Agenda
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Pre-Conference Virtual Workshops
March 24, 2026
Day 1 – Main Conference
March 25, 2026
Registration & Networking Continental Breakfast
Daphne LainsonPrincipalSmart & Biggar LLP
Alexandra ChambersSenior Market Access ManagerBayer
North American Policies Affecting Market Access
Andrea LadouceurPresident & Chief Executive OfficerBioscience Association Manitoba
Simona ZarGovernment RelationsCanadian Association for Pharmacy Distribution Management (CAPDM)
Chad MitchellSenior Associate, Health and Life SciencesGlobal Public Affairs
As international regulatory, pricing, and access frameworks continue to evolve, this session will explore how Canada can strengthen its global positioning while supporting innovation, collaboration, and patient access. The discussion will focus on strategic, cross-cutting policy considerations, including international alignment, regulatory cooperation, and strong leadership in enabling system-wide progress.
- Enhancing Canada’s position in the global pharmaceutical landscape
- Fostering collaboration to drive innovation and improve patient access
- Leveraging leadership to guide effective policy and regulatory progress
Kirsten AxelsenSenior Policy AdvisorDLA Piper (New York)
Douglas ClarkFounderAgathon ConsultingFormer CEO, pCPA
Christian OuelletVP, Corporate AffairsSandoz Canada
Eric TseBiopharmaceutical ExecutiveBiogen Canada
Chris HannayReporterThe Globe and Mail
The U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) policies and import tariffs are introducing uncertainty into Canada’s pharmaceutical landscape. This roundtable will explore how MFN pricing policies and drug import tariffs may reshape Canada’s pharmaceutical landscape. Participants will engage in an open, forward-looking discussion on pricing pressure, market access risks, and strategic planning in an environment of regulatory and political uncertainty.
- Understanding MFN policies and import tariffs on pricing and access
- Identifying challenges for manufacturers, payers, and policymakers
- Implementing strategies to mitigate risk and maintain market access
Morning Coffee & Networking
Guillaume CouillardDirector GeneralPatented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB)
Farah JivrajHead of Market Access, Policy and Stakeholder RelationsBiogen Canada
Understand the 2026 PMPRB guidelines on pricing, compliance, and market access and gain practical insights to anticipate challenges and plan effectively in Canada’s evolving pharmaceutical landscape.
- Understanding the impact of 2026 PMPRB guidelines on drug pricing and market access
- Identifying compliance requirements and anticipating regulatory challenges
- Developing strategies for effective market access planning in Canada’s evolving pharmaceutical environment
- Gaining practical insights to align business decisions with policy changes
Networking Lunch
Andrea MastersDirector, Strategic Access & PricingHoffmans-La Roche Limited
Christina SitManager, Advocacy and Community EngagementLeukemia & Lymphoma Society
Mauro ChiesCEOpCPA
Dominic TanDeputy CEOpan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA)
Alexandra ChambersSenior Market Access ManagerBayer
Canada’s public drug coverage is evolving to deliver therapies faster. In this session, explore the pCPA’s new expedited negotiation pathways, including the Early Negotiation Process (ENP) for Project Orbis drugs and the Targeted Negotiation Process (TNP) for non-complex therapies. Learn how these proposed innovations aim to shorten negotiation timelines, enhance collaboration, and accelerate patient access to innovative treatments.
- Understanding how ENP and TNP streamline negotiation processes
- Assessing the potential impact on manufacturers, payers, and patient access
- Understanding how the pCPA is evolving to address pressures and opportunities in the pharmaceutical ecosystem.
Brooklyn KostiukCustomer Success Manager - Sustainable Health Tech, Market AccessLyfegen
Louise BinderHealth Policy ConsultantSave Your Skin Foundation
Explore how real-world evidence (RWE) is applied to Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and payer decision-making. The discussion will cover practical strategies for designing and analyzing RWE, meeting regulatory and payer requirements, and demonstrating the value, safety, and effectiveness of therapies.
- Applying RWE to support HTA submissions and coverage decisions
- Designing and analyzing RWE to meet payer and regulatory expectations
- Learning from real-world case examples that influenced access and reimbursement
Afternoon Refreshment & Networking Break
Martine EliasCEOMyeloma Canada
Gerry JeffcottSenior Associate3Sixty Public Affairs
Lisa MachadoExecutive DirectorCanadian CML Network
Chander SehgalHead of Access, Pricing & External Engagement (APEX)UCB Canada
Sang Mi LeeExecutive DirectorMORSE Consulting Inc.
High-cost therapies, from gene and cell therapies to breakthrough oncology drugs, offer life-changing outcomes but present challenges in funding, distribution, and patient access. This session explores how Canada can balance innovation with affordability, develop sustainable reimbursement strategies, and ensure equitable access for all patients.
