Notice of Change to Race and Ethnicity Data

Starting May 2026, you may voluntarily provide your race and ethnicity information when applying for or renewing a PEI Health Card. This information may also be added, updated, or removed at any time, separate from health card application or renewal, by submitting a Notice of Change to Race and Ethnicity Data Form to PEI Medicare. 

Who can use the Notice of Change to Race and Ethnicity Data Form

Any resident with a PEI Health Card. This form allows you to add, update, or remove race and ethnicity information from your health card record at any time. 

What you will be asked

You will be asked if you want to add, update, or remove your race and ethnicity information. If you want to add or update your information, you will be asked a follow up question - adapted from the Guidance on the Use of Standards for Race-Based and Indigenous Identity Data Collection and Health Reporting in Canada (see page 9) - to voluntarily self-identify by choosing all race categories that apply to you from the provided list. There will also be an option for you to specify another race category by writing in your race.

What you need to complete the form

To complete the form, you will need the PEI Health Card number and date of birth for each person in your household. 

How to update your race and ethnicity information 

Please update your race and ethnicity information using one of the following options:

• Online: Notice of Change to Race and Ethnicity Data (recommended)
• By Phone: Call PEI Medicare 1-800-321-5492 (toll-free)
• In Person: Visit your nearest Access PEI Location

Why the collection of race and ethnicity data matters

Before this initiative, race and ethnicity data was not collected systematically across Health PEI systems. This gap limited the province’s ability to identify, monitor, and address health inequities and residents’ equitable access to health services and support including cancer screening, chronic disease prevention, and other population health programs. Without systematic collection of the race and ethnicity data, Health PEI lacks the evidence needed to better understand how different communities experience the health system and where disparities exist.

How will my responses be protected?

Your race and ethnicity data is protected by law through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Health Information Act. It is stored securely within Health PEI and is used only for approved health planning and quality improvement purposes. 

Will my health care provider have access to my race information?

No. Your race-based response will not be shown on your PEI Health Card nor added to your medical record/chart (paper and/or electronic), so it cannot be viewed by your health care provider. The race data will be used at the population level for health planning and quality improvement, not for individual care.

Please note that this does not restrict patients from voluntarily sharing their individual race and ethnicity information with their health care provider during point of care, if they feel it is relevant to their treatment or care.

Contact 

PEI Medicare Services

Telephone: 1-800-321-5492 (toll-free)