About Us

RITHIM is a provincial initiative involving multiple stakeholders to improve time-to-conduct for health research in Manitoba. RITHIM is unique across Canada in that it will harmonize ethics, privacy and institutional impact review processes, creating a more efficient process for health research reviews in Manitoba.

January 1st, 2022 marked a key milestone and important step for the RITHIM program, as the PHIA amendments that enable the new harmonized process were proclaimed. RITHIM is now operating in a transitional phase until later in 2022, when the launch of the new electronic system will harmonize the application process and streamline reviews.

Our Principles

Harmonization

Through frequent consultations with community stakeholders, we seek to support the research community in Manitoba by reducing application complexity through the creation of a new online system.

Many complex applications become one.

Privacy

The privacy and security of research data and personal health information is vital to protect.

The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) amendments bring a NEW REQUIREMENT for researchers. Effective January 1, 2022, the Provincial Health Research Privacy Committee (PHRPC), administered through RITHIM, is the ONLY committee that has authority to provide approval for research projects requesting USE of personal health information maintained by any Manitoba Trustee, including by government or government agency.

Engagement

Through ongoing engagement with local, national and international partners focused on health research ethics and privacy, we aim to continuously improve and support Manitoba's research community.

Transparency

RITHIM will provide transparency through the tracking of applications in the new electronic system and through regular reporting on CHIPER activities and the system. We will review our policies and guidelines to ensure that RITHIM remains flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the research community in Manitoba.