Ontario’s World-Class Hospitals: A Moment for Pride and Reflection
For the second consecutive year, Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN) has been named the third-best hospital in the world by Newsweek. Not only that, UHN was the highest ranked publicly funded hospital globally. This is no small feat. The world is a big place, with thousands of hospitals delivering cutting-edge care. To see a Canadian institution standing shoulder to shoulder with the best is a moment of genuine pride, not just for Ontario but for the entire country. Under the exceptional leadership of CEO Dr. Kevin Smith and an incredible team, UHN continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare. From robotic surgery breakthroughs to remote deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s patients, to the world’s first lung transplant using a drone-delivered organ, the hospital exemplifies cutting-edge research, clinical excellence, and innovative thinking. But while this recognition is a testament to UHN’s world-class capabilities, it is also emblematic of something broader: Ontario’s entire hospital system is a model of efficiency, innovation, and leadership we should all be proud of. While UHN’s achievements are extraordinary, they do not stand alone. Ontario’s hospitals—large and small, urban and rural, consistently rank among the most efficient and innovative in the world. As Anthony Dale, CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), would frequently point out, Ontario hospitals have been global leaders in efficiency, operating with one of the lowest per-capita hospital funding levels in the developed world while still delivering outstanding patient outcomes. This recognition is not a fluke. It is the result of dedicated healthcare professionals, strong leadership, and an ingrained culture of innovation and adaptability. Here are just a few examples of Ontario hospitals leading the way: • North York General Hospital – A leader in patient safety and digital transformation, NYGH’s eCare project implemented barcode scanning for medication administration, reducing errors and streamlining care. • Scarborough Health Network (SHN) – One of the most culturally diverse hospital networks in Canada, SHN has built tailored healthcare solutions for its multicultural communities, making it a national leader in health equity and inclusion. • Trillium Health Partners (THP) – Partnered with Signal 1 to integrate AI technology into patient care, improving efficiency and outcomes while setting the standard for AI-driven healthcare transformation. • Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) – A recognized leader in leadership development, HHS runs programs that train the next generation of hospital administrators and healthcare executives, ensuring long-term institutional excellence. • Belleville General Hospital (QHC) – Under Stacey Daub’s leadership, QHC has focused on community engagement and healthcare innovation, ensuring that rural and regional care remains at the forefront of healthcare delivery. These hospitals, alongside many others across the province, demonstrate the strength of Ontario’s healthcare system as a whole. While the University Health Network (UHN) exemplifies the exceptional quality of Ontario’s healthcare institutions, it’s important to recognize that Canada’s commitment to medical excellence extends across the nation. In Alberta, groundbreaking advancements such as the development of MRI-compatible robotic neurosurgery systems have revolutionized surgical precision. Additionally, the Edmonton Protocol for islet transplantation has significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with hard-to-control diabetes. In Manitoba, St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg is home to the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, conducting leading-edge research at the cellular and molecular levels. Meanwhile, Vancouver General Hospital in British Columbia houses the world’s largest facility dedicated to spinal cord injury research and patient care. These institutions, alongside Ontario’s esteemed hospitals, collectively showcase Canada’s robust healthcare system, reflecting a nationwide dedication to medical innovation and patient care that spans coast to coast to coast. In reflecting on UHN’s latest recognition, Delphic Research’s Strategic Advisor, George Smitherman, former Ontario Minister of Health, shared this: “Working with Ontario’s hospitals, their leaders, and frontline staff was an absolute privilege. Every day, I saw firsthand their dedication, and I couldn’t have been prouder of the care they provide.” It is easy to focus on the challenges in our healthcare system—because there are many. Wait times, staffing shortages, and funding pressures remain serious concerns. And we must always remain vigilant in pushing for improvements. But today is also a moment to recognize that, despite these pressures, Ontario’s hospitals continue to set the global standard for excellence. The fact that a publicly funded healthcare system can produce institutions ranked among the top three in the world—and that this is not an isolated success story but part of a broader trend of excellence—deserves recognition, respect, and pride. Ontario’s hospitals are not just surviving—they are leading the world. And that is something worth celebrating.
