LifeLabs

LifeLabs’ President and CEO, Charles Brown Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

[Toronto, ON, July 17, 2025]–Charles Brown, LifeLabs President & CEO, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his impact as a healthcare leader, innovator, and long-standing advocate and philanthropist.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and honours Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to their country or achieved distinctions that bring credit to Canada. Recipients embody the values of public service, community involvement, and dedication to positive change.

As one of the select partner organizations eligible to nominate individuals for this honour, Kids Help Phone proudly nominated Charles for his transformative leadership at LifeLabs, his relentless pursuit of healthcare innovation and improving healthcare accessibility, and his commitment to his philanthropy and volunteer work.

Under Charles’ leadership, LifeLabs has redefined industry standards, championing technological advancements in medical diagnostics while fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.

Beyond his corporate leadership, he has played a pivotal role in expanding access to healthcare services, supporting Indigenous health initiatives, and volunteering his time to organizations such as the University of Toronto Scarborough and Kids Help Phone. Charles’ support and tireless dedication enabled Kids Help Phone to launch a transformative multi-modal platform delivery system to enhance access for Canadian youth.

To celebrate this prestigious recognition, Kids Help Phone with support from the LifeLabs community hosted a medal presentation ceremony and reception on March 10 in Toronto. The event brought together colleagues, partners, and supporters to honour Charles’ dedication to advancing healthcare and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.

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.

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

Empowering Canadians: Joseph A. on the responsibility and fulfillment of delivering crucial results for patients every day

July 9, 2025 – 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, Joseph Akhras, a Senior Medical Lab Technologist in Ontario, shares more on embracing growth, supporting his community, and making a meaningful impact through healthcare.

“I was new to Canada when I first joined, so I wasn’t familiar with LifeLabs, but a friend from school who already worked here told me it was a very welcoming environment, and a great place to grow my career.

He was right. In the seven years since, I’ve received so much experience across different departments. With support from my supervisors, I quickly moved from a casual regular employee to a senior Medical Lab Technologist. I have very hard-working colleagues, but at the same time it’s a fun environment. Every day I come to work, people are smiling, they’re receptive and understanding. Managers and senior leaders, even outside of their work hours, make an effort to visit us on the night shift.

As a team, we focus on the positive – what we can accomplish together. We’re talking about thousands of patients daily that rely on us to have their results. It is a responsibility, but it’s also so fulfilling. It’s not just another shift; the results you are releasing could be crucial for the patient to get the right treatment at the right time. When you remember that there’s a human behind it, it makes it so much easier to do your best.

I care deeply about helping my community; I volunteer with a youth mentoring program in my spare time. LifeLabs makes it easier to do that. Our Social Committee at the lab organizes charity runs, food drives and donation collections for shelters, which are fun to do as a team. LifeLabs also has this great program where they match donations to charities of our choice. It’s great that my employer helps me support the causes that touch my life the most.”

Joseph’s story highlights the profound impact we can have in providing timely, life-changing results for patients across Canada. His unwavering commitment to delivering critical healthcare and his deep respect for the communities he serves is a true reflection of the core values of LifeLabs.

Stay tuned for more stories from our team members, as we continue to showcase how we empower Canadians to take control of their health and live their best lives.

Supporting Outpatient Lab Services in Trail, BC

As of July 28, 2025, the Trail Health Centre Laboratory operated by Interior Health (IH) is closing. This change is being made by IH to make the best use of their laboratory staffing resources in Trail and improve laboratory testing for patients who present to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) emergency department and patients admitted to the hospital who require laboratory testing.

Outpatient lab services will transition to the LifeLabs Patient Service Centre (PSC) located at Waneta Plaza (8100 Hwy 3B, #235) in Trail. We are open from Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and patients can walk-in or book an appointment online at https://appointments.lifelabs.com or by phone at 1-800-431-7206. Interior Health will be contacting healthcare providers and patients directly over the coming weeks to help with this transition.

All patients who visit LifeLabs will have access to MyCareCompass (https://mycarecompass.lifelabs.com), a free, secure portal that can be used to manage appointments and view lab results online.

Since first opening our Trail LifeLabs location in 2023, we’ve been honoured to serve this community in partnership with Interior Health. We will be working closely with Interior Health to ensure a smooth transition for patients and healthcare providers. We look forward to continuing to provide reliable, efficient, and trustworthy services for the community of Trail.

To learn more, visit www.LifeLabs.com or call our contact centre at 1-800-431-7206.

Celebrating Filipino Heritage Month: LifeLabs Donates $10,000 to Mabuhay House Society

[Vancouver, BC, June 10, 2025]–On April 26, a senseless act of violence occurred at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. This tragedy deeply hurt the Filipino community, and its impact resonated across the country. Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and everyone affected. In the face of this heartbreak, we are reminded of the enduring strength, compassion and unity of the Filipino community, including so many valued members of our own LifeLabs team.

