LifeLabs

LifeLabs 2024/2025 Community Report: Empowering Healthier Canadians for Over 60 Years

December 22, 2025. Toronto, ON – LifeLabs is pleased to announce the release of our 2024- 2025 Community Report, titled Empowering Healthier Canadians for Over 60 Years.

Empowering Healthier Canadians for over 60 Years shares stories that celebrate the legacy and purpose that guide us, our people who power us, and the positive impact we create in pursuit of a healthier future for Canadians

The report explores how LifeLabs broadened the ways Canadians can access diagnostics, invested in new technologies that deepen scientific insight and healthcare capabilities, and strengthened partnerships that amplify our positive community impact and healthcare innovation. Behind this work, each one of our LifeLabs team members empower healthier Canadians and healthier communities through every interaction and achievement.

“Our strong connection to our [Canadian] roots has helped our teams stay positive, resilient, and committed to our patients,” shared Charles Brown, President and CEO.

“Our story mirrors that of our nation: built on a belief in access, equity and innovation that empowers healthier lives. As Canada has grown through diversity, discovery, and collective care, LifeLabs evolved alongside it, connecting science and compassion to deliver trusted health insights to Canadians.”

These efforts come to life throughout this year’s Community Report, alongside stories from our team members whose dedication, innovation, and care define our organization.

To explore the report and learn more about LifeLabs’ achievements and ongoing commitments, view the 2024-2025 Community Report here.

About LifeLabs

Empowering healthier Canadians for over 60 years, LifeLabs was founded in Canada and remains dedicated to serving Canadian communities. As Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, LifeLabs enables patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent disease. We support over 15 million patient visits annually and conduct over 140 million laboratory tests through leading-edge technologies and our 6,500 talented and dedicated employees located across Canada. We are a committed innovator in supporting Canadians to live healthier lives, operating Canada’s first commercial genetics lab and the country’s largest online patient portal, with more than 9 million Canadians receiving their results online. LifeLabs has been named one of Canada’s Best Employers (2021, 2022 and 2023) and Best Employers for Diversity (2022 and 2023) by Forbes and recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada.

LifeLabs BC – Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] Testing Resumption

Please be advised that LifeLabs BC will resume test ordering for Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) on December 15, 2025.

Due to a vendor reagent supply shortage, test ordering for Lp(a) was temporarily unavailable in BC starting November 17, 2025.

Patients that were unable to have their collection for Lp(a) completed during the collection pause may bring their requisition/documentation to LifeLabs to have their collection completed anytime on or after December 15.

LifeLabs Donates $10,000 to Women in Crisis in Honour of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Toronto, ON, November 24, 2025 – LifeLabs, Canada’s leading provider of medical diagnostic services, is proud to donate $10,000 to Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, a charitable social purpose organization that provides safety, support, information, and advocacy to women and gender-diverse people, and their children.

November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Tragically, violence against women, gender-diverse people and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. Globally, almost one in three women has been subjected to physical assault at least once in their lives with incidents of intimate partner violence reported to police rising by 19 per cent between 2014 and 2022. In Ontario alone, the number of femicides in 2024 was a horrifying 62 individuals. This year, the day will focus on ending digital violence against women and girls, a form of violence that is increasing dramatically.

In the face of these stark statistics, we are reminded of the strength of survivors of gender-based violence and the importance of working to end it.

LifeLabs is proud to stand alongside survivors and is committed to doing our part to lay the foundation for a world that is free of gender-based violence.

“On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, LifeLabs joins the call to end gender-based violence,” said Charles Brown, CEO and President of LifeLabs. “We are inspired by the work being done by Women in Crisis and are proud to support their mission.”

“We are deeply grateful to LifeLabs for their generous support. When corporations invest in local organizations, they help build stronger, healthier communities, both for their own employees and for the wider community of family, friends and neighbours. This partnership between LifeLabs and us will enhance support for those impacted by gender-based violence. This gift is an investment that will help ensure vital, often life-saving services, remain accessible to those who need them most,” said Sly Castaldi, Executive Director of Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis.

To survivors and to all those who work to build connection and care in the communities we serve, thank you. We are honoured to walk alongside you.

