Across Canada, healthcare teams are developing remarkable innovations that improve care delivery, strengthen health systems, and enhance patient outcomes. Yet, many of these promising ideas struggle to expand beyond the regions where they began. 

To help change that, HealthPRO Canada has launched the National Healthcare Innovation Council, a new, pan-Canadian network of leaders dedicated to removing the barriers that prevent healthcare innovations from scaling nationwide. 

Announced this week at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ 2025 Health Innovation Summit, the Council brings together executives, clinicians, innovators, and procurement experts from every province to accelerate adoption, connect innovators with decision-makers, and move proven solutions from pilot to practice. 

“Canada has no shortage of exceptional health-care innovations,” said Christine Donaldson, President and CEO of HealthPRO Canada. “Through the Council, we’re creating a clear path to scale by connecting leaders across provinces, sectors, and disciplines to drive real system change.” 

Turning Innovation into Impact 

The Council’s mission is to lift barriers, align systems, and amplify Canadian ingenuity. Members are committed to: 

• Championing innovations with measurable, scalable impact 

• Mobilizing adoption across jurisdictions 

• Removing policy, procurement, and structural obstacles 

• Building clearer commercialization pathways 

• Sharing insights and lessons to help others scale success 

“This Council is an opportunity to break down silos and create the conditions for innovation to strengthen the health and well-being of all Canadians,” said Ron Johnson, Inaugural Chair and VP, Digital Health, Innovation & Research, CIO at NL Health Services. 

The Voices Driving Healthcare Innovation Across the Country 

The Council includes leaders from every province, spanning healthcare delivery, procurement, innovation, and commercialization: 

Hugh Amiel – University Health Network (ON) 

Meghan Belland – Primary Care Alberta (AB) 

John Britton – 3sHealth (SK) 

Sara Chaput – Shared Health (MB) 

Erin Cook – CIUSSS West-Central Montréal (QC) 

Doris Grant – Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub (NS) 

Ron Johnson (Inaugural Chair) – NL Health Services (NL) 

Ross Noble – HealthPRO Canada (ON) 

Jennifer Potvin – HealthPRO Canada (ON)  

Cailin Rogers – CAN Health Network (National) 

Jennifer Sheils – Horizon Health Network (NB) 

Derek Spinney – Nova Scotia Health Authority (NS) 

Nicole Vanderborre – CAN Health Atlantic, Horizon Health Network (NB) 

Together, these members will spotlight high-potential innovations, identify system-level challenges, and collaborate with partners to build practical pathways from demonstration to adoption across Canada.