With nearly three decades of experience in Manitoba’s health system, Ken Klassen has earned a reputation as a thoughtful, strategic, and values-driven leader. In his current role as Vice President, Corporate Services & Chief Financial Officer at Shared Health Manitoba, he’s responsible for a wide range of services that keep the system moving—, from finance and capital infrastructure to logistics, planning, and emergency preparedness. 

Colleagues know Ken for his collaborative approach and his ability to balance financial realities with the needs of patients and communities. Throughout his career, he has championed strong governance, transparency, and a genuine commitment to people. 

Now, as one of HealthPRO Canada’s newest Board Members, he’s bringing that same perspective to the national stage. We caught up with him to talk about what drew him to healthcare, where he sees procurement headed, and what continues to fuel his passion for making a difference.

1. What drew you to a career in healthcare?

My early career path took me through a variety of public sector roles, including a university, a First Nation community, healthcare and public education. These were all fantastic experiences, but when I got to the point of establishing myself in a specific sector there was a definite draw to healthcare. Even in an administrative role, I believe that I am making a difference in the health and well-being of individual people and families. Healthcare attracts caring, compassionate, and dedicated people and I enjoy being part of this community and service focus. 

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

I believe healthcare procurement is going to grow in importance in the future.  Along with current issues like tariffs and security of supply, governments are increasing scrutiny on all budget areas with a focus on goods and services, requiring an increasing role for procurement. Artificial Intelligence also presents opportunities and challenges and will require strong healthcare procurement leadership to effectively navigate these exciting times. 

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

Connection and collaboration are key for me. We are stronger together, and there are significant opportunities for healthcare providers when we work together across jurisdictions. Our situations and needs are similar and HealthPRO Canada’s innovative approach to be active and engaged across all significant markets and provide exceptional service to its members at a reasonable cost makes it an organization that I am proud to be a part of. 

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

I’ve only been with Shared Health for 2 years, and I look forward to supporting this young organization through challenging fiscal and leadership opportunities. I want to utilize my experience to set the organization up for a strong future. I also value and enjoy governance roles and hope to continue to serve on boards of organizations with values that align with mine. 

5. What are your personal interests outside of work?

I really enjoy going outside and being active. Nothing beats a good bike ride!  I’m also a huge sports fan and have had Winnipeg Jets season tickets since 2011. 

6. Your career has touched nearly every corner of Manitoba’s health system, from finance to emergency preparedness. How has this changed your leadership style?

Most of us tend to start out in our area of training and expertise and for me that was finance. In my first significant leadership role, the organization had just received advice from consultants to have the CFO focus on finance only until it was strong in this area. I enjoyed that focus for a time but also embraced other opportunities in healthcare corporate and support areas as those came along. In leadership roles, it’s critical that we understand as much of the organization as possible, at least at a high level, and it’s been very helpful for me to bring this perspective along with my finance base. 

7. As a CFO and advocate for good governance, how do you see financial stewardship evolving to meet the future needs of Canada’s healthcare system?

Financial stewardship is critical in our healthcare system. Aging populations, chronic diseases, staffing challenges, capital infrastructure deficits and volatile markets, among other factors, have driven healthcare cost increases to levels well beyond standard inflationary levels. Healthcare is close to half of most provincial budgets, and these ongoing increases are not sustainable. Though we all strive for a patient/client care focus, finance is a key component for every discussion and decision. We need to continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure we are being innovative and efficient with the funding with which we are entrusted.