For 24-hour anonymous support, you can reach the Women in Crisis Crisis Line at 519-836-5710 or 1-800-265-7233. If you are in an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1 (in Canada) for immediate services in your area. If you or someone you know is experiencing gender-based violence, consult the list of additional support services for people affected by gender-based violence.

Media Contact

Media@lifelabs.com

About LifeLabs

About Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis

Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis is a feminist, community-based organization that is fiercely committed to safety, advocacy, education, and support for women and gender-diverse people impacted by gender-based violence (GBV). For nearly 50 years, we have been a leader in both prevention and intervention, helping survivors rebuild their lives while working to create lasting systemic change. Our Programs & Services include: 24-hour Crisis Line, emergency residential shelter at Marianne’s Place (28 beds), four counselling & support service programs in Guelph [Transitional and Housing Support, Family Court Support, Anti-Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault Centre] and Rural Women’s Support Program offices in Fergus, Mount Forest, Palmerston & Erin.

Empowering Healthier Canadians: The Quality Behind Every Sample

For over 60 years, we’ve worked to empower healthier Canadians in every community we serve. This commitment drives everything we do, including designing rigorous procedures that deliver answers and reassurance that patients can trust.

During World Quality Week, we’re proud to highlight how our standards and coordinated efforts make a meaningful difference throughout a sample’s journey, from specimen collection to results reporting. Behind every sample is a life – a mother, father, brother, sister, or friend waiting for trusted answers that could change their life. Standing behind that sample is a team of more than 6,500 dedicated professionals, providing accurate and timely results every step of the way.

At its foundation are our Medical Science and Quality & Regulatory Affairs teams, who work closely with our operational teams to support a customer-centred approach and ensure we consistently deliver high-quality care. Their expertise is reflected in recent successful accreditations across our laboratories and Patient Service Centres.

“Our oversight helps ensure every process supports accuracy, patient safety, and trusted results. Every result we deliver is a testament to the quality of our work and the dedication of our teams,” said Phillip Morehouse, Director Quality and Regulatory Affairs. “We’re proud that our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement across LifeLabs ensures results that Canadians can trust.”

Serving over 50 million patients each year requires our teams to work collaboratively to empower healthier Canadians. A sample’s journey often begins at a Patient Service Centre where a caring and compassionate Lab Technician draws it. Our team leads with an approach that makes this experience comfortable for patients who may be nervous or anxious.

Once the sample is collected, the team prepares it for secure and controlled transport — using processes that depend on the test requested. Some specimens are refrigerated, while others are spun in a centrifuge to separate blood components. They are then packed in temperature-controlled transport containers for pick-up. The LifeLabs team of agile and dedicated couriers then takes over. This team takes the samples to the nearest laboratory for testing, ensuring they arrive promptly while being handled with care.

“Accuracy is part of doing my job well,” said Courier Dejan Velkovski. “It’s about doing the small things like being punctual, double-checking specimens and treating everyone respectfully, and with the same attention and care every day.”

Once the sample arrives at the lab, our Specimen Management Team inspects, sorts, and organizes incoming specimens. They confirm container integrity, proper labelling, and destination accuracy, which are essential steps in maintaining quality and patient safety.

“We take great care of your samples, and we work diligently to get these important results to doctors quickly,” said Lab Technician Pamela Leduc. “When we receive critical results, we work with agility to get a hold of doctors after hours to ensure they provide critical care immediately, even if it is late at night.”

The sample is then routed to a testing department—such as toxicology, hematology, or biochemistry. They are then processed in innovative analyzers that accurately assess their characteristics, based on markers requested by a Healthcare Provider.

“Working as a chemistry lab technician, I witness firsthand how LifeLabs’ vital testing improves Canadians’ lives on a daily basis,” said Lab Technician Vicky Vu. “From measuring blood glucose levels to assessing kidney and liver function, the chemistry department performs a wide range of tests, all of which are essential to the diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders.”

Following testing, results are now ready to be viewed on MyCareCompass, LifeLabs’ digital health portal.

“Having our teams working collaboratively together to deliver high quality care supported by the Medical Science and Quality & Regulatory Affairs teams from start to finish means Canadians can trust the systems supporting their health journey,” said Phillip. “As an organization, we’re proud of the work we do and the opportunity to earn our patients’ trust every step of the way.”

