As Vice President of Government Relations at Dynacare, Sebastien brings a wealth of experience spanning biopharmaceuticals, medtech, and laboratory diagnostics. A purpose-driven leader, he is passionate about shaping policies that drive innovation while keeping patient care at the forefront.

With deep expertise in corporate strategy, governance, and value-based healthcare, Sebastien has worked closely with policymakers and industry leaders to advance healthcare transformation. His leadership has been recognized nationally, including his role as co-chair of the prestigious 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

We spoke with Sebastien to hear his insights on the future of procurement, the power of innovation in healthcare, and how collaboration can build a more sustainable, patient-centered system.

1. What drew you to a career in healthcare?

I have always been interested in health and wellness, particularly as it relates to sports. In parallel, the business world also generated lots of interest for me, so I decided to combine the two to build a career in the healthcare industry.

2. In your view, what does the future of healthcare procurement look like?

With the discussions we're having these days regarding tariffs, I think the rules for procurement will be reviewed in a way where local organizations or the Canadian subsidiaries of major global manufacturers with a significant footprint in Canada will become even more important to the local healthcare economy. In the absence of alternatives beyond products coming from the US, opportunities may arise for local manufacturers to develop such alternatives, with the expectation that more favorable procurement measures could be introduced. Increasing access and prioritizing the procurement of local products seem to be the most effective ways to increase R&D and product adoption.

3. What makes the mission of HealthPRO Canada meaningful to you?

I have spent my career in the pharmaceutical, medtech, and, more recently, diagnostic sectors. I‘ve had the opportunity to lead market access departments in various organizations, and among my responsibilities was the development and execution of procurement strategies. Being familiar with the process, I believe there is room for more policy development, dialogue, and progress in how our Canadian healthcare system accesses healthcare products. What drives me the most is the challenge that resides in meeting the goals of the members from a fiscal perspective, while stimulating and integrating innovation into our healthcare system. I believe HealthPRO Canada is in an excellent position to play that role.

4. With an accomplished and impressive career, what are you most looking forward to in this next chapter?

I think that Canada has an exceptional healthcare system compared to other countries. That said, the pandemic showed us that we can be more innovative when necessary, fast track the regulatory approval of innovative solutions, and work together in ways that can help modernize our healthcare system by using new technologies, which can be cost-effective. I want to contribute to this by being an advisor for startups or by serving as a corporate director.

5. What are your personal interests outside of work?

I love to travel, particularly to places where I can scuba dive with my wife or where I can do some freeride skiing. During the pandemic, I also got back into triathlons.

6. Favourite quote or motto?

It is very simple, but I have been applying this throughout my career: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

7. With your extensive experience across the healthcare value chain, from biopharmaceuticals to laboratory diagnostics, what do you see as the biggest opportunity for government relations to drive innovation in the healthcare sector?

As stated previously, we have demonstrated that we can be innovative when necessary and fast-track the regulatory approval of new solutions. Necessity is the mother of invention. I see an opportunity to modernize our healthcare system by using new technologies more than ever before. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) recently stated that 2.5 million Ontarians do not have a family physician. The situation is no different in other provinces, and that won't be resolved in the short term. Therefore, we need technology adoption to be at the center of our policy decisions and embrace the value-based healthcare model that has been discussed for over three decades now.