Hitting Pause: What Trudeau’s Prorogation Means for Canada’s Parliament
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party. The individual who succeeds him in the upcoming leadership race will also assume the role of Prime Minister of Canada and is expected to lead the party into the next federal election, whenever that might occur. While not entirely unexpected—speculation about Trudeau’s resignation has been mounting for some time—today’s announcement comes amidst a growing sense that his leadership had become untenable. In recent weeks, an increasing number of Liberal MPs publicly called for Trudeau to step down, a sign that internal party pressure had reached a breaking point. To facilitate the leadership election and address what he described as “parliamentary paralysis,” Trudeau also requested the Governor General to prorogue Parliament. The Governor General agreed to this request, bringing the current session of Parliament to an official end. This decision, while politically charged, is entirely legitimate and constitutional. Prorogation is a standard prerogative of the Prime Minister in Westminster parliamentary systems, though it has been used controversially in the past to navigate political challenges. This blog focuses on prorogation as a parliamentary mechanism: what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Prorogation is a parliamentary convention that formally ends a session of Parliament. It is a procedural reset, halting all parliamentary business—including debates, committee work, and the consideration of legislation—until a new session begins with a Throne Speech outlining the government’s agenda. In Canada, the Governor General, as the King’s representative as head of state, grants prorogation on the advice of the Prime Minister. When prorogation occurs, all unfinished legislative business dies on the order paper. Bills that were not passed into law must be reintroduced in the next session. Additionally, parliamentary committees are dissolved and must be reconstituted when Parliament reconvenes. Parliament resumes with a Throne Speech, which sets out the government’s legislative priorities for the new session. Prorogation differs significantly from other parliamentary events. Adjournment pauses Parliament temporarily, often for holidays or scheduled breaks. During an adjournment, the session remains active, and legislative work resumes when sittings reconvene. Dissolution, by contrast, terminates a Parliament entirely and triggers a general election. Unlike prorogation, which ends a session within the same Parliament, dissolution ends the parliamentary term. Similarly, a sitting refers to a single meeting of Parliament, while a session spans the time between a Throne Speech and prorogation or dissolution. A Parliament, meanwhile, lasts from one election to the next and typically includes multiple sessions. When Parliament is prorogued, both the House of Commons and the Senate are affected. Most government bills and committee work are terminated, though certain elements of parliamentary business survive. For instance, Private Members’ Business, including bills and motions, continues from session to session. This allows private members to carry forward their legislative work, such as bills referred to committees or passed by the House and sent to the Senate. Additionally, the Board of Internal Economy, a joint committee of the House of Commons and the Senate responsible for overseeing internal administrative matters, continues its operations during prorogation to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament. These exceptions underscore that while prorogation halts most legislative activities, some mechanisms exist to maintain continuity. Prorogation also raises questions about the government’s ability to fund itself in the absence of parliamentary appropriations. Canada’s Constitution grants Parliament the exclusive power to approve expenditures through supply bills (“the Power of the Purse”) which are typically passed during active sessions of Parliament. However, during prorogation, the government can only rely on funds previously approved for the fiscal year. These appropriations allow the government to continue functioning and delivering services without interruption. If additional funds are required during this period, the government must wait until Parliament reconvenes to seek approval for supplementary appropriations. While prorogation is a legitimate constitutional