Infoway Fires Michael Green Amid E-Prescribe Fiasco

Why It Matters

The fallout underscores serious governance lapses in a high‑profile digital‑health initiative, raising questions about the stewardship of public funds and the viability of future Canada‑wide health‑tech projects.

Key Takeaways

• Infoway dismissed CEO Michael Green after PrescribeIT failure.
• Program spent ~US$220 million but achieved <5% prescription uptake.
• Auditor‑General audit requested to trace $220 million spending.
• Telus Health received ~US$73 million; contract ended early.
• CEO earned US$666 k compensation amid program collapse.

Pulse Analysis

The PrescribeIT debacle illustrates the broader challenges of scaling digital health solutions in a fragmented Canadian healthcare system. While the federal government earmarked nearly US$220 million to modernize prescription workflows, low clinician buy‑in, a per‑prescription fee, and a lack of integrated incentives hampered adoption. Experts note that technology alone cannot drive transformation; policy alignment, user‑centred design, and clear reimbursement models are essential for any nationwide health IT rollout.

Governance failures amplified the program’s shortcomings. The board’s decision to fire Michael Green, coupled with the revelation of his US$666 k compensation package, sparked bipartisan outrage and a parliamentary push for transparency. An Auditor‑General review will likely scrutinize not only the allocation of funds but also the oversight mechanisms that allowed a multi‑year contract with Telus Health—worth roughly US$73 million—to be terminated abruptly after delivering limited value. The audit could set precedents for how non‑profit health agencies manage public money and enforce accountability.

For vendors and future digital‑health initiatives, the PrescribeIT case serves as a cautionary tale. Telus Health’s involvement, including a $5 million‑plus annual service fee and additional change‑order payments, highlights the importance of aligning contractual incentives with measurable health outcomes. As Canada evaluates its next wave of health‑tech investments, stakeholders will likely demand stronger performance metrics, clearer intellectual‑property arrangements, and more rigorous cost‑benefit analyses to avoid repeating costly missteps.