What is the regulatory framework governing the exceptions to consent in Canada?
The Tri-Council Policy Statement (Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, 1998, with 2000, 2002, 2005 updates) provides the general conditions that would allow an exception to obtaining consent: • The anticipated risk is minimal; • There is little risk that the study will affect the rights and well-being of the participants; • Research cannot be undertaken if consent is to be obtained; • If applicable, participants will be informed as soon as possible; • It is not a therapeutic intervention This exception to obtaining consent must be approved by a research ethics committee.