mechanism, it has occasionally been used as a tool to navigate political challenges or avoid scrutiny. Stephen Harper, for example, prorogued Parliament twice during his tenure. In 2008, Harper prorogued Parliament to avoid a confidence vote that could have ended his government and allowed a coalition of opposition parties to take power. Critics viewed this as a tactic to sidestep democratic accountability. In 2009, Harper prorogued Parliament again, delaying inquiries into the treatment of Afghan detainees by Canadian forces. Both instances sparked widespread debate about the appropriate use of prorogation. Similarly, in 2019, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised the Queen to prorogue Parliament for five weeks during the Brexit crisis, citing the need to prepare a new legislative agenda. The UK Supreme Court later ruled the prorogation unlawful, finding that it had the effect of preventing Parliament from fulfilling its constitutional functions. Today, Justin Trudeau’s prorogation, while facilitating the Liberal Party’s leadership race, also postpones parliamentary scrutiny, including delaying a likely vote of non-confidence, which the Conservatives had threatened to bring forward as soon as January (although it was more likely that, procedurally, that Trudeau’s day of reckoning would not have come before late March). For those unfamiliar with Westminster systems, prorogation may seem puzzling—especially when viewed through the lens of U.S. political structures. Unlike the U.S. Congress, which operates independently of the President, Canada’s Parliament is tightly integrated with the executive branch, allowing the Prime Minister to request prorogation. Prorogation in Canada is initiated by the Prime Minister and formally enacted by the Governor General. In the U.S., Congress controls its own schedule, and the President does not have comparable powers. Prorogation halts all parliamentary business. In the U.S., legislation remains active within a Congress (lasting two years) and does not expire at the end of a session. While there is no direct equivalent, mechanisms like government shutdowns or executive orders can achieve similar outcomes by stalling legislative activity or bypassing Congress. Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Liberal leader marks the end of an era, but it also highlights the significance of parliamentary conventions like prorogation. While his decision to prorogue Parliament has raised eyebrows, it remains a legitimate and constitutional tool, albeit one that has historically
Delphic Research Welcomes Emmanuel Dowuona as Senior Advisor and Program Manager for The Delphic Academy
Emmanuel Dowuona Joins Delphic Research as Senior Advisorand Program Manager for The Delphic Academy. We are thrilled to announce that Emmanuel Dowuona has comeaboard to help develop “The Academy”, Delphic Research’s newcutting-edge education and learning component of its innovative subscriptionoffering.”The Academy” will form a core part of our offering tosubscribers,aligning with Delphic Research’s mission to elevate the governmentaffairs profession through knowledge. By investing in “The Academy”,we are reinforcing our commitment to help our clients excel each and everyday,providing them with the tools and resources to stay ahead in their fields. Emmanuel will lead the development of “TheAcademy”strategy, the development of the technical platform and thecontent it will house, ensuring that it provides a best-in-class learningexperience. This will rest on a powerful partnership strategy, bringingtogether top experts from the field, further enriching the program withpractical insights and deep expertise from top practitioners. Emmanuel is exceptionally well-suited for this role, withover a decade of experience providing strategic advice and policy analysis togovernments and government-adjacent organizations. His expertise spans systemchange initiatives within healthcare, Ontario’s education and trainingsector,and Indigenous post secondary education. He has served as a consultantfor a Toronto-based health and life sciences consultancy, as well as an advisorto the Ontario government at both the ministries of Health and Education, aswell as in Cabinet Office and Intergovernmental Affairs. We are confident that Emmanuel’s wealth of experience andstrategic insights will greatly contribute to the success of “TheAcademy” and our mission at Delphic Research. Please join us in welcominghim to the team!
