Meet the Panelists
Opening Remarks:
Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation MLA, Strathcona/ Sherwood Park
Nate Glubish was sworn in as Minister of Technology and Innovation on October 24, 2022. Before that, he served as Minister of Service Alberta since April 30, 2019.
Prior to entering politics, Minister Glubish spent 15 years as a venture capital investor, where he invested in and helped build dozens of Alberta-based technology companies. As Minister of Technology and Innovation, he is focused on ways government could harness technology to provide better public services at a better cost and higher value to Albertans.
Keynote Speaker:
Preparing Alberta for genome-based precision medicine: what policies and practices are needed to achieve “state-of-the-art”?
Health systems are preparing for a future of innovation through genetic/genomic testing. High-functioning health systems will need to move beyond historical approaches to managing technology to support diagnostic testing. Based on an extensive international review of current approaches and good practices, Don Husereau will outline what policy conditions are necessary and what is needed to prepare Alberta for genome-based care. He will describe potential solutions including examples from other international jurisdictions, and outline key priorities to make Alberta a leader in innovation and the delivery of high quality, effective and efficient health care.
Don Husereau, Adjunct Professor of Medicine at The University of Ottawa
DON HUSEREAU is an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at The University of Ottawa. He is also currently a Senior Associate of Alberta’s Institute of Health Economics. He is a freelance health care researcher, and works with private and public sector life sciences organizations to help them understand the value of health technology and its implications for health and innovation policy. He has authored extensive commissioned work on the value of innovation for the private and public sector, including commissioned reports for the Health Canada’s Federal Commission on Innovation (the Naylor Commission), the Canadian Institute of Health Information, Health Canada, the CD Howe Institute, and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health.
About the Policy Sessions 1 & 2:
The Future of Vaccines (Centennial):
The past 20 years have seen SARS, H1N1, COVID, and antimicrobial resistance challenge our health system and create the need for new vaccine development platforms as well as a new generation of vaccines. We also have a better understanding of the value of vaccines in supporting a healthier population and workforce. A panel will discuss what the next generation of vaccines will mean to Alberta, as well as the positive impact vaccines have on Alberta’s workforce.
Panelists:
Brad Sorenson, Founder & CEO, Providence Therapeutics
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Brad Sorenson is the founder and CEO of Providence Therapeutics.
In 2013, a stage four cancer diagnosis for Brad’s teenage son set a course for Sorenson to dedicate his time and research towards eradicating the word “terminal” from any cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Jia Hu, CEO and Co-Founder, 19 To Zero
Jia Hu is a public health specialist and family physician. He is the CEO of 19 To Zero, a health promotion not-for-profit working in vaccination, chronic disease, and cancer screening. He is also a physician with Cleveland Clinic Canada and Canadian Pension Plan’s corporate medical director. He has advised multiple provincial and the federal government on various health policy issues.
Ryan Lock, Director - Federal Affairs, Policy and Public Health, GlaxoSmithKline Canada
Why Bioenergy is Essential to Canada Achieving its Climate, Economic, and Human Wellness Goals (Strathcona):
The policy goal of a net zero energy economy by 2050 is massive given that 80% of today’s primary energy comes from fossil fuel sources. Through ATCO’s work to understand future energy systems, it’s clear that gaseous fuels will continue to key role in Canada’s future energy mix and this includes a growing role for Renewable Natural Gas and other forms of bioenergy.
Panelists:
Greg Caldwell, Director - Utility Hydrogen Strategy, ATCO Gas
Gregory holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alberta and he is a registered professional engineer with a CPA designation.
Gregory’s professional experience in the energy industry encompasses expertise in Engineering, Business Development, Regulatory Strategy and Policy Development.
At present his direct project focus is being utilized in the areas of Business Development & Strategy, Utilities Regulation, Energy Policies, and Applied Innovation in Delivering Low-Carbon Energy Solutions.
He is chair of the Canadian Gas Association’s Standing Committee on Innovation and New Markets and participates at a national and international level of partnership collaboration meetings within the committees connecting with multiple levels of government.
Mr. Caldwell is engaged in the funding and testing of emerging technologies focused on tackling carbon emissions that promote greater sector energy security and searching out alternative pathways for Canadians to provide for their energy needs.
Greg is married with two children and enjoys playing hockey, scuba diving, and travelling. He is an avid reader and enjoys continually learning about new technologies and strategies to address the challenges facing industry and society.
Michael Chae, Business Development Lead - Circular and Clean Technologies, NAIT Industry Solutions
Dr. Michael Chae is the Business Development lead for the circular and clean technologies portfolio at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). In this role, Dr. Chae interfaces with companies, industry associations, collaborating academic institutions, and government representatives to develop interdisciplinary applied research projects in circular and clean technologies. Dr. Chae holds a PhD in Molecular Genetics and has over 8 years of experience working in the bioindustrial sector, with a strong aptitude for developing and managing applied research programs facilitated through liaising with collaborators, devising research strategies, negotiating contracts, and crafting research proposals. In addition, through his previous role as the Operations Director of the Biomass Energy Network, Dr. Chae has facilitated knowledge transfer and collaborative research amongst academic, industry, and government stakeholders engaged in the bioindustrial sector within Alberta and abroad.
About the Policy Sessions 3 & 4:
A Life Sciences Strategy for Alberta: BioAlberta’s Blueprint for the Future (Centennial):
A Life Sciences Strategy for Alberta is an industry led strategy for life science, providing guidance to policy makers, funders and founders to define the future of Alberta by understanding the gaps and opportunities, and how collaboratively we can work together to move our sector forward. How has the ecosystem changed since 2019, and what should the focus be for Alberta moving forward?
