National gathering showcases how Canadian technology is strengthening the health system and economy
October 30, 2025 (Toronto, Ontario) – Canada’s health care economy took centre stage this week at the Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network Annual Conference 2025: Advantage Canada – a national gathering focused on transforming health care and fueling economic growth through Canadian-made solutions.
This year’s conference, which brought together more than 300 entrepreneurs, health care leaders, policy makers, and industry partners, highlighted the growing momentum behind Canada’s innovation economy. It showcased the strength of Canadian companies and health care operators working together to drive real change – proving that Canada has the talent, infrastructure, and ambition to turn its social strengths into economic advantage.
Canada’s moment to lead
The theme at this year’s conference, Advantage Canada, reflects a growing movement to unite the country’s strengths in talent, technology, and ingenuity to redefine what world-class health innovation looks like.
“The world needs more Canada,” said Dr. Dante Morra, Founder and CEO of the CAN Health Network. “We have everything we need to win – our people, our technology, and our values. When we invest in Canadian companies, we strengthen our health care system, create jobs, and show the world what Canada can achieve.”
Hosted by Diana Swain, the conference featured keynote speaker Arlene Dickinson, General Partner, District Ventures Capital and “Dragon” on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, and back again for the second time, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, medical doctor and Assistant General Manager Player Development, Toronto Maple Leafs.
Recognizing excellence in Canadian innovation
The 2025 CAN Health Network Awards celebrate the people and organizations advancing innovation and collaboration across the country. Awards were presented to the following recipients:
● The Network Award: Trillium Health Partners & Signal 1
● Groundbreaker Awards: Vancouver Coastal Health; Waterloo Regional Health Network; CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest; Shannex
● Edge of the Year: Horizon Health Network
● Company of the Year: Virtual Hallway
● Trailblazer Award: Shoppers Drug Mart
● The Wessinger Award: Frank Baylis & Kris Shah
Read more about the CAN Health Network Awards.
From Economic Growth to Health Outcomes
In the afternoon, attendees heard from a panel of Canadian leaders who explored how homegrown innovation can strengthen our economy and deliver better health outcomes. The conversation brought together Justin Hartlen, CEO and Co-Founder of Virtual Hallway; Kathy Malas, Chief Quality, Innovation-IA and Value Officer at CIUSSS West-Central Montreal; The Honourable Mary Ng, former Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development; Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg, President and CEO of CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, and McGill Professor of Surgery and Medicine; and, Dr. Andy Smith, President and CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Together, they shared how Canadian innovators, health system leaders, and policymakers can work collaboratively to scale made-in-Canada solutions, unlock economic growth, and improve care for patients across the country.
From collaboration to impact
Since its launch, the CAN Health Network has supported more than 130 commercialization projects, helping 104 Canadian companies scale proven solutions that have generated over $700 million in revenue and created 2,350 jobs nationwide. By connecting Canadian companies directly with health organizations, known as Edges, the Network bridges the gap between innovation and adoption, ensuring that Canadian technologies improve care at home and strengthen the economy.
Looking Ahead
As CAN Health continues to expand across the country, its vision remains clear: to build a strong, connected Canadian economy — one that keeps innovation, talent, and investment circulating within our own borders. By strengthening our economy through health, we can ensure that patients and front-line providers have access to the very best tools, technologies, and solutions made here at home.
About the CAN Health Network
The CAN Health Network is a federally funded, national organization working to introduce more Canadian innovation into Canada’s health system. The Network partners directly with leading Canadian health care providers – known as Edges – to help Canadian technology companies validate, procure and scale their solutions across Canada and into global markets.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Coulman
Manager, Communications
CAN Health Network
[email protected]