Delphic Research Welcomes US Health Policy Leader David Bowen as Senior Advisor, US Health and life Sciences
Delphic Research Welcomes US Health Policy Leader David Bowen as Senior Advisor, US Health and life Sciences Delphic Research is pleased to welcome Dr. David Bowen as Senior Advisor, where he will guide the company’s efforts to expand within the US healthcare and life sciences sectors. In this role, David will chair a small expert advisory group that will lead planning and coordination of the company’s US go-to-market strategy. David comes with over twenty years of senior US government, non-profit, and industry experience in health and life sciences policy-making. David’s career has been marked by significant contributions to major US healthcare legislation, including the groundbreaking Affordable Care Act, during his tenure as Director of Health Policy for the US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). His deep understanding of public policy and its impact on health and healthcare provides unparalleled insights and knowledge for Delphic Research’s customers. Moreover, his ability to blend deep scientific knowledge with effective communication has established him as a trusted thought leader in public health and policy matters with a wide range of healthcare and life sciences organizations. David is also known for his global development work in such prominent roles as Deputy Director, Global Health Policy and Advocacy for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he developed global health partnerships and innovative financing models to combat polio. As CEO of Malaria No More, David was unstoppable in his efforts to end malaria deaths worldwide. Most recently, David served as Senior Vice President at Klick Health, where he led the public affairs and policy practice and helped launch btwelve, a venture capital studio partnering with early-stage health companies. His innovative work includes a public health partnership involving YouTube, Klick, and the Vaccine Confidence Project, aimed at addressing vaccine misinformation research. “The entire team at Delphic Research, especially myself, are thrilled to have someone of David’s caliber and experience providing advice and counsel with respect to the incredible market opportunity that the US represents,” said Delphic Research President and CEO, Jason Grier. “Over the last few months, David has already provided incredible insights and perspectives from his base in Washington, DC, as well as begun to raise the profile of the business with key customers in the United States. I am truly excited about the opportunity to work with him more closely in the months ahead.” Please join us in welcoming David Bowen to Delphic Research.
Delphic Research Welcomes Accomplished Public Servant Colin Andersen as Strategic Advisor
Delphic Research Welcomes Accomplished Public Servant Colin Andersen as Strategic Advisor Delphic Research is pleased to welcome Colin Andersen as Strategic Advisor. Colin is a highly accomplished senior executive with over 20 years of experience across both the public and private sectors. Colin will focus on expanding Delphic Research’s relationships within Ontario’s health sector, as well as lead the investigation into new practice areas to be developed by Delphic Research. Throughout his career, Colin has excelled in navigating complex, high-profile portfolios and government decision-making processes. His unique ability to guide diverse stakeholders through change and achieve alignment has earned him a reputation as a principled leader and trusted advisor. His expertise spans health system transformation, energy policy, government relations, and digital wellness, making him a valuable asset to Delphic Research. Colin has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by government affairs professionals, having served as a former senior public servant in the Ontario government, across multiple portfolios, including as associate deputy minister for Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Colin understands how the machinery of government works unlike few others. As deputy minister for the ministries of Finance and Revenue, he oversaw the development of five Ontario budgets and, as Secretary of Treasury Board, he would play an even more pivotal role in how the execution of those budgets would be managed. His time in Cabinet Office, as deputy minister for policy, also provided him with a unique perch across the whole of the Ontario government, its priorities, and operations. Colin’s depth of expertise also extends to the energy sector, where he spent six years at CEO of the Ontario Power Authority, as well as serving as chair of the Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation and nearly seven years leading the Energy Council of Canada as it’s board chair. Most recently, Colin was Executive VP for digital health company, Mind Beacon, where he also led its public sector practice up until the company’s recent acquisition.
Delphic Research Welcomes Brad Sinclair as Strategic Advisor for Ontario’s Health Sector
Delphic Research is thrilled to welcome Brad Sinclair, a distinguished health and public policy leader with over 35 years of experience, as our new Strategic Advisor for Ontario’s health sector, with a particular focus on regulated health professions. In his new role, Brad will provide strategic counsel to Jason Grier, Delphic Research Founder and CEO, on expanding the reach of the company’s subscription-based information platform to a broader group of health and life science clients. In parallel, Brad will lead efforts to develop an education and talent development focus practice vertical. Brad’s extensive career includes key roles such as Chief of Staff for Health & Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman, Founding Executive Director of HealthForceOntario Marketing & Recruitment Agency, Executive Director of IMG-Ontario, and Director of the Ontario Council of Teaching Hospitals. He has also served as the Director of Health Sciences for the Council of Ontario Universities and Secretary to the Council for the Council of Ontario Universities. Throughout his career, Brad has navigated the complex landscape of health human resources (HHR), working with government, academic health sciences, health professional regulatory colleges, and associations. His expertise in discussion, negotiation, compromise, and data-driven policy has positioned him at the forefront of the sector. We are excited to have Brad Sinclair join our growing team and look forward to his contributions in driving strategic growth and innovation at Delphic Research.