Empowering Healthier Canadians: How Small Acts of Caring Can Make a Big Impact

At LifeLabs, we are proud Canadians, serving Canadians from coast to coast. In the “Empowering Healthier Canadians” story series, we’re showcasing inspiring stories from the communities we support and how we’re continuing our legacy of advancing patient care through our values of caring, agility, teamwork, and a customer-centred approach. Today, we’re sharing a story from the Burnaby Square Patient Service Centre, highlighting how kindness and compassion empower healthier Canadians every day.

Going Above and Beyond to Show Caring

My mother is 90 and has dementia. It’s tough for her to wait, and she is very anxious when getting bloodwork. Dem, the person at the front desk, was extremely efficient, kind, thoughtful, and inclusive. Dem made accommodations for my mother’s disabilities and concerns. It made all the difference, and we were able to have a visit that resulted in minimal distress to my mom. Thanks so much to the Burnaby team at 6th St and 10th Ave! — Lisa T. – Google Review

Congratulations to Dem, Ashley, Lynn, Eranda, Kara, Clarita, and Oti at the Burnaby Square Patient Service Centre! As we empower healthier Canadians, your efforts embody the values that make LifeLabs a trusted healthcare partner. Empowering our patients throughout their healthcare journey is part of our DNA. Learn more about how LifeLabs is offering support to individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s: /lifelabs-introduces-three-blood-based-alzheimers-disease-tests-including-support-services/

Empowering Healthier Canadians: How Behind-The-Scenes Agility Advances Patient Care

At LifeLabs, we are proud Canadians, serving Canadians from coast to coast. In the “Empowering Healthier Canadians” story series, we showcase the inspiring voices of our team members as they share what fuels their passion for serving Canadian communities, advancing healthcare, and embracing innovative technologies.

In today’s story, we’re profiling Operations Enablement Manager Amy Pooni, who exemplifies how agility and teamwork empower healthier Canadians.

While she may not interact with patients daily, Amy ensures Canadians can depend on critical diagnostic services. Her agility helps sustain LifeLabs’ commitment to consistently delivering answers and reassurance to patients and customers.

“Most people know us for blood tests, but they don’t see the scale and complexity of the work behind the scenes. We process millions of samples every year, and every one of them represent a person waiting for answers about their health,” said Amy. “We’re deeply involved in public health initiatives such as cancer screening programs and supporting rural communities with access to diagnostics.”

As Operations Enablement Manager, Amy makes sure the lab, and the people behind it, are always ready to deliver results Canadians can count on. When change comes, she leads the planning and preparation that supports LifeLabs in delivering answers and reassurances that empower healthier Canadians.

Through all the navigation and changes, Amy is an anchor for her colleagues as they navigate change. Her dedication and compassion ensure the team is prepared, no matter the situation.

“Amy is always taking the initiative and going above and beyond to support our leaders and team members,” said Amanda Watson, Senior Manager, New Services and Change Management. “Her calm, clear and concise approach is vital to a project’s success, and we are grateful to have her as part of our team.”

The ability to make an impact has driven Amy over the last 24 years with LifeLabs. Her career has grown from supporting LifeLabs as a Lab Assistant to a Supervisor at the LifeLabs Burnaby Metrotown Location, one of Canada’s largest Patient Service Centres. The experience she’s gained over the years has helped her understand and appreciate the importance of care and compassion when patients are at their most vulnerable.

She remembers how her role at Burnaby Metrotown allowed her to see the impact of teamwork in action and how it gave her the necessary skills to take on her current responsibilities as Operations Enablement Manager.

“This journey taught me that every role, no matter how big or small, makes an impact. Whether you’re drawing blood, solving logistics problems, or leading national initiatives, your work touches lives,” said Amy.

From supporting patients to ensuring the availability of critical diagnostic services, Amy is proud of how her career has empowered healthier Canadians.

“At LifeLabs, you’re never just doing a job; you’re part of a team that plays a vital role in the health of Canadians,” said Amy.

