TORONTO

EHealth recommends $46M plan to build diabetes registry be scrapped

The Canadian Press Published Sunday, September 16, 2012 4:48PM EDT Last Updated Sunday, September 16, 2012 5:14PM EDT

Ontario Minister of Health Deb Matthews listens to questions from the media following a press conference in Toronto on Friday, February 17, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Pawel Dwulit

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TORONTO -- Embattled provincial agency eHealth Ontario is recommending its diabetes registry be cancelled.

Spokesman Robert Mitchell says eHealth's board favours scrapping a $46.2-million contract with CGI Group Inc. to develop the registry.

In an email he says no money has been spent on the unfinished registry, and alleged CGI has regularly missed development deadlines.

Mitchell says the final decision will be made by eHealth after it consults with Health Minister Deb Matthews.

In a statement Matthews says only that she is aware of eHealth's concerns over "disappointing delays" with the registry.

CGI and eHealth announced the six-year deal on Aug. 9, 2010 for the company to design, build and maintain the registry to better monitor diabetes patients.

CGI was not immediately available for comment.

"My top priority is that taxpayers continue to be protected and that patients get the best possible care for the best value," Matthews said in a statement Sunday.