Former Ontario Deputy Premier George Smitherman Joins Delphic Research as Senior Strategic Advisor
Delphic Research is pleased to announce that George Smitherman, former Deputy Premier of Ontario and cabinet minister will be joining the company as Senior Strategic Advisor. In this new role, George will provide senior strategic counsel and support to Jason Grier, Delphic Research’s founder and CEO, in his work to expand the company’s reach and impact with its customers and stakeholders. George will also work closely with Mark Smithyes, Delphic Research’s National Director, Health and Life Sciences, as he continues to grow that practice vertical. George is well-known as an accomplished public affairs specialist having spent more than 40 years working in and around politics and government. Before being elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1999, he worked in political service to politicians at all three levels of government. In 2003, George went on to become the longest serving Minister of Health and Long-Term Care since the birth of Medicare. During his time as health minister, he was also named as Deputy Premier, serving alongside of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. In 2008, George was appointed Minister of Energy and Infrastructure where he led the province’s green energy transition. Known as an innovative and transformative leader, George was responsible for an aggressive agenda to expand universal healthcare for Ontarians, taking bold steps to address access challenges facing patients in the province. Among his accomplishments as health minister, were important initiatives in newborn screening and vaccinations, the expansion of primary care through the launch of Family Health Teams and by doubling the number of Community Health Centres serving the province. George also championed the renewal of public health in the wake of the SARS and Walkerton health crises, while undertaking leading health promotion initiatives, such as the Smoke Free Ontario Act. Under his leadership, Ontario became the first jurisdiction to negotiate drug pricing and access with pharmaceutical companies. Since 2013, George has served as a director of numerous public companies, as well having served as CEO of the leading industry association for the regulated cannabinoids sector for the past four years. About Delphic Research Group Inc. Delphic Research is on a mission to elevate the government affairs profession through knowledge. Staying on top of the information one needs to maintain a current and accurate understanding of the political, policy and regulatory risks, trends, and opportunities has never been more difficult than it is today. Our innovative, subscription-based service leverages technology to monitor thousands of sources where information of relevance may emerge, synthesizes that information into actionable insights, and delivers that knowledge to our customers in a digestible format, with a focus on relevance and impact. More signal, less noise, great value.
Gallant Law Joins Delphic Research Group in Executive Advisor Role
Delphic Research is pleased to announce that veteran marketing executive Gallant Law is joining its leadership ranks to serve as Executive Advisor to president and CEO Jason Grier. In this new role, Gallant will act as a strategic partner and advisor to Jason Grier and Delphic Research Group’s senior leadership team. He will focus on initiating and executing new strategic programs, facilitating key executive decision-making, prioritizing and managing major cross-functional projects and representing the senior leadership team to key stakeholders. Gallant is a passionate, award-winning business professional armed with more than 15 years experience translating consumer insights into impactful Business to Consumer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B) strategies with top tier global organizations. Gallant brings to Delphic Research multidisciplinary expertise in working with executive leadership, board directors and internal/external stakeholders leading key strategic organizational priorities with a customer-centric approach. In his last role as Director, Global Sponsorship Marketing at Scotiabank, Gallant led the bank’s marketing and communications planning for its Sports, Arts, and Philanthropic sponsorship portfolio across Canada achieving business and brand objectives. Prior to Scotiabank, Gallant was Head, Brand, Sponsorship and Product Marketing at Visa Canada. In this role, his responsibilities included strategic marketing planning, national & global advertising campaigns, promotions, sponsorship marketing, communications, market research and brand management. Gallant’s extensive marketing and sponsorship experience includes integrated campaigns and activations for a myriad of organizations and sporting events: the Olympics and Paralympics, FIFA World Cup, Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Athletes, NHL & Stanley Cup, CFL & Grey Cup, Marathons, Toronto International Film Festival, Just for Laughs Festival, Calgary Stampede, Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival and the Scotiabank Giller Prize. Gallant holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration, both from Kington’s Queen’s University. He sits on the Boards of Ontario Culture Days and Square Circle and is currently fundraising chair for the Reel Asian International Film Festival. Gallant is also affiliated with a number of philanthropic causes, including the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, Art Gems, the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada and the American Marketing Association. About Delphic Research Group Inc. Delphic Research is on a mission to elevate the government affairs profession through knowledge. Staying on top of the information one needs to maintain a current and accurate understanding of the political, policy and regulatory risks, trends and opportunities has never been more difficult than it is today. Our innovative, subscription-based service leverages technology to monitor thousands of sources where information of relevance may emerge, synthesizes that information into actionable insights and delivers that knowledge to our customers in a digestable format with a focus on relevance and impact. More signal, less noise, greater value.
