Keynote Speakers 2026

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

Josh Nye, Royal Bank of Canada

Josh Nye is a Senior Economist at RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM). His macro research and forecasting support RBC GAM’s portfolio managers and help inform the firm’s asset allocation decisions. Josh contributes to the Macro Economic and Strategy team’s thought leadership, including the #MacroMemo and Global Investment Outlook.

Prior to joining RBC GAM, Josh spent two years as a Fixed Income Strategist with RBC Dominion Securities, where he co-managed portfolios and conducted research on rates, macro, credit, and preferred shares. He spent the first 10 years of his career with RBC’s Economics & Thought Leadership team, where he built a reputation as a trusted voice on economic issues ranging from monetary and fiscal policy to currencies and commodities, energy and manufacturing, international trade, and small business.

Josh studied economics at the University of Western Ontario and has a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.

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

Timothy Caulfield

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)

Austin Smeenk, Paralympic Champion

Austin Smeenk is a Canadian Paralympic champion and world record holder in wheelchair racing, representing the T34 classification. Born with spastic paraplegia, a hereditary condition that affects muscle control and mobility in his lower limbs, Austin’s journey is one of resilience, focus, and unyielding determination. Growing up in Oakville, Ontario, Austin Smeenk was introduced to adaptive sports at a young age, discovering his passion for wheelchair racing early on.

Austin’s breakthrough came as he began setting records on the track. His dedication to training and commitment to excellence culminated in world records for the 400m and 800m events, solidifying his status as one of the fastest athletes in his class. At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Austin’s hard work paid off with a gold medal in the 800m and a bronze in the 100m. Austin Smeenk's victories not only brought pride to Canada but also inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams regardless of physical challenges.

Off the track, Austin is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities in sports. Austin Smeenk uses his platform to speak at events, sharing his journey and the lessons learned from years of competition. Austin Smeenk motivational speeches are centered around themes of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of setting goals that push boundaries. Austin Smeenk believes that true strength is defined not by the absence of obstacles but by the ability to overcome them.

Austin’s commitment extends beyond athletics. Austin Smeenk is also involved in community initiatives that encourage youth with disabilities to participate in sports, promoting physical activity as a means of empowerment. Austin Smeen’s story serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that limitations are merely opportunities for greatness.

Driven by his competitive spirit and desire to inspire others, Austin Smeenk continues to train and compete at the highest levels, with his sights set on breaking more records and achieving greater milestones. Austin Smeenk's legacy is not just measured in medals but in the lives he touches with his message of resilience and unshakable faith in the power of perseverance.

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 | Providence Health Care

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 | Fraser Health

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 | Vancouver Coastal Health

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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