LifeLabs

Celebrating National Physicians’ Day: A Letter From Dr. Catherine Ross

Dear Physicians,

Today, on National Physicians’ Day, I want to take a moment on behalf of all of us at LifeLabs to recognize you for the remarkable work you do every day.

Physicians are at the heart of Canada’s healthcare system. You are caregivers, innovators, advocates, and leaders, shaping not only the lives of your patients but also the future of public health across the country. On May 1, we honour your dedication to delivering care, advancing medical knowledge, and advocating for a stronger, more resilient healthcare system in Canada.

At LifeLabs, we are proud to support more than 50,000 physicians in diagnosing, treating, monitoring, and providing preventative care to empower healthier Canadians. Together, we share a commitment to ensuring accessible, high-quality healthcare services for Canadians from coast to coast. We are equally proud of the exceptional physicians who lead within our own organization, driving innovation, championing quality stewardship, and helping to enhance diagnostic access for communities across the country.

The Canadian Medical Association selected May 1 as National Physicians’ Day to commemorate Dr. Emily Stowe, born on this day in 1831. Dr. Stowe was the first woman to practice medicine in Canada. She is remembered as a trailblazer for women in medicine and higher education, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, and an advocate for health equity.

Her legacy of leadership and advocacy for health equity continues to inspire us. I am especially proud that today, 72% of LifeLabs’ medical leadership team are women, a reflection of the impact of her legacy.
LifeLabs’ physician leaders are crucial voices within our operations, guiding everything from testing platform selection to quality management, national policy development, and providing valuable clinical insights. They are active contributors to medical education and research, provincial and national associations, external organizations and working groups that shape the standards Canadians trust every day.

On behalf of LifeLabs, thank you for the trust you place in us, for the collaboration you foster, and for the profound difference you make in the lives of Canadians.

Sincerely,
Catherine Ross MD MSc FRCPC
Vice President,Medical and Quality Affairs

LifeLabs and BCGEU Finalize Return to Work Agreement

We are pleased to share that LifeLabs and the British Columbia General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) have now entered into an agreed-upon process that will determine the final contents of a new/renewed collective agreement.

As part of this, LifeLabs and BCGEU have agreed on a Return to Work plan. As of April 26, 2025, all striking LifeLabs employees will resume their existing schedules and return to work.

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 upcoming binding recommendations.

All schedules and operations will return to normal as of April 26, 2025. We welcome our teams back to their regular schedules and duties as we remain focused on supporting the health and well-being of British Columbians.

Please continue to visit locations.lifelabs.com for complete details on locations, including up-to-date hours of operation.

We thank our customers and clients for their patience and understanding during the recent job action.

LifeLabs Illuminates the Path to Diagnosis on the 40th Anniversary of National Medical Laboratory Week

LifeLabs is proud to recognize the 40th anniversary of National Medical Laboratory Week (NMLW), recognizing the essential role of medical laboratory professionals in providing accurate and timely diagnostic insights that guide patient care.

This year’s theme, “Illuminating the Path to Diagnosis,” highlights the expertise and dedication of medical laboratory professionals in delivering critical test results that help Canadians make informed health decisions.

“Every day, medical laboratory professionals bring expertise and precision to their work, playing an essential role in diagnosing and treating customers and patients,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “This year’s theme, Illuminating the Path to Diagnosis, is a powerful reflection of how our teams help guide health care providers and patients with accurate and timely results – one life at a time, and we are proud to recognize their impact.”

From collecting and analyzing samples to delivering precise test results, LifeLabs employees illuminate the path to diagnosis by providing clarity and certainty in moments that matter. Their expertise and commitment ensure that millions of Canadians each year receive the critical information they need to move forward in their health journey. Whether working directly with patients or behind the scenes, LifeLabs teams play an essential role in guiding health care providers and patients toward accurate diagnoses and informed decisions.

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

FastTRK program ending on March 31, 2025

On March 31, 2025, LifeLabs Genetics will complete the FastTRK Testing Program funded by Bayer Inc. We will continue to offer NTRK fusion testing as part of our molecular pathology services, including specimens submitted for testing under guidelines established and funded by the Ontario Health Cancer Care Ontario program.

In 2019, LifeLabs partnered with Bayer and Kingston Health Science Centre to provide LifeLabs’ first companion diagnostics testing with a targeted treatment specific to TRK fusion cancers. Since then, more than 500 healthcare providers have engaged with the FastTRK program, enabling over 4000 biomarker tests.

