Bolstering Health System Capacity, a Top Priority for OCC’s Health Policy Council

(Toronto – September 28, 2023) – Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) Health Policy Council (HPC) released the following statement welcoming its new Co-Chair as it prepares to refresh its priorities for the year ahead:

“I am delighted to welcome Robyn Saccon, Vice President of Public Affairs for BD-Canada, as Co-Chair of our Health Policy Council,” said Sara Beyer, Senior Policy Analyst and Co-Chair of the Health Policy Council, OCC. “With over 15 years of diverse experience across government, healthcare, and academia, Robyn’s expertise in shaping healthcare policy and her commitment to driving health system transformation will be invaluable to executing our priorities.”

The HPC is comprised of a diverse cross-section of health system members that bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to support the OCC’s health focused advocacy efforts and recommendations to government. The Council will reconvene this Fall under new leadership to discuss new and ongoing areas of focus, which may include:

• Health system resilience: Be it supporting the aging population, implementing Ontario’s life science strategy, focusing on preventative care, designing clinical innovation pathways, or addressing the mental health and addictions crisis, there is an urgent need to bolster resilience throughout the system.
• Health human resources: Healthcare professionals are at the core of an efficient and effective system. While some progress has been made, action is needed to address burnout, brain drain, and the shortage of primary care providers, nurses, and lab technicians, causing negative ripples across the health care system.
• Data and digital services: To help alleviate some of the pressures facing healthcare and ensure improved outcomes, cost-effective service delivery, and a healthy, productive workforce, action is needed to support innovations in digital health – including integrated health records, electronic referrals, and improved resource and service navigation. Data will play a key role in the implementation and adaptability of healthcare.

“While the challenges facing the health care system are not new, we must recognize that we have the tools and solutions along with both public and private sector partners across the continuum of health services to increase access for patients and communities. I look forward to working with government and industry to support a strong economy through a strong health care system,” said Robyn Saccon, Vice President of Public Affairs for BD-Canada. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Hélène Lavictoire, departing Health Policy Council Co-Chair, whose commendable leadership since the Council’s inception has yielded positive outcomes and left a strong foundation for our future advocacy.”

“I am pleased to have been able to contribute to the success of the OCC’s Health Policy Council over the last three years.  During that time, we have hosted a range of important speakers and developed or contributed to countless policy recommendations, always aiming to champion the collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.  I am excited to hand over the role of Co-Chair to Robyn, who will lead our Council through its next phase of growth,” said Hélène Lavictoire, departing Health Policy Council Co-Chair.

Launched in 2020, the HPC looks forward to continuing to champion the direct connection between the health care system and a robust economy.  Learn more about the HPC. For more information on how to join the Council, please contact Sara Beyer.

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align, and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services, and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Manager, Public Affairs
andreacarmona@occ.ca| Mobile: (647) 234-0255