Panelists:
Andrew MacIsaac, CEO, Applied Pharmaceutical Innovations (API)
Andrew MacIsaac is the CEO at Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API), an industry-led not-for-profit organization that serves as a catalyst to support the development of life science products and companies.
Prior to API, Andrew MacIsaac served as the Assistant Dean at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and held various roles in the Alberta School of Business and UBC Sauder School of Business.
With a background in economics and public sector management, Andrew has successfully built bridges between academia, industry, philanthropy, and government to further economic growth and societal impact. Andrew has been part of and overseen projects that have led to over $700 million in economic impact. Andrew is also a recipient of the 2022 Edifier Award for his work with API.
Andrew has served on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Life Science Strategy Council; the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee; the Province of Alberta Research Commercialization Working Group and Edmonton Metro Region Economic Recovery Working Group; the Calgary Life Sciences Innovation Hub Steering Committee; the Edmonton Health City Steering Committee; and several other company boards and advisory groups.
Pamela Fralick, CEO, Innovative Medicines Canada
Driven by a life-long commitment to improving Canadians’ health and well-being, Pamela works with the country’s research-based pharmaceutical companies to ensure that all Canadians have access to the medicines they need, when they need them, and that Canada remains an attractive place to invest in the life sciences. Her unique perspective on the policy issues of the day is informed by her decades of working closely with patients and researchers to find solutions to some of our most pressing healthcare challenges.
Prior to IMC, Pamela was President and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, where she led the transformation of the organization’s operational and governance structures, helping to strengthen its position as the country’s leading cancer-fighting charity.
Her patient-centric perspective is also shaped by past leadership roles at the Canadian Healthcare Association (now HealthCareCAN), the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, the Health Action Lobby (HEAL), the Health Charities Coalition of Canada (HCCC), CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
Jalene Anderson-Baron, Co-founder and COO, Future Fields
Jalene Anderson-Baron is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Future FIelds. Winner of the 2022 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and recognized as one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2021, Jalene champions women in biotechnology, working mothers, and Alberta’s innovation ecosystem. As COO of Future Fields, Jalene oversees all operational aspects of a scaling Canadian biotech startup, including logistics, talent and facility management, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Since co-founding Future Fields in 2018, Jalene has led the growth of the company from three to three – 34 employees and oversaw the development of Future Fields’ 14,000 square feet lab and office headquarters. Navigating the expansion of Future Fields’ operations in Edmonton, Jalene highlights the Edmonton bioeconomy to an international audience, as well as provides insights to local bodies, including the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Business Growth and Opportunities.
The Challenges of Medical Device Development (Strathcona):
Following on the session at September’s Health and Life Sciences Showcase, Health Canada, MEDTECH Canada and local SMEs will discuss what industry sees as their biggest challenges when seeking approval to bring a device to market.
Panelists:
David Boudreau, Director General, Health Canada
David Boudreau has a biochemistry degree and a chemical engineering degree with honour, both from the University of Ottawa. While at university he did lab work at the National Research Council (NRC). Once he completed his studies, he worked for three years at i-STAT, as a Process Engineer in the manufacturing of medical devices for blood tests. He then joined the Patent Office at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) in January 2004, as a Patent Examiner, where he specialized in diagnostic methods, and devices thereof.
In March 2010, he joined the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL), as Special Advisor. In January 2014, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Director and was in charge of external audits and evaluations. As OCOL is an Agent of Parliament, he was exposed to the wiring of the government.
In November 2014, he came back to the Patent Office as Director, where he was responsible for a group of 145 employees in the sectors of Quality, IT, Training and Operations. In January 2018, he has taken on new challenges at Health Canada, as Executive Director of the Medical Devices Bureau, and then in January 2020, the role of Director General of the Medical Devices Directorate.
Sandi Wright, Founder and CEO, Andau Medical
Sandi Wright is the Founder & CEO of Andau Medical, a North American Medical Device company headquartered in Edmonton. Sandi has over 20 years of experience in sales leadership with some of the largest and most recognized global companies in the medical device industry including Nestlé Healthcare Nutrition, Baxter, Cardinal Health and Philips. Holding a BCom and an MSc in Health Systems Management, Sandi specializes in commercialization of medical devices in the North American market, establishing value propositions that align to real world clinical needs.
Mia Spiegelman, VP Regulatory Affairs, Medtech Canada
Mia Spiegelman is the Vice President Regulatory Affairs at Medtech Canada and holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from York University as well as Certification in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Quality Operations from Seneca College. Throughout her 23 years in industry, she has worked in various Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic and Consulting companies while holding various roles within the Quality and Regulatory fields. Her current role responsibilities include developing, leading, implementing and managing the Regulatory Affairs strategic initiatives for Medtech Canada and its members in order to ensure that Canada has a globally competitive regulatory environment.
Kelly Mottet, Chief Operating Officer, MACH32
Kelly Mottet is a medical device start-up aficionado, who is passionate to bring life to new products. Kelly has a positive attitude, and always finds a way to get things done! She excels in fast-paced environments, leading the team with agility in challenging environments. MACH32 is the third medical device start-up for Kelly, with previous success in North American and European markets, and it shows. Kelly makes sound decisions and inspires the team to perform at a high level to meet her vision of success.
Kelly is a self-starter, that is comfortable with ambiguity and taking calculated risks. She has the unique ability to rapidly assess situations and provide decisive leadership. Kelly considers herself a student of leadership, constantly striving to improve and lead by example. She values relationships, integrity and transparency.
Kelly’s diverse experience in product development, business development, sales, marketing, supplier management, regulatory and quality management systems compliments the MACH32 management team.
Outside of work you can usually find Kelly playing chauffer for her children’s sporting events, she also enjoys yoga and red wine.