This innovative test was adopted by Bayer and LifeLabs to detect the rare NTRK fusion cancer at a genetic level, rather than testing based on a tumour’s site of origin, helping identify certain biomarkers for a tumour and making it possible to match the patient to the appropriate treatment option with greater certainty.

After March 31st, 2025, LifeLabs will continue to offer NTRK fusion testing as part of our molecular pathology services, but the cost of testing will not be covered by Bayer. Specimens for testing can be submitted for funded testing under guidelines established by Ontario Health’s Cancer Care Ontario program. For covered tests, please review the CCO website.

Healthcare providers and/or patients from other provinces may contact Ask.Genetics@lifelabs.com or 1-844-GENEHELP (1-844-363-4357) for details on pricing and available funding support.

Update on BCGEU Job Action at LifeLabs

LifeLabs and the British Columbia General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. LifeLabs employees represented by BCGEU have provided Notice of Strike, effective Sunday, February 16, 2025.

LifeLabs respects the negotiation process and employees’ right to pursue their interests. We would like to continue to negotiate and work with the union to reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable and reflects the value our employees bring to their roles each day.

Our highest priority is to ensure continuity of care for the people of British Columbia, who rely on us for their testing needs. As a designated essential service, LifeLabs will continue to operate and remain open, however some Patient Services Centres will be subject to rotating temporary closures, beginning on Thursday, February 20, 2025. We will do everything in our control to minimize the disruption this creates for our customers and clients.

Please check our Location Finder for locations that are open for service. Customers with appointments will be notified if rescheduling is required.

We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.

72 Hours’ Strike Notice Provided by BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU)

LifeLabs and the British Columbia General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. Unfortunately, BCGEU has notified us of their intention to begin job action as soon as Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 11:00am.

In the meantime, our highest priority is to ensure continuity of care for the people of British Columbia, who rely on us for their testing needs. As a designated essential service, LifeLabs will continue to operate, however some Patient Services Centres may be subject to rotating temporary closures. We will do everything in our power to minimize the disruption this creates for our customers and clients.

Please visit locations.lifelabs.com for complete details on locations, including up-to-date hours of operation.

We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.

Suset Silva, VP, Culture, Communications, and Engagement Recognized as one of the Top Women Leaders in Healthcare Technology

Toronto, ON. Feb 6th – Suset Silva, Vice President of Culture, Communications, and Engagement at LifeLabs, has been ranked #2 in the Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare Technology by the Healthcare Technology Report. With awardees from all over the world, this list is a global representation of excellence in healthcare technology based on each awardees’ career track record & breadth of experience. With a distinguished career in healthcare communications that spans over two decades, Suset has made an indelible impact to the industry.

“This recognition is incredibly well-deserved,” shares Erica Zarkovich, SVP, Government Markets. “Suset is an essential member of the LifeLabs team who shapes the way we connect, communicate, and engage with each other and our communities. She is a key strategic advisor in our team and consistently provides insight and guidance with a lens focused on inclusion, transparency, and engagement.”

A champion for projects that prioritize inclusivity and diversity, Suset is a steward of LifeLabs’ ‘Stronger Together’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program. Her commitment to creating an empowering environment has not only enhanced company culture but has also significantly strengthened LifeLabs’ relationship within our communities. Suset is the co-chair of the DEI Steering Council at LifeLabs and focuses her energy on supporting and championing the rollout of goals and initiatives while providing guidance, input and direction in the development and implementation of LifeLabs’ overarching DEI strategy.

As a values-based leader, she is driven by her connection to purpose, excellence, authenticity, and integrity shaping her service leadership philosophy of building and coaching high-performing, engaged teams.

More information about the award is available here.

LifeLabs Named Canada’s Most Trusted Health Diagnostic Service Provider for Third Consecutive Year by BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards

Toronto, Ontario. Jan 21st – LifeLabs is proud to announce that it has been named Canada’s Most Trusted Health Diagnostic Service Provider for the third year in a row by the 2025 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards. This recognition highlights LifeLabs’ continued commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality diagnostic services to Canadians from coast to coast.
The BrandSpark Award is an extensive national survey that gathered responses from 35,200 Canadian shoppers, representing 190,000 individual brand evaluations across 292 diverse consumer product and service categories. Consumers voted for companies that excels in providing dependable and valued service. LifeLabs’ consistent ranking as the top trusted provider underscores the dedication of its team to exceptional service.

