Keynote Speakers 2026

RBC Welcome & Economic Overview (8:45am - 9:30am)

TBA, Royal Bank of Canada

Day 1 Opening Keynote Address (9:30am - 10:30am)

Tim Caufield

Knowledge Crisis: How Did We Get Here and What Can We Do?

We are in the middle of a knowledge crisis. We have never had as much access to information as we do today, but, at the same time, we have never been so misinformed. Lies, spin, and twisted science seem to dominate public discourse and policy debates. How did we get here, why do people believe, and what can we do about it? In this provocative presentation, Professor Timothy Caulfield will explore what the most recent evidence tells us about the nature and source of the current infodemic. He will also provide science-informed recommendations to cut through the noise and forge a constructive path forward.

Bio

Bestselling Author Professor Timothy Caulfield is an unrivalled science communicator who debunks myths and misconceptions about innovation in the health sector. A four-time bestselling author and an award-winning documentary host and producer, he specializes in exposing misinformation and pseudoscience. For over 20 years, Caulfield was the Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy and is currently a professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health and the Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta. Caulfield has been involved in a variety of interdisciplinary research endeavours that have led him to publish more than 400 academic articles. His research focuses on topics like health and science policy, health misinformation, and public representations of science. He has won numerous academic, science communication, and writing awards, and is a Member of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Caulfield also writes frequently for the popular press and is the author of four bestselling books: The Cure for Everything: Untangling the Twisted Messages about Health, Fitness, and Happiness; Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?: When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash; Relax, Dammit!: A User’s Guide to the Age of Anxiety; and his most recent, The Certainty Illusion, a #1 national bestseller. In addition, Caulfield is the co-founder of the science engagement initiative, #ScienceUpFirst. He has also written, hosted, and produced several documentaries, including the award-winning television show, A User’s Guide to Cheating Death, which aired in over 60 countries and streamed on Netflix in North America.

Day 2 Opening Keynote Address (9:00am - 10:00am)

TBA - RBC Paralympian

Day 2 BC Health Authorities CFO Panel (1:30pm - 2:30pm)

How healthcare finance leaders in BC are navigating system transformation, workforce challenges, and rising complexity—while redefining the role of finance for the future.

Brian Simmers, Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Health Informatics; President, PHC Ventures

Brian Simmers is CFO and VP Health Informatics at Providence Health Care and President of PHC Ventures, its venture arm driving commercialization and innovation. With over 25 years of experience, Brian blends financial leadership with a passion for technology to transform healthcare. He has led major initiatives, including enabling AI-driven operations at Technical Safety BC and scaling start-ups like Aegis Mobility and Cityfone Telecommunications. At PHC Ventures, Brian champions partnerships and investments that accelerate digital health solutions and reinvest returns into research and innovation. He holds CPA designations in Canada and the U.S., and a BA from Simon Fraser University.

Olga Kuznetsova, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Olga Kuznetsova serves as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Fraser Health, with responsibility for financial operations and enterprise technology. Working closely with the Board, Executive Team, and the Ministry of Health, she ensures financial and digital strategies align with organizational priorities and support efficient, high-quality care. With more than 25 years of experience in large, complex public-service organizations, Olga brings deep expertise in financial stewardship and accountability for public funds. She leads transformation initiatives focused on transparency, cost-effective patient outcomes, and technology-enabled improvement. Olga is deeply committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and advancing Truth and Reconciliation principles across the organization.

Fernando Pica, Chief Financial Officer & Vice President, Strategic Business Services

Fernando Pica serves as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Strategic Business Services, bringing extensive expertise in financial leadership within large, complex health care organizations. He has led multidisciplinary teams of more than 60 across finance, procurement, and contracting, and is known for advancing data-driven decision-making beyond traditional budgeting. Previously, Fernando was Vice President, Finance and CFO for Cardinal Health (Canada and Latin America), where he oversaw financial strategy, government relations, and chaired pension and compensation committees. His earlier roles at Sinai Health System and organizations including LifeLabs, Sciex, and Nordion span system integration, capital growth, and international expansion. A values-based leader, Fernando emphasizes collaboration, analytics, and building strong relationships to support exceptional care delivery.

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