Photo: Screeshot of August 1, 2025 The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) announcement livestreamed on CPAC.
The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development),announced that the Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network now includes the Virtual Health Hub (VHH).
The Government of Canada is using this new cooperation to contribute to improved access to healthcare in Saskatchewan’s remote, rural, and northern areas, having funded $42 million dollars in the CAN Health Network since 2019.
Additionally, Secretary of State Belanger revealed that the CAN Health Network and VHH are launching two new initiatives. In isolated locations, virtual reality technology from Luxsonic Technologies in Saskatchewan will enable quicker and more precise diagnostics.
Virtual Hallway, a Nova Scotia-based digital technology company, will improve access to expert care throughout the network by facilitating faster consultations between family doctors and specialists.
“By investing in the CAN Health Network, we’re doing two things at once: supporting Canadian businesses with smart new health care ideas, and helping patients get better care closer to home. The addition of the Virtual Health Hub will make it easier for rural, remote and Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan to access cutting-edge care. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my congratulations to both teams on making it happen,” said The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development).
In the nearly five years since the CAN Health Network was established, it has successfully connected 99 Canadian businesses working in health technology with different orders of government across the country. It is enabling entrepreneurs across Canada to grow, while strengthening our universal health care system by encouraging homegrown innovation.
“The CAN Health Network is critical for helping Canadian innovations grow and succeed. By connecting organizations like the Virtual Health Hub with homegrown companies such as Luxonic and Virtual Hallway, the CAN Health Network is not only advancing cutting-edge technology but also supporting Canadian businesses, helping create jobs and driving economic growth across the country,” explained The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
Since 2019, the Canadian government has contributed $42 million to help the Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network.
“This partnership with the Virtual Health Hub and the projects we’re launching with Luxonic and Virtual Hallway show how Canadian-made innovation can drive economic growth and strengthen our communities. By bringing together organizations from across the country, we’re building a stronger economy, creating jobs, supporting local industries and ensuring that technologies developed in Canada are helping Canadians, including those in rural and remote regions,” said Dr. Dante Morra, Founder and Chair, CAN Health Network.
The CAN Health Network has expanded to encompass 50 Edges since its inception. Operators of health care, such as organizations and health authorities, are considered edges.