LifeLabs

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.

Empowering the Next Generation: LifeLabs celebrates 11 new recipients of its annual Family Scholarship

Toronto, Ontario. October 2, 2025 – LifeLabs, recently named one of Canada’s Best Employers for Company Culture in 2025 by Forbes Canada, is proud to announce the outstanding recipients of its annual Family Scholarship Program for the year 2025.

Each year, LifeLabs offers the dependent children of qualifying employees the chance to earn a scholarship in support of their post-secondary education. After reviewing numerous applications for this year’s scholarship, LifeLabs selected 11 exceptional students who demonstrated remarkable achievements in academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their communities through acts of volunteer work and/or contributions to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“It’s incredibly important to support those within our own community and invest in our team members and their families,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “We’re proud to celebrate these deserving students and offer these scholarships to help them get a good start in their academic careers. Congratulations to all the winners and their families!”

LifeLabs would also like to thank their long-time valued insurance partner, The Co-operators, for once again contributing to the scholarship to further support our mission of empowering future leaders.

The scholarship recipients will be pursuing a wide range of post-secondary programs, from Engineering Science and Architectural Engineering/Applied Science to Business Administration, Psychology, Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Health and Exercise Sciences, and much more.

Boxia Li, Lab Patient Technician at LifeLabs in Ontario and proud parent of one of the 2025 scholarship recipients shared what a tremendous encouragement it is for their daughter’s academic efforts and contributions to be recognized.

“My daughter was deeply moved by the recognition and is inspired to continue striving for excellence in her academic journey,” Li said. “As an employee of LifeLabs, I take great pride in our organization’s commitment to investing in the future of our families and communities. Initiatives like this scholarship program reinforce my appreciation for being part of a company that values education and employee well-being beyond the workplace.”

Congratulations to all the accomplished recipients of the LifeLabs Family Scholarship Program. More on the event and to hear from recipients – watch this video.

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 Marks Fourth Consecutive Year Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2025 – Toronto, ON – LifeLabs, Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostics, is proud to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for the fourth consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and its ongoing support for Indigenous communities across Canada.

“At LifeLabs, we believe that reconciliation is a shared responsibility, one that requires listening, learning, and sustained action,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “We’ve been dedicated to serving all communities in Canada for over 60 years, many of which are Indigenous groups, and we are committed to continuing to build respectful relationships with them, creating a more inclusive future for all Canadians.”

Empowering Healthier Canadians for Over 60 Years

For more than six decades, LifeLabs has been a trusted partner in Canadian health care, delivering accessible, high-quality diagnostic services to millions nationwide. Our legacy is built on innovation, compassion, and a deep commitment to community well-being.

Since its official inception in 2021, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has become an essential pillar of our broader mission to empower healthier lives by acknowledging the past, supporting healing, and investing in a more equitable future.

A History of Meaningful Action

Over the years, LifeLabs has explored and participated in an array of opportunities to build relationships and support Indigenous communities—some of which include:

Scholarships for Indigenous Students: In 2022, LifeLabs partnered with Indspire to offer scholarships for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students pursuing careers in health care, STEM, and corporate services. Since then, we have celebrated accomplished students such as Cara Miller and Christina Tsuil-menak.

Drone Transport Initiative: Collaborating with Stellat’en First Nation and other partners, LifeLabs supports research into drone technology to improve health care access in remote Indigenous communities.

Supporting Remote Communities: Our mobile and logistics teams have helped connect hundreds of remote communities to essential health services. One example is our partnership with the Squamish First Nations in BC, where a weekly mobile clinic operates at the Kal’numet Primary Care Clinic in West Vancouver.

Donations and Local Community Engagement: Over the years, LifeLabs teams across Canada organized various grassroots initiatives, including fundraising events and educational campaigns to raise awareness and support reconciliation efforts.