Delphic Research Group Welcomes Mitchell Pratt as Manager, Growth
Delphic Research Group Inc. (“Delphic Research”) is pleased to announce that Mitchell Pratt has joined the team as Manager, Growth, starting immediately. Mitchell brings a mix of experience in government relations, consulting, and startup environments. His unique blend of expertise aligns with Delphic Research’s mission to leverage Artificial Intelligence and data-driven insights to transform the regulatory knowledge space. Mitch will add to the momentum of Delphic Research’s client growth and broaden applications of Delphic Research’s proprietary ai technology, ‘Argus’, into new industry verticals. Before joining Delphic Research, Mitch worked for an early-stage startup where he focused on customer success, communications, and product partnerships. Prior to this Mitch worked as a part of EY Canada’s Business Transformation Consulting team helping clients solve problems with data driven storytelling. His experience is rounded out by work at Impact Public Affairs where he led client engagements across a broad spectrum of industries and at Crestview Strategy where he got his introduction to government relations. Mitch’s multifaceted background, coupled with his strong skills in public affairs, stakeholder relationship management, and political communications, make him a valuable asset to our team. His commitment to purpose-driven work and his eagerness to produce research that positively impacts communities globally align seamlessly with Delphic’s vision. About Delphic Research Group Inc. Delphic Research is on a mission to elevate the government affairs profession through knowledge. Staying on top of the information one needs to maintain a current and accurate understanding of the political, policy and regulatory risks, trends, and opportunities has never been more difficult than it is today. Our innovative, subscription-based service leverages technology to monitor thousands of sources where information of relevance may emerge, synthesizes that information into actionable insights, and delivers that knowledge to our customers in a digestible format, with a focus on relevance and impact. More signal, less noise, greater value.
Delphic Research Selected for Prestigious Beta Category at Collision
Company was selected to participate in the prestigious beta category Delphic Research is thrilled to announce its upcoming participation at the globally recognized Collision Conference 2023. Widely acclaimed as the largest tech gathering in the world, with over 20,000 attendees annually, Collision represents a convergence of cutting-edge innovation, ground-breaking ideas, and technology trends shaping the future. We are profoundly honored to be representing the title in the distinguished ‘Beta’ category, a reflection of our continued growth, product market presence, and pioneering contributions in the realm of government affairs. This participation not only highlights our promising strides in the industry but also offers a fantastic platform to showcase our unique and transformative approach towards democratizing government affairs through knowledge. The “Beta” designation at the Collision Conference signifies a company that is in the later stages of development and has a product on the market. This recognition is particularly meaningful as it demonstrates Delphic Research’s continued growth, the milestones it has reached and the impact of its innovative solutions in the world of government affairs. Jason Grier, President & CEO of Delphic Research, expressed his excitement about the company’s participation in the prestigious event, “Being recognized as a Beta company at the Collision Conference is a testament to the hard work and innovative spirit of our team. We are eager to showcase our unique approach to information synthesis and our commitment to democratizing government affairs through knowledge.” Delphic Research, founded by Jason Grier, a 30-year veteran in the government affairs space, aims to elevate the profession of government affairs through knowledge. The company draws on a rich tapestry of backgrounds, including government, artificial intelligence and machine learning, life sciences, journalism, and higher education technology, all focused on one goal – revolutionizing government affairs. Press Contact: Joshua Wright joshua.wright@delphicresearch.ca