June 10, 2024 (Ottawa) – HealthCareCAN is pleased to announce one of the health system’s most transformative and dedicated healthcare leaders, Leslee Thompson, as the recipient of its 2024 Legacy of Leadership award.
Presented at HealthCareCAN’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the award recognizes exceptional individuals who have made long-lasting and outstanding contributions to advancing Canada’s health system and have demonstrated significant and sustained commitment toward the enhancement of the health of Canadians.
Appointed CEO of Accreditation Canada (AC) and the Health Standards Organization (HSO) in 2016, Ms. Thompson has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing quality health services for all. Dating back over 25 years, her clinical roots as a Registered Nurse continue to influence her relentless pursuit of quality and safety in health care.
“Leslee’s visionary and compassionate leadership have significantly impacted both Canada’s health system and health systems worldwide,” said Alizabeth Calder, Chief Operating Officer at HSO and AC. “Her ability to inspire, combined with her groundbreaking work in patient-centred care, has been transformative and demonstrates her relentless pursuit of quality and safety in healthcare. She is highly deserving of this prestigious award.”
Ms. Thompson ‘s ability to inspire and drive change is further evidenced by her frequent invitations to speak, write, and serve on influential boards and panels, including as Board Chair of the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, Chair of Council of Academic Hospitals Ontario, Assistant Professor at Queen’s University and a member of Ontario Health Innovation Council to name a few.
“Leslee doesn’t just build teams, she empowers communities. She sees the potential in people – patients, providers, everyone – and unites them in a national movement for better healthcare,” added Paul-Émile Cloutier, president and CEO of HealthCareCAN. “She’s an architect of standards, a champion for patients, and a relentless advocate for positive change. Leslee is the type of leader Canada needs – someone who can translate vision into action and empower those around her to achieve quality health services for all, and I am delighted that today, we can celebrate and recognize her many achievements through the presentation of this award.”
Ms. Thompson’s leadership style has been the subject of many case studies and articles and Leslee has received numerous awards and honours including being named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. Today, she is an active volunteer on the Daughters for Life Foundation Board of Directors.
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About HealthCareCAN:
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of action for health organizations and hospitals across Canada. We advocate in support of health research and innovation; to enhance access to high-quality health services for Canadians; and we empower health professionals through our best-in-class learning programs.
Media contact:
Alexandria Rowe, Communications and Member Services Specialist
arowe@healthcarecan.dev2.inter-vision.ca | 855-236-0213/613-241-8005 ext. 221
