De-identification refers to a set of methods that can be applied to data to ensure that the probability of assigning a correct identity to a record in the data is very low. [...] An agent is broadly defined as a person who acts on behalf of the custodian in respect of the personal information for the purposes of the custodian. [...] Drivers of that reluctance include: (a) the impact of the disclosure on the patient-physician relationship, (b) the impact on public trust of the custodian, and (c) potential for litigation. [...] In that case the REB may allow identifiable information to be disclosed for the purpose of linking without requiring the consent of the patients. [...] In addition to the compelling evidence for the difference between consenters and non-consenters, seeking consent does result in a reduction of the number of individu- als who agree to provide data or allow their data to be used.