Leadership Awards

Nathaniel has shown outstanding leadership in co-designing the animation and activity book for "The Participators". He is passionate about educating young patients about clinical trials and his lived experience participating in multiple clinical trials is inspirational. His superhero characters, Flare and Blaze, have captured the imagination of children and families worldwide, making it easier for them to understand the importance of participating in clinical research. His creation was awarded a Special Commendation in the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health 2021 IHDCYH Talks Video Competition.

The Participators is now being used by research teams and clinical groups in various therapeutic areas which is a testament to the reach and impact it has had. Furthermore, his advocacy work as an ambassador for Childhood Cancer Canada and volunteer work for C17, and development of the website for PROFYLE truly showcase the breadth of his ability. He is an inspiration to all of us, and we hope he continues to inspire others to participate in meaningful initiatives like The Participators, bringing about positive change in the healthcare community.

Bruce Deachman has displayed exceptional and courageous reporting and storytelling during an unprecedented respiratory viral season. His diligent and thoughtful approach provided the community with unparalleled access to the impact of the viral surge on patients and front-line workers.

Deachman's dedication to accuracy and integrity was evident in the countless hours he spent speaking to nurses, physicians, and parents to paint a vivid picture of the challenges they faced during this difficult time. His resulting feature went beyond mere statistics, delivering a message of hope and awareness that resonated with staff and the community alike.

Deachman's professionalism and innovation are especially noteworthy given the challenges faced by the traditional media industry today. Through his work, Deachman has demonstrated the importance of traditional media in delivering impactful stories that matter.

Alex Munter’s exemplary leadership skills have brought about transformative changes in child and youth healthcare in Canada. He has empowered the voices of children and youth, creating inclusive and supportive environments at CHEO through effective communication channels. His advocacy for a dedicated team in Ottawa to meet the unique needs of children, youth, and families has created an integrated and streamlined care system in the Champlain region.

His work during the pandemic, particularly leading CHEO through the opening of Canada’s first pediatric virtual emergency service and advocating for the creation of Canada’s first Partial Hospitalization Program for Eating Disorders, has expanded treatment capacity and improved access to care. His advocacy for children’s health during and after the pandemic showcases his passion for positive change in pediatric healthcare.

Also, his exceptional leadership and visionary approach have revolutionized child and youth healthcare, and his dedication to advocacy and improving services for families have had a broad impact on all aspects of child and youth health. His innovative system-level leadership and ability to bring a novel approach to addressing child and youth health system challenges have made him a deserving recipient of this award.

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Dr. David Johnson’s impressive leadership in children's healthcare has had a significant impact on the health and well-being of children, youth, and their families in Alberta and across Canada. His prolific research and knowledge translation are truly inspiring, and as a pediatric emergency physician and toxicologist, his contributions have been invaluable. His research on the management of common childhood respiratory emergencies and dedication to implementing the best evidence in managing these diseases is commendable.

Also, his work as one of the co-founders of Pediatric Emergency Research Canada and Translating Emergency Knowledge about Kids demonstrates his visionary approach and innovation in the field of healthcare. His passion for knowledge translation and implementation science has inspired many to build engaged networks and champion high-quality evidence. His mentorship has been instrumental in improving practice in children's healthcare.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is being recognized for its unwavering dedication to providing palliative care and improving the quality of life for children and their families. As the first free-standing children’s hospice in North America, Canuck Place has gained international recognition as a leader in pediatric palliative care. The launch of the Canuck Place Research Initiative (CPRI) in 2022 highlights the organization’s commitment to research, with the initiative focusing on longitudinal studies of children with life-threatening illnesses, epidemiology of children with these conditions, and outcomes of care while engaging in 25 projects and publishing 21 research findings. Additionally, Canuck Place’s partnership with Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration is helping to improve pediatric cancer care globally.

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The Kids Come First Health Team has been recognized for its groundbreaking work in transforming how children and youth access healthcare in Eastern Ontario. Kids Come First is an organization or organizations comprised of 60 organizations, youth/ family partners, and nearly 1,100 physicians who all come together to develop innovative services and programs. Kids Come First's efforts in transforming home and community care for children and youth with complex medical needs have been integral to promoting access to care and improving health outcomes. Notably, the team’s development and implementation of the Francophone Report and Interactive Platform have been critical in providing care to French-speaking families. The completion of the implementation plan for Kids Come First's regional coordinated access, navigation, and clinical services, and the successful integration of the Mental Health Addiction Nurses program have also been key achievements. Finally, the Routine Immunization Strategy being promoted by the team has been integral in promoting good health for generations to come.

The recipient of the 2023 Children's Healthcare Canada Award for Family and Person-Centred Care is 1Call1Click.ca, for their exceptional work in creating a regional, bilingual, coordinated access and navigation service for children, youth, families, and primary care providers. The team's approach to addressing the mental health, addictions, and substance use needs of children and youth has been innovative and collaborative, and they have demonstrated a dedication to improving the experience of those they serve.

What makes the 1Call1Click.ca team stand out is their focus on simplifying the process of connecting local children, youth, and families to the right mental health and addiction services at the right time. By listening to community members, they have created an efficient and effective navigation service that has moved mountains in terms of the value it delivers to those who use it. The team's commitment to improving healthcare delivery and promoting a better human experience is truly commendable.