As Maclean’s top Healthcare Innovator of 2023, the first Indigenous physician listed on The Medical Post 50 Most Powerful Doctors, and the first Indigenous physician and youngest doctor to lead the Canadian Medical Association in its 156-year history, Dr. Alika Lafontaine has been at the epicenter of health system change for almost two decades. A mixed Indigenous Anesthesiologist (Metis, Oji-Cree, Pacific Islander) and experienced health leader, he completed his medical school and Anesthesia fellowship training at the University of Saskatchewan before moving to northern Alberta where he’s spent most of his clinical career.
Working at the intersection of advocacy and implementation, Dr. Lafontaine co-led the Indigenous Health Alliance from 2013-2017 and helped it grow into one of the most ambitious Indigenous health transformation projects in Canadian history. At its peak, the Alliance included leadership from Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba and northern Ontario representing more than 150 First Nations and successfully advocated for $68 million in funding for health transformation across their traditional territories. The Alliance was recognized by the Public Policy Forum in 2017, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presented Dr. Lafontaine with an award.
Drawing on the work of the Alliance and his own personal experiences, Dr. Lafontaine went on to found Safespace Networks, an anonymous learning platform for reporting racism and healthcare harm with active networks in BC, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
Dr. Lafontaine’s presidency year at the Canadian Medical Association secured the largest nominal Federal investment in healthcare since 2004, breakthrough changes in physician credential recognition in several provinces (including a first-of-its-kind Atlantic physician registry), and strong commitments to national collaboration in managing health data and health human resources between provincial, territorial and national governments. The CMA also adopted a long-term Indigenous health goal and began an apology process related to Indigenous patient maltreatment in Canada’s healthcare systems.
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Friday, October 27, 2023
10:40 – 12:00 EST
Friday, October 27, 2023
11:40 – 12:00 EST