In honour of this strength, and as part of our broader commitment to empowering communities across Canada, LifeLabs has donated $10,000 to the Mabuhay House Society, a registered non-profit working to develop British Columbia’s first provincial Filipino cultural centre.

This centre will be a place of inclusive, intergenerational and intercultural belonging, where Filipino-Canadians can celebrate their heritage, build connections, and preserve a legacy of culture and community.

This gift was made possible by the leadership and engagement of LifeLabs’ Multicultural Employee Resource Group (MERG). LifeLabs’ Employee Resource Groups actively represent several equity-deserving demographic groups within LifeLabs, and lend their skills, expertise and lived experiences to creating opportunities that enable community building, education and development. By leading with care, compassion and dedication, LifeLabs’ MERG members brought awareness to Mabuhay House Society’s mission and encouraged their fellow LifeLabs team members to contribute to the cause.

The donation was presented in Vancouver by LifeLabs President and CEO Charles Brown, who shared:

“The Filipino community continues to inspire us through its resilience and generosity. We are honoured to support the Mabuhay House Society and to stand beside those who are building spaces where identity, culture and connection can thrive.”

To our Filipino team members, and to all those who work to build connection and care in the communities we serve, thank you. We are proud to walk alongside you.

LifeLabs: Empowering Healthier Communities across Canada for over 60 years.

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

Standing with Communities Across Canada Affected by Wildfires

As we enter the 2025 wildfire season, we are reminded of the increasing impact that wildfires have on communities and ecosystems across Canada. Our thoughts are with the communities affected, especially those in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, who are facing these challenging circumstances. We offer our deepest gratitude to the first responders and emergency crews working tirelessly to contain the fires and protect those at risk. Your unwavering courage and dedication inspire us all.

At LifeLabs, the safety and well-being of our customers, employees, and communities remain our top priority. Our Patient Service Centres in Saskatchewan continue to operate as normal since they are not in the areas directly impacted. We are closely monitoring the situation and will adjust our operations as needed to respond effectively.

“We understand that during times like these, communities come together to support one another. LifeLabs stands alongside the communities in Canada from coast to coast. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all our staff who continue to provide compassionate care and support to patients in these communities. We remain committed to providing essential services that are reliable and accessible, while supporting Canadians with care, compassion, and a shared sense of purpose,” says Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs.

To support the communities affected by the wildfires, LifeLabs is proud to commit $15,000 towards relief efforts. Through our Employee Giving Program, we will match employee donations dollar for dollar, up to a total company contribution of $5,000, to a registered charity of your choice. Additionally, LifeLabs will also make a donation of $5,000 each to the Canadian Red Cross and the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc (CUMFI), an indigenous-led organization supporting Métis and Indigenous communities affected by the wildfires. The CUMFI plays a vital role in Saskatchewan, offering housing assistance and culturally responsive care to First Nations and Metis people.

This contribution reflects LifeLabs’ ongoing commitment to advancing reconciliation and supporting indigenous communities through meaningful partnerships and responsive action. It also demonstrates our shared effort to strengthen support for those impacted by the wildfires across Canada. Together, we can make a meaningful difference by standing with our fellow Canadians and showing unwavering care, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping those who need it most.

To check the status of our Patient Service Centres and any service interruptions related to the wildfires, please visit our website for the latest updates: https://locations.lifelabs.com/  

LifeLabs raises more than $114,000 in support of Kids Help Phone

[Toronto, Ontario, June 6, 2025] – LifeLabs, Canada’s leading medical laboratory, together with our community of caring team members, is proud to support Kids Help Phone ‘Walk So Kids Can Talk’ fundraiser as its largest single donor, donating $25,000 and altogether raising more than $114,000 in support of youth e-mental health services.

On May 4, Kids’ Help Phone’s ‘Walk So Kids Can Talk’ fundraiser urged Canadians to join the walk, either in person or virtually, to raise support for Kids Help Phone’s mission of providing free, bilingual, confidential and around-the-clock e-mental health services to young Canadians. Since 1989, Kids Help Phone has been a trusted lifeline for young people across the country, removing barriers for youth seeking support with their mental health and wellbeing, and providing counseling, crisis response, and access to a wide range of resources and tools.

LifeLabs’ spirit of support toward Kids Help Phone ignited with our President and CEO, Charles Brown. Charles is a long-term donor, volunteer and advocate with Kids Help Phone, having dedicated countless hours to support the launch of Kids Help Phone’s transformative multi-modal platform delivery system to enhance access for Canadian youth. His dedication to their mission is known to all who work with Charles, and his advocacy and passion brought awareness to Kids Help Phone’s mission among our team and inspired the LifeLabs community to champion this worthy cause.

