, the federal government said it would give the agency $500 million over three years from an infrastructure fund.

But the CBC reports that the government indicated a few weeks ago that the money won't flow before next April.

Dr. Anne Doig, the new president of the Canadian Medical Association, says there has been "a void in terms of a response."

Ontario auditor general Jim McCarter reported on Oct. 7 that Ontario's e-health initiative lacked direction, relied too heavily on consultants and there was little to show for a $1 billion investment.