Looking Ahead

Through our Stronger Together program, LifeLabs continues to build meaningful partnerships with Indigenous organizations, promote cultural learning, and support initiatives that advance equity and access to care.

On September 30, team members will wear orange, participate in educational opportunities, and reflect on the importance of reconciliation and healing.

LifeLabs is dedicated to uplifting Indigenous voices and supporting ongoing efforts toward healing and reconciliation. To learn about LifeLabs’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, visit our website. /about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Empowering Healthier Canadians: Living Truth & Reconciliation Every Day

For over 60 years, we’ve worked to empower healthier Canadians in all the communities we serve. We live by this foundational value daily to create a culture throughout our organization where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated.

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to reflect on our shared history, engage in meaningful dialogue, and honour the importance of reconciliation. Our operations are closed for the day on September 30 so that our teams can take the time to learn, reflect, and grow together.

We recognize that the process for reconciliation doesn’t just happen on the one day. It takes many people to carry on those meaningful discussions and take action throughout the day to day. Today, we’re highlighting one of those people in our organization who regularly demonstrates that empowering healthier Canadians means embracing reconciliation in the work we do every day.

Area Supervisor Tamara Watkins is proud to say that that she feels empowered to share her perspectives as an Indigenous woman in a safe environment. This includes having meaningful conversations with colleagues that inspire reflection and self-awareness.

“I take the opportunity to share a different perspective and a bit of my own story,” said Tamara. “Being able to share a part of my own experience in a safe, supportive environment is refreshing and deeply healing. Simple acts – like showing patience, offering kindness, and taking the time to listen – can make a meaningful difference in helping someone feel safe, respected, and highlight our continued journey through reconciliation,” she continued.

As part of her role as the Supervisor for the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island, Tamara and her team support many large Indigenous communities, and she spends her days visiting sites to ensure that everything is running smoothly. She is thankful for her team’s support and the incredible work they do to demonstrate care, agility, and teamwork in everything they do.

“The people I work with are ultimately what I love about my job,” said Tamara. “I work with an incredible, hardworking team who are on the frontlines of patient care every day, and I also love the supportive management team I get to work with daily. Building strong relationships is my priority, and I do everything I can to create a positive, inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.

I also take great pride in representing my Indigenous identity at LifeLabs. For a long time, acknowledging my identity felt uncomfortable because of the stigma attached. That stigma still exists today, but it is improving as more of us feel empowered to share our stories and take pride in ourselves. Over time, I’ve found strength in reclaiming and celebrating who I am.”

As Tamara reflects on her role at LifeLabs, she’s proud of her accomplishments and ability to move the needle forward on creating equity, diversity, and inclusion.

“My goal is to make a meaningful difference, not just within our labs and business, but in the broader healthcare space – especially regarding equity and inclusivity,” said Tamara. By being able to serve Indigenous patients in my team’s region and contribute to making healthcare more inclusive and culturally safe, I see an opportunity to honour my own journey and stand in solidarity with the communities we serve.

It’s also about carrying forward our people’s resilience, values, and stories, while helping to create environments where others feel seen, heard, and respected. It’s about healing, empowerment, and creating space – for myself, others, and future generations – to feel proud of who we are.”

Beyond Tamara’s inspiring words, we’re proud of how we’re strengthening partnerships with First Nations communities through our Mobile Services Team. Discover more by reading Katrina’s story.

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: Luc Alarie on Looking Beyond the Numbers for 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 Senior Financial Analyst Luc Alarie, who exemplifies our commitment to advancing patient care through his experience.

As a Senior Financial Analyst, Luc may not meet patients in his day-to-day, but one recent experience with a close friend showed him the real-world impact of his work.

Luc’s friend had spent most of their adult life searching for answers. As part of their health journey, a naturopathic doctor referred them to LifeLabs for testing, and the results gave their healthcare provider the insight needed to uncover underlying issues.

