Keynote Speakers

Dr. Michael Kidd

2018 Ian McWhinney Keynote Address: A Call to Heal

November 14, 2018 | 8:00 a.m. | MTCC Level 800

Gain invaluable insights into the global movement toward universal health coverage and reflect on the roles physicians play in research and in the education and advancement of the family medicine workforce with Dr. Michael Kidd.

Dr. Kidd is a professor in and Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, and is a family doctor with special interests in mental health, Indigenous health, and the care of people with HIV. He is a past president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and from 2013 to 2016 he served as president of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA). Dr. Kidd has also served as a consultant to the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and UNAIDS.

Neil Pasricha

The Happiness Equation

November 15, 2018 | 8:00 a.m. | MTCC Level 800

Walk away with a groundbreaking framework you can use to skyrocket into happiness, reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve both professional and personal relationships with Neil Pasricha, the bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation. Neil will provide step-by-step advice on how to improve your time management, your career, your relationships, and ultimately your happiness.

Neil has an MBA degree from Harvard University, is a management consultant, and is known around the globe as the “Pied Piper of happiness.” Since leaving the corporate world Neil has been a guest speaker at hundreds of events, drawing on the latest research on happiness to help audiences increase their performance and create more positive and productive workplaces.

Meet Neil on Thursday in the Exhibit Hall after his presentation. Buy a book and have it signed.

Dr. Cindy Blackstock

Equitable Health Care for First Nations Children:

Realizing the goals of Jordan’s Principle and the Spirit Bear Plan

November 16, 2018 | 8:00 a.m. | MTCC Level 800

In the Canadian health care system First Nations children often face waits for services they desperately need and may even be denied care. One such child, Jordan River Anderson, lived only a short time but left a lasting legacy in the form of Jordan’s Principle, which was created in his honour to remedy inequities in care. Explore the importance of Jordan’s Principle, the effects of inequalities imposed on First Nations children, and how health care professionals can provide high-quality and culturally appropriate care to First Nations children with social worker and child welfare activist Dr. Cindy Blackstock.

Dr. Blackstock is a member of the Gitksan First Nation, a notable author, and a public speaker with 25 years of social work experience in child protection and Indigenous children’s rights.

As part of this presentation, Dr. Blackstock will receive the TD Insurance Spotlight on Achievement Award. This award is bestowed on an outstanding national or international figure who has made substantial contributions to medicine, family medicine, and/or the health and well-being of the population in Canada and/or around the world.

Karl Subban

How Did You Do It? Team Subban’s Vision for Success

November 17, 2018 | 1:30 p.m. | MTCC- Level 800

A coach, school principal, bestselling author, and father of three professional hockey players, Karl Subban has dedicated his life to helping others achieve their dreams. Discover how to implement leadership and teamwork strategies to triumph in all aspects of life. Karl will share a proven framework for success that educators and community leaders can use to improve their resilience, perseverance, and goal setting. Be inspired and learn how to master your greatest gift—your potential.