Kids Help Phone’s sense of purpose and compassion is shared by our LifeLabs team. Our team members work every day to empower healthier Canadians by improving access to high-quality health services, and our team’s support of Kids Help Phone reflects our shared commitment to community health, and improving access to care. In addition to LifeLabs’ corporate donation, it was the generosity of our team members across the country that made our contribution possible.

“Kids Help Phone provides a critical lifeline for young people across Canada,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made together through this fundraiser, ensuring Canadian youth have access to the support they need, when they need it most. For countless young people navigating difficult moments or challenges, Kids Help Phone is there to offer connection, comfort and guidance, often as the first point of contact for mental healthcare.”

Our team’s contribution was also made possible through LifeLabs’ Employee Giving Program, which matches employees’ fundraising and volunteer efforts in support of causes close to their hearts. Thanks to the guidance of a leader who believes in making a difference, as well as the commitment and generosity of our team, we are proud to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of young Canadians.

About LifeLabs
LifeLabs is Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. 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 8 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, 2023 and 2024) by Forbes, named by BrandSpark as the Most Trusted Brand in medical diagnostic services voted by Canadians (2023, 2024 and 2025) and recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada. Learn more at lifelabs.com.

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

LifeLabs Introduces Three Blood-Based Alzheimer’s Disease Tests, Including Support Services

Toronto, Ontario – June 4, 2025: LifeLabs, a leading provider of health diagnostics and laboratory services, is proud to announce the launch of a comprehensive portfolio of and support services in Ontario that assess the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

“Alzheimer’s disease presents significant challenges for Canadians, and early detection is critical for better management of the disease,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “LifeLabs is taking a significant step towards addressing the care gap for screening, diagnosis, and treatment management with our new portfolio of non-invasive Alzheimer’s blood tests, as the information provided by these tests will arm healthcare providers with quality and accurate results to help them make informed decisions about a patient’s care and treatment.”

The portfolio of tests includes:

ApoE Test: This blood test evaluates the genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Once results are available, patients can connect with a LifeLabs genetic counsellor to understand their genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s.

p-tau217 Test: A blood biomarker test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.

Beta-Amyloid 42/40 Ratio Plasma Test: This blood test detects early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. When paired with p-tau217, it complements symptom assessment for a more complete picture.

Complementing the ongoing efforts to expand access to Alzheimer’s care, LifeLabs is working with organizations like MINT Memory Clinics, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving dementia care in Canada. With over 120 primary care sites across the country, MINT Memory Clinics will incorporate Alzheimer’s blood biomarker testing into their diagnostic and assessment processes where appropriate.

“We are excited that LifeLabs will be offering new blood biomarkers that can help in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Linda Lee, Executive Director at MINT Memory Clinics. “These tests can complement the assessments for individuals with memory concerns and help us offer comprehensive, informed care for patients in Canada.”

LifeLabs is also collaborating with experts in the industry to help spread awareness and expand the conversation about Alzheimer’s in the medical field. LifeLabs will be working closely with MINT Memory Clinics to share important research with healthcare providers to help them utilize blood biomarkers in the Alzheimer’s diagnostic clinical path.

In addition, LifeLabs is collaborating with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario (ASO) to raise general awareness about the disease among patients and the importance of early intervention, testing, and access to appropriate treatments.

“Alzheimer’s disease continues to grow as a major public health issue in Canada,” said Shawn Paron, Chief Operating Officer at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. “Collaborating with organizations in healthcare such as LifeLabs will be important as the need for early detection continues to rise. Many current tests for Alzheimer’s are invasive, costly, and/or include long-wait times, so the inclusion of new blood-biomarker tests is highly encouraging for early intervention and care management.”

With this new testing portfolio, LifeLabs continues its mission to empower Canadians with the information they need to take charge of their health, while also helping to address the growing challenges of Alzheimer’s disease in Canada.

For more information on LifeLabs’ Alzheimer’s testing services or to schedule a consultation, visit LifeLabs’ website.

LifeLabs partners with POGO to support their ongoing mission of helping Ontario children with cancer

Members of LifeLabs’ team gather to deliver donation to partners at Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). (Left to Right: Lida Mosadegh, Director of Communications and Community Engagement at LifeLabs, Melanie Grayson, Development Officer – Corporate Partnerships & Foundations at POGO, Suset Silva, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at LifeLabs, Shannon Caskey, Chief Development Officer at Director of Communications at POGO, Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs)

Toronto, Ontario, June 2, 2025 – LifeLabs, Canada’s leading medical laboratory, is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) to support Canadian children with cancer and their families. As part of this collaboration, LifeLabs donated $10,000, and gathered many senior leadership team members to come together and create care packages for children supported by POGO at their POGO Satellite Clinics in community hospitals in Ontario.