LifeLabs Care Packages Bring Comfort to Children with Cancer at POGO Satellite Clinics

Toronto, Ontario. October 27, 2025 – A childhood cancer diagnosis changes everything for a family. To help provide comfort during this difficult time, LifeLabs has donated customized care packages and treasure baskets to support children undergoing treatment at the nine Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) Satellite Clinics across Ontario. The first deliveries began in September, in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and will continue throughout the fall. The care packages include items such as books, toys, fidget spinners, Pokémon cards, gift cards, and more. Each package was designed to brighten a child’s day and remind families they are not alone in their fight. This donation is another demonstration of LifeLabs’ valued partnership with POGO, an organization that provides wraparound care to children and youth with cancer, from the time of diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship.

“POGO Satellite Clinics make it possible for children to receive care closer to home, helping families stay connected to their support systems,” said Lauren Ettin, POGO’s CEO. “Kids miss less school, parents miss less work, and life feels a little more manageable. We’re so grateful to LifeLabs for their generous care packages and treasure baskets – thoughtful gifts that remind families they’re surrounded by a caring community, right where they live.”

This initiative reflects our commitment to support families going through challenging times, ensuring they receive essential care, as well as moments of joy and connection along the way.

“When our team came together to build these care packages earlier this year, we were thinking about the children who would open them – the moments of comfort and fun they might bring,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO at LifeLabs. “Partnering with POGO is about standing alongside families during some of their hardest days and reminding them that their community cares.”

LifeLabs has been partnering with POGO since 2017, supporting initiatives such as the Pajamas and Pancakes campaign. LifeLabs has also contributed a $10,000 donation to support POGO’s programs and services across the province. Together, more than $340,000 has been raised to help children living with cancer and their families.

About LifeLabs
Empowering healthier Canadians for over 60 years, LifeLabs was founded in Canada and remains dedicated to serving Canadian communities. As Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, LifeLabs enables patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent disease. We support over 15 million patient visits annually and conduct over 140 million laboratory tests through leading-edge technologies and our 6,500 talented and dedicated employees located across Canada. We are a committed innovator in supporting Canadians to live healthier lives, operating Canada’s first commercial genetics lab and the country’s largest online patient portal, with more than 9 million Canadians receiving their results online. LifeLabs has been named one of Canada’s Best Employers (2021, 2022 and 2023) and Best Employers for Diversity (2022 and 2023) by Forbes and recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada.

About POGO

Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) provides wraparound care for families, from the time of their child’s cancer diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. POGO works to ensure that everyone affected by childhood cancer has access to the best care and support. We partner to achieve an excellent childhood cancer care system for children, youth, survivors, and their families and healthcare teams, in Ontario and beyond. POGO champions childhood cancer care, and as the collective voice of this community, is the official advisor to Ontario’s Ministry of Health on children’s cancer control and treatment. POGO is a non-profit organization with charitable status, here for kids with cancer, for now, for life.

Media Contact: LifeLabs Media Team | Media@LifeLabs.com

Empowering Healthier Canadians: Innovation in Action with Erick Camara Gonzalez

At LifeLabs, we are proud Canadians, serving Canadians from coast to coast. In the “Empowering Canadians” story series, we showcase the inspiring voices of our team members as they share what fuels their passion for serving Canadian communities, advancing healthcare, and embracing innovative technologies.

In today’s story, we’re profiling Lab Technician Erick Camara Gonzalez, whose work demonstrates the power of innovation in the laboratory.

Erick is part of the chemistry department where he ensures every sample is tested properly from the moment it arrives in the lab to when the results are returned to patients.

He’s witnessed firsthand how the introduction of the Abbott Alinity I, an innovative analyzer, is making a big difference in his daily work.

“Before Alinity, many of our processes had to be done manually, which was time-consuming and less efficient,” said Erick. “Now, we deliver results to doctors and patients much faster while maintaining high accuracy. It feels rewarding knowing that tasks are being completed more efficiently to help deliver patients’ results.”

Erick and his team’s embrace of innovative technology is advancing Canadian patient care and delivering faster and more accurate results. Through their ability to adapt and collaborate, they’re delivering the high-quality service that Canadians have come to expect.

“Erick is a pleasure to work with and always has a smile on his face,” said Evelyn York, Supervisor, Laboratory Operations. “He’s willing to go the extra mile and collaborate to get the best possible outcome for patients.”

As for Erick, he’s continuing to look towards the future and is excited for what’s to come.