“[My friend] can do what they want with their life now. Things such as travelling and planting a garden used to be tall tasks, but are now part of their everyday life,” said Luc. “Knowing that millions of patients get treated every year, I can really consider the scale of the good we do at LifeLabs, and it makes me proud to tell others when they ask me what I do.”

That experience changed the way Luc looks at his work. Financial reports aren’t just numbers on a page; they’re part of how LifeLabs continues serving diverse communities and helping Canadians, like his friend, on their health journeys.

“Luc has been an integral member of our team, consistently demonstrating a results-oriented mindset and strong financial acumen,” said Ali Khokhar, Director of Finance. “His ability to foster trusted relationships, coupled with a genuine eagerness to learn and share knowledge, has established him as a dependable and respected partner across the business.”

Recently, Luc got a behind-the-scenes tour of a LifeLabs lab. As he reflected on the scale and quality of work throughout the lab during the tour, he saw how every sample in that lab wasn’t just a specimen, or a number. They were someone’s friend or family member.

And this mindset had an impact on him.

“I can imagine that many Canadians can relate to my own story and have a similar one to mine,” said Luc. “Being able to relate to the impact that any one of these tests could have on a patient really puts things in perspective.”

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.

Supporting Heart Health in Our Communities

LifeLabs is proud to support Heart Valve Voice Canada with a $5,000 donation to help raise awareness, detection, treatment, and support for Canadians affected by heart valve disease.

Heart valve disease is a condition when one or more of the heart’s valves are not functioning properly, affecting normal blood flow through the heart and the rest of the body. While it can range from mild to life-threatening, the disease often progresses over time and can worsen without timely diagnosis and treatment. Our support comes ahead of Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week, taking place from September 15-21, 2025. To learn more about the condition and how you can get involved or show support, please visit heartvalvevoice.ca.

“Through this partnership, we hope to spark conversations, encourage early detection, and support the incredible work being done by Heart Valve Voice Canada,” says Erica Zarkovich, SVP, Government Markets, of LifeLabs.

At LifeLabs, we are deeply committed to the health of Canadians and to empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. By supporting organizations like the Heart Valve Voice Canada, we are helping make a meaningful difference and reaching those who need it most.

Empowering Canadians: Rina Henderson’s Story of Care and Compassion

In today’s story, we’re profiling Mobile Service Lab Technician Rina Henderson, who exemplifies care and agility while building trusting relationships with patients in their home.

For many patients, having a stranger in their home can be an unnerving experience, especially during a moment of uncertainty, such as a medical procedure. That’s why Rina always goes the extra mile. She ensures that they are in a comfortable location and inquires about any past fainting or dizzy symptoms they may have experienced.

But beyond that, she reassures patients, listens to their concerns, and acts with skill and compassion.

“I usually talk to them throughout the whole visit and smile,” said Rina. “When I’m done with the bloodwork, they usually say ‘Wow, I didn’t even feel that.’”

With 18 years of experience at LifeLabs, Rina is proud to have built close relationships with patients during their health journey, listening to their life stories, meeting their loved ones, and leaving them feeling reassured. Recently, she took a sample from a young adult patient who was terrified of needles. Showing her care made the experience positive for the patient.

“He couldn’t believe how easy it was, and that it didn’t hurt,” said Rina. “I had to see him regularly, and every time I saw him, he never acted nervous again.”

Rina has held numerous roles, including Site Lead at various locations, and developed her interpersonal, problem-solving, and infection control skills, among others. In her current position as a Mobile Laboratory Technician, she provides care for those who are unable to visit Patient Service Centres.

“I also never imagined staying at one business for work for 18 years and still moving forward,” said Rina.

As an ambassador for Team LifeLabs, Rina, through her high level of service, helps build trust and confidence with the patients that she interacts with daily. She and LifeLabs Client Services are one of the many reasons why we’ve been able to empower healthier Canadians for over 60 years.

“It is our patients who motivate me every day to provide the best care, support, and trust,” Rina shared.

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.