- Strategies for managing access and funding of high-cost therapies in Canada
- Insights into fostering innovation while maintaining healthcare sustainability
- Approaches to ensure equitable patient access across public and private payers
Alex HainesDirector, Health EconomicsCanada’s Drug Agency
Ursula MannPrincipal and Chief Patient OfficerPatient Voice Partners
Calum NeishSenior Principal, Real World SolutionsIQVIA
Julie FrappierPresident & Founder, TOWWERS ProgramData4Actions
Explore how advanced analytics, real-world evidence, and predictive modeling are transforming decision-making across healthcare systems. Learn how integrated data can reveal trends, support strategic planning, and improve access, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
- Gaining practical insights on applying data to drive strategic, evidence-based decisions
- Translating analytics into effective strategies that improve access and performance
- Applying predictive tools and real-world evidence to anticipate trends and inform planning
Conference Adjourns to Day 2
Day 2 – Main Conference
March 26, 2026
Networking & Continental Breakfast
Tijana FazlagicExecutive Director, Therapeutic Assessment & AccessBC Ministry of Health
Farah JivrajHead of Market Access, Policy and Stakeholder RelationsBiogen Canada
Jida El HajjarChair Board of DirectorsCanadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD)
Tammy MooreCEO, Board of DirectorsALS Canada
Francois ThébergeGeneral ManagerAtaxia Canada
Gail AttaraCEO and Co-FounderGastrointestinal Society
Hear directly from patients and advocacy representatives on challenges and successes in accessing therapies. This solution-focused panel will examine current policies, payer perspectives, and industry decision-making to overcome barriers to access.
- Understanding access challenges from the patient’s perspective
- Developing practical strategies for improving policy, payer, and industry decision-making
- Assessing actionable approaches to reduce barriers and enhance therapy accessibility
Morning Coffee & Networking
Yulia PrivolnevHead of Value, Access and PricingDaiichi Sankyo Canada
Eve BlanchetRegional Director, Health Policy and Patient AccessBoehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltée
Eva VillalbaExecutive DirectorQuebec Cancer Coalition
Scott ShiSenior ConsultantSTI Technologies
Quebec’s approach to market access and reimbursement is evolving amid policy reform, budget pressures, and growing demand for innovative and high-cost therapies. This session will examine recent developments in Quebec’s HTA and reimbursement processes, the province’s alignment with federal reviews, and the increasing role of real-world evidence. Speakers will discuss practical strategies for navigating provincial decision-making while supporting timely, equitable patient access.
- Understanding recent updates shaping Quebec’s HTA and reimbursement decisions
- Navigating provincial and federal review processes to optimize access timelines
- Leveraging real-world evidence to address uncertainty and support decision-making
- Enhancing equity and predictability in patient access strategies
Suzanne LepagePrivate Health Plan StrategistSuzanne Lepage Consulting Inc
Nicole SerenaCEOPSP Solutions
Mina TadrousAssistant Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of Toronto
Farah JivrajHead of Market Access, Policy and Stakeholder RelationsBiogen Canada
Patient Support Programs (PSPs) play a vital role in helping patients access therapies, manage costs, and navigate insurance processes. However, they can also create challenges around reimbursement, pricing transparency, and equitable access. This session will explore the benefits and potential pitfalls of PSPs in Canada.
- Understanding the benefits and challenges of Patient Support Programs in Canada
- Exploring strategies to enhance patient access while maintaining fairness and transparency
- Identifying approaches to optimize PSPs without creating inequities or barriers
Networking Lunch
Edmond MargawangDirector, Formulary ManagementBC Ministry of Health
Chad MitchellSenior Associate, Health and Life SciencesGlobal Public Affairs
Christian OuelletVP, Corporate AffairsSandoz Canada
British Columbia and Alberta are advancing biosimilar adoption to improve sustainability while maintaining high standards of patient care. This session provides a focused update on each province’s initiatives, key lessons from implementation, and implications for access, reimbursement, and future policy.
- Understanding differences and common goals across BC’s and Alberta’s biosimilar initiatives
- Applying lessons from implementation, including patient and provider engagement
- Navigating coverage decisions, access pathways, and future biosimilar policy in Canada
Afternoon Refreshment & Networking Break
Joe FaragoExecutive DirectorInnovative Medicines Canada (IMC)
Kelly LoganAssociate Vice President of SalesClaimSecure
John AnacletoHealthcare Consultant-Canadian Market AccessAnacleto Consulting
John-Paul DowsonDirector, Launch and CommercializationPDCI Market Access
The private market plays an important complementary role in ensuring timely patient access to newly approved therapies. This session will explore strategies for engaging private payers, insurers, and early access programs to support faster listing and availability. Participants will discuss how collaboration between manufacturers, payers, and providers can optimize coverage pathways, enhance patient access, and ensure that innovative therapies reach those who need them without delay.
- Understanding how the private market can complement public programs to accelerate patient access
- Identifying effective strategies for engaging private payers and insurers to streamline time-to-listing
- Navigating coverage and reimbursement pathways efficiently to support early therapy access