CAN Health Network Announces Board Expansion

New Board Members to bring expertise in health care innovation, technology, equity and policy to advance CAN Health Network’s Mission

January 7, 2025 (Oakville, ON) – The Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network is pleased to announce the expansion of its Board of Directors, welcoming four highly regarded leaders who bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to advancing Canadian innovation in health care.

The CAN Health Network is a federally funded not-for-profit bringing together health care operators from across the country to identify their biggest challenges and match them with Canadian-made technology solutions. Its goal is to grow Canadian business, create more jobs in Canada, and generate economic growth from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

Most recently, the CAN Health Network announced a new partnership with First Nations Health Authority – marking the first Indigenous-led health care organization to join the Network.

Since its launch in 2019, the Network has supported over 74 companies, launched 100 commercialization projects, contributed to over 2,000 new Canadian jobs, and generated $550.5 million in revenue.

Under the leadership of Dr. Dante Morra, Chair of the Board, and Dr. Deepak Kaura, Vice Chair, the CAN Health Network is pleased to welcome the following new Members to its Board of Directors:

• Dr. Alika Lafontaine – Indigenous Physician | Former President, Canadian Medical Association
• Kathy Malas – Chief Research, Innovation, and Learning Officer at CISSS Montérégie-Ouest
• Gerri Sinclair – Chief Prioritization, Planning and Performance-Optimization Officer at YVR Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA)
• Peggy Taillon – Vice-President, Strategy, Engagement, Communications, Development, and Integration at Bruyère Health

“The CAN Health Network’s success over the last five years is a testament to all of the ambitious and talented individuals who continue to challenge the status quo in health care,’ said Dr Dante Morra, Founder and Chair, CAN Health Network. “Welcoming these four new extraordinary leaders to the Board will support more growth, and bring new ideas forward in how Canada can continue to lead the new health care economy.”

Existing Board members include Gary Ryan, Executive Lead, CAN Health Network, and Jennifer Sheils, Vice President Strategy, Transformation and Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), Horizon Health Network.

The Board of Directors is a strong reflection of the diversity of Canada and demonstrates the CAN Health Network’s commitment to driving economic growth and ensuring better health for all Canadians.

Background – Meet the New Board Members

Dr. Alika Lafontaine

Dr. Alika Lafontaine has been at the epicenter of health system change for almost two decades. An Anesthesiologist with mixed Indigenous ancestry (Red River Metis, Oji-Cree, Pacific Islander) and experienced health leader, Lafontaine completed his medical school and Anesthesia fellowship training at the University of Saskatchewan before moving to northern Alberta where he’s spent his clinical career as rural specialist. He has led and served on the boards of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, HealthCareCAN, Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, Alberta Medical Association and Canadian Medical Association.

Dr. Lafontaine was Maclean’s top Healthcare Innovator in 2023, the first Indigenous physician listed on The Medical Post 50 Most Powerful Doctors and is the first Indigenous physician and youngest doctor to lead the Canadian Medical Association in its 156-year history. Lafontaine’s presidency year at the Canadian Medical Association secured the largest nominal Federal investment in healthcare since 2004, breakthrough changes in physician mobility and strong commitments to national collaboration in managing health data and health human resources between provincial, territorial and national governments. He was also the driving force behind the CMA’s apology to Indigenous Peoples for maltreatment in Canada’s healthcare system, which was delivered in September 2024. He continues to contribute to the CMA’s ReconciliACTION plan as their Indigenous Advisor in Residence.

Kathy Malas

Kathy Malas is the Chief Research, Innovation, and Learning Officer at CISSS Montérégie-Ouest. From 2018 to 2023, she led the Pole of Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Projects in Health at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), and from 2014 to 2018, she spearheaded the Innovation Platform at CHU Sainte-Justine. A dynamic leader, Kathy drives organizational transformation by leveraging innovation and knowledge to deliver tangible benefits for patients, teams, and organizations. She co-created Quebec’s first two innovation and artificial intelligence teams—among the first in Canada—within a university hospital center, championing open innovation with diverse partners to address pressing health needs.

Kathy holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montreal and a graduate certificate in Health Management from McGill University. She has successfully implemented organizational strategies for innovation and responsible AI, fostering knowledge sharing and skill development in these fields. Under her leadership, her teams earned three innovation awards in Quebec, and CHUM was recognized as Canada’s smartest hospital in 2021, thanks to its responsible AI strategy.

In addition to her leadership roles, Kathy serves as an adjunct professor at HEC Montréal and as a researcher at the CRCHUM, contributing to health innovation management research projects. She is also a board member of the Health Innovation District and the Quebec Council of Innovation. Kathy is committed to fostering a culture and ecosystem of open innovation to create meaningful value—enhancing health and wellness for all.

Gerri Sinclair

Gerri Sinclair is the Chief Prioritization, Planning and Performance-Optimization Officer at YVR Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA). She joined VAA in April 2024 as Interim Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. In this role, Gerri is responsible for all aspects of Information Technology at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Prior to joining YVR, Gerri was appointed as B.C.’s Innovation Commissioner in July 2020.

She has a breadth of experience in senior leadership positions in the investment capital, digital media, and information technology fields.

Gerri has served on many government and corporate boards, including the Toronto Montreal Stock Exchange, the Vancouver Airport Authority, TELUS Corporation, BC Telecom, and Ballard Power. She was also the founding Director of the ExCITE lab at Simon Fraser University, where she was an English professor.

Gerri holds a Ph.D. in Renaissance Drama and an honorary Doctor of Science in Computing Science from the University of British Columbia.

She was the founder and CEO of NCompass Labs Inc, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2001.

Gerri has been recognized for her contributions to the industry with several awards, including the BC Technology Industry Association’s Bill Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award and being named one of the top Women of Influence by BC Business Magazine.

Peggy Taillon

Peggy Taillon is Vice-President, Strategy, Engagement, Communications, Development, and Integration at Bruyère Health.

Peggy is a determined advocate and leader of health-related reform, as well as a sought-after speaker and collaborator.

Before joining Bruyère Health in 2013, she led mental health reform in the Champlain region and across the province as part of Ontario’s Mental Health Implementation Task Force.

Peggy also contributed to establishing the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the foundation of the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions (formerly known as the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health).

As an advisor to the provincial minister of health and long-term care and the premier, she helped guide the implementation of Ontario’s network of regional health authorities, the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs, now known as Home and Community Care Support Services).

With Bruyère Health expertise in aging, rehabilitation and complex care, Peggy believes it is well-positioned to bring partners together to innovate and support seamless solutions as a key part of the health care ecosystem.