Stay tuned for more stories from our team members, as we continue to empower Canadians to take control of their health and make informed decisions.

Empowering Healthier Canadians: Innovation with Care, Agility, and Impact

In today’s story, we’re profiling Point of Care Coordinator Soheila Dehghan, who exemplifies how teamwork and innovation can advance patient care.

Soheila is part of the LifeLab’s Point of Care Testing (POCT) team, which includes the Government Markets Team, MedSci, QRA, Product Development, Mobile Services, Operations, Finance and IT all working together to innovate and empower healthier Canadians.

POCT makes healthcare more accessible within long-term care through diagnostic testing that’s performed and resulted on-site, enabling faster clinical decisions and treatment to begin when time matters most. POCT is about enhancing the patient’s journey: offering immediate answers that can prevent an ER visit or guide onsite care, while still relying on LifeLabs’ laboratories for comprehensive diagnostic testing.

“POCT is so much more than just a quick test,” said Soheila. “Behind every device, there’s a comprehensive system in place, from quality oversight to staff training and continuous improvement – all designed to ensure the results are accurate and trustworthy.”

Soheila confirms these rapid tests’ precision and reliability, giving staff and patients confidence in every result. She supports long-term care staff and leads with agility.

“She has been a true champion,” said Claire Murray, Director, Strategic Initiatives. “She always leads with a positive attitude and has been an exceptional contributor on a team of many amazing people.”

And her work, alongside that of the rest of the POCT team, has led to impactful results. Thanks to this initiative, residents in long-term care are getting:

Treatment in minutes instead of days
Fewer transfers to emergency departments
Quicker diagnoses leading faster care plan implementation
Reduced isolation protocols, allowing patients to reconnect with loved ones and other residents sooner

It’s no wonder 91% of healthcare providers who participated in the pilot say POCT gives them more confidence in their clinical decisions.

“What makes me proud is knowing that our work has a direct impact on the care people receive,” said Soheila. “Every time I find an answer, I see the relief on the Long-Term Care staff’s side, and I know it means patients, residents, or clients will get their results faster. That feeling of making a real difference is what keeps me motivated.”

Through it all, Soheila is proud to lead with care and agility while embracing innovation as she collaborates on an initiative that makes a difference in Canadian’s lives.

Stay tuned for more stories from our team members, as we continue to empower Canadians to take control of their health and make informed decisions.

Empowering Canadians: Supporting Families by Inspiring Futures

For over 60 years, we’ve worked to empower healthier Canadians in the communities that we serve. As part of our commitment, we’re proud to support our team members’ children starting their post-secondary journey with our Family Scholarship program.

This long-standing initiative reflects our core values. By offering these scholarships, we aim to inspire purpose-driven careers and help shape a brighter future.

In today’s story, we’re profiling Lab Patient Technician Boxia Li, whose daughter, Hanna Gyorki, was one of 11 exceptional students selected for this year’s scholarship. This award will go towards supporting Hanna’s education, empowering her to thrive in a new environment.

“This recognition deeply touched her [Hanna], and it has motivated her to continue pursuing excellence in her academic journey and future career,” said Boxia.

“What makes me proud to be part of LifeLabs is our company’s commitment to investing in the future of our families and communities. Initiatives like this scholarship program show me that I work for a company that truly values education and the well-being of its employees, extending its care far beyond the workplace,” she continued.

For Hanna, this scholarship is a vote of confidence in her potential. As she begins her studies, she’s inspired to make an impact like her mom does daily.

Boxia supports patients through every step of their health journey as a Lab Patient Technician, leading with compassion, care, and skill. Each interaction, whether greeting customers, performing tests, or processing samples, provides answers and reassurance that contribute to a healthier future for Canadians.

Through it all, Boxia is proud to be part of team LifeLabs and to have a network of committed individuals who support her and are there for her family.

“The Family Scholarship builds a community. It creates a network of passionate and driven people who can support each other, collaborate, and achieve much more together than alone,” shared Boxia.

Looking ahead, Boxia sees a powerful connection between her work today and Hanna’s future: the care she gives patients daily will guide her daughter as she builds a brighter tomorrow.

Stay tuned for more stories from our team members, as we continue to empower Canadians to take control of their health and make informed decisions.