“At POGO, we know there is nothing more devastating for a family than a childhood cancer diagnosis,” said Shannon Caskey, Chief Development Officer and Director of Communications at POGO. “While they adjust to their new reality, acts of kindness can provide much-needed comfort during an incredibly difficult time. We are grateful to LifeLabs and their leadership team for creating care packages that will bring comfort to children undergoing treatment at our eight POGO Satellite Clinics across Ontario. LifeLabs continued commitment to children with cancer, survivors, and their families is commendable, and we’re grateful for their partnership that helps ensure children receive the best care and support for the best possible outcomes.”

LifeLabs team members gather to create care packages for children with cancer receiving treatment at POGO’s clinics.

As a trusted healthcare provider, LifeLabs understands the importance of supporting the communities it serves. The company is committed to making a positive impact and continues to work alongside POGO to improve the lives of Canadians and strengthen community partnerships.

“LifeLabs and POGO share a rich history of collaboration, driven by our mutual goals of fostering a sense of community and improving lives,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO at LifeLabs. “This donation is just the latest example of our commitment to supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. By continuing to support POGO’s important work, we are reinforcing our dedication to giving back and building stronger, healthier communities.”

LifeLabs’ partnership with POGO started in 2017 and has made significant contributions towards POGO initiatives, underscoring their ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact.

This latest donation reaffirms LifeLabs’ role as a socially responsible company that is committed to nurturing teamwork and making a difference in the communities it serves. Through initiatives like this partnership with POGO, LifeLabs continues to demonstrate its dedication to supporting those in need and spreading hope and positivity.

About POGO

The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) is the official fundraising partner of the Pediatric Oncology Program at hospitals across Ontario. POGO supports children with cancer and their families by providing financial assistance, education, and resources to help improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.

About LifeLabs

LifeLabs is Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. 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 8 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, 2023 and 2024) by Forbes, named by BrandSpark as the Most Trusted Brand in medical diagnostic services voted by Canadians (2023 and 2024) and recognized for having an award-winning Mental Health Program from Benefits Canada. Learn more at lifelabs.com.

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

LifeLabs awarded for role in mentoring and supporting students’ education and development in Northern Ontario

This recognition underscores LifeLabs’ commitment to addressing the critical human health resource challenges in the medical lab sector.

Representatives from LifeLabs proudly accepted the distinguished ‘Preceptor Award’ at the CTS Canadian Career College convocation ceremony earlier this month. This recognition celebrates our commitment to excellence in mentorship, creating supportive learning environments, and bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

Sarina D’Alessandro, Client Services Supervisor, and Nicole Pulkkinen, Lab Patient Technician and trainer, were at the event and accepted the award on behalf of LifeLabs.

“It’s a privilege to work alongside new students,” shares Nicole. “Their determination, curiosity and willingness to challenge themselves inspires me every day. I am proud that the skills they learn through our training program will serve them well beyond the classroom and into their professional careers.”

LifeLabs’ dedication to developing future talent has yielded impressive results. Over the past two years, we are proud to share that we have successfully transitioned three placement students to permanent positions in our Northern Ontario locations.

At LifeLabs, we are incredibly proud to improve equitable access to communities across the country. For example, our extensive network ensures that over 95% of Northern Ontario residents are within 30 minutes of a lab access point.

“This recognition is especially meaningful as we continue to work to address the need for Medical Lab Technologists in Ontario and Phlebotomists in Northern Ontario,” shares Mike Cole, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information. “Our training team is incredibly important as part of on-site work training, and I am proud that they continue to be recognized for their work in supporting future medical lab professionals.”

Thank you to CTS Canadian Career College for this award. To learn more, visit: https://www.ctsccc.com/

Three-Year Collective Agreement Finalized Between LifeLabs and BCGEU

LifeLabs is pleased to announce that LifeLabs and the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) have reached a new three-year collective bargaining agreement after receiving binding recommendations from the Minister-Appointed Mediator

We appreciate the collaboration and partnership of BCGEU throughout this process. LifeLabs has a long history of partnering with BCGEU and we look forward to continuing the strong, collaborative relationship we have built over time. We would also like to thank Mediator/Arbitrator Mark Brown for assisting the parties in mediation and for his work towards the binding recommendations.

We also want to acknowledge the incredible professionalism and teamwork of our employees in BC, whose dedication ensured continuity of care throughout this period.

For media inquiries, please send an email to Media@LifeLabs.com