Research Canada Stakeholder Action Roundtable 2026
Canada’s health research and life sciences ecosystem is at a pivotal moment.
On June 11 in Ottawa, Research Canada will convene senior leaders from government, industry, academia, health, and the not-for-profit sector for the 2026 Stakeholder Action Roundtable—a high-impact, in-person forum focused on moving from analysis to action.
As global competition for talent, capital, data, and innovation intensifies, health research is a strategic national and economic asset. This half-day roundtable will explore how Canada can strengthen its health economy, translate research into real-world impact, and enhance global competitiveness.
Featured speakers
Kirsten Hillman, former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. (Keynote)
MP Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
Ritu Banerjee, Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC), ISED
Andrew Booth, Chief Financial Officer, AbCellera
Alison Evans, President & CEO, Research Canada
Kimberley Hanson, Chief External Relations Officer, Breakthrough T1D Canada
Martin Leblanc, Vice-Chairman and Co-Founder, CellCarta Biosciences
Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs
Dr. Stéphanie Michaud, President & CEO, BioCanRX
Arima Ventin, Head, Market Access and Government Affairs Canada, AbbVie
Dr. Brad Wouters, EVP, Science and Research, University Health Network
Agenda highlights
Keynote and fireside chat with Kirsten Hillman on geopolitical implications for Canada’s health and life sciences sector
Ecosystem-wide panel on risks, opportunities, and competitive pressures
Solutions-focused panel on policy, funding, talent, and commercialization
Interactive workshop to identify priority actions and inform policy and budget discussions
Networking breakfast and lunch
Event details
Date & Time: June 11, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (breakfast and lunch included)
AGM + David Coletto talk follows: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre, 101 Lyon St. N
Format: In person | Business casual
Optional session to follow: Research Canada 2026 Annual General Meeting, featuring an address by David Coletto
After the official Roundtable proceedings conclude, participants are invited to join Research Canada's 2026 AGM, featuring a keynote by David Coletto, Founder, Abacus Data. Please register separately here: https://luma.com/AGM
Thank you to our sponsors
AstraZeneca | Innovative Medicines Canada | Novartis | AbbVie | Merck