“This recognition belongs to our entire LifeLabs team,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “It is a testament to the hard work, compassion, and professionalism shown every day by our teams, especially those on the front lines. We are grateful for the trust our customers place in us and will continue to prioritize their health and well-being in everything we do.”

LifeLabs’ staff, from the lab technicians who process critical tests to the front-line workers providing care, play a vital role in ensuring accurate, timely results for millions of individuals each year. This third consecutive win reinforces LifeLabs’ mission to empower people to live healthier lives.

Further information about the methodology and categories can be found here.

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 Vitamin D Health (25-Hydroxy) Kit offering Ontarians a convenient at-home solution for monitoring their Vitamin D levels

Toronto, Ontario – January 14, 2025: LifeLabs, a leading provider of laboratory diagnostic services, is pleased to introduce the Vitamin D Health (25-Hydroxy) Kit as part of our At Home Kit Program to provide Ontarians with a flexible, convenient option for monitoring their Vitamin D levels or understanding their risk of deficiency, improving overall health outcomes.

The Vitamin D Health (25-Hydroxy) Kit is designed for adults aged 18 and over who are looking to be proactive in monitoring their Vitamin D levels or understanding their risk of Vitamin D deficiency. It is also for those who don’t have a family doctor. With a simple finger prick to collect a small sample of blood, the test will provide a reliable indication of Vitamin D status, assessing deficiency risk, and establishing a baseline for ongoing monitoring. Results are available online within 7-10 days after the samples are received by the lab. For patients with abnormal results, a third-party medical group, MD Connected, will reach out to the customer to review the results with a healthcare provider.

“Our winters are cold, and the days are short, and we don’t often see as much sun as we probably should, which is one of the many reasons why we’re excited to introduce Vitamin D Health (25-Hydroxy) Kit,” said Charles Brown, President and CEO of LifeLabs. “This service, with clinical support, helps empower our customers to take charge of their health.

“We’re excited to expand our At-Home Kit Program with the addition of the Vitamin D Health (25-Hydroxy) Kit,” said Lawrence Mahan, SVP Commercial, Business and Consumer Markets. “It’s important to us to be able to support Canadians with convenient, flexible at-home solutions, allowing them to be proactive about their health and work with their healthcare provider with as much information as possible as their overall health profile.”

Vitamin D deficiency can indicate nutrition disorders, bone disease or other metabolic issues, and those with Vitamin D deficiency may experience symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, bone weakness, hair loss, muscle weakness, muscle aches or muscle cramps. While this is not a diagnostic test, it supports patients and their healthcare providers in monitoring Vitamin D levels for preventative care against health issues such as bone health, immune support and much more.

The kit can be ordered online through the LifeLabs store, and once the collection process is complete, the kit can be either returned via Canada Post or dropped off at the nearest LifeLabs patient service centre.

This test is only used for screening and monitoring Vitamin D levels. Please discuss your results with your healthcare provider. The information provided by this test should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment unless advised by your healthcare provider. This test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare provider.

This program is currently only available in Ontario. It is not available in B.C. or Saskatchewan.

The LifeLabs At-Home Kit Program provides a diverse range of self-collection kits for various health tests, including cervical, colorectal, and hormonal health. It caters to individuals facing accessibility challenges, those with busy schedules, or anyone looking to be proactive about their health.

Visit lifelabs.com to learn more.

LifeLabs’ President and CEO, Charles Brown, named one of the “Top 50 Healthcare Technology CEOs of 2024” 

TORONTO, ON –We are pleased to share that LifeLabs’ President and CEO, Charles Brown, has been named one of the “Top 50 Healthcare Technology CEOs of 2024” by The Healthcare Technology Report.

Hundreds of nominations were submitted this year to The Healthcare Technology Report and winners were selected based on leaders’ recent and long-term executive performance over key factors, business growth, product strength, and organizational impact.

“I am truly honoured to receive this award and to be selected amongst such a distinguished list of leaders,” says Charles. “This recognition is not only a personal achievement, but a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and invaluable contribution of our entire team at LifeLabs. It is because of our team’s commitment and passion that our organization has reached this point. I’m excited about what we will accomplish together as we continue to advance healthcare.”

Charles Brown was ranked fourth amongst awardees for his exceptional leadership in guiding LifeLabs over the past year. Since joining LifeLabs in 2018, Charles has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare and optimizing service delivery to achieve outstanding outcomes for both our customers and medical professionals. His leadership extends beyond operational excellence, driving innovation within the healthcare industry.  He has led the charge of embracing new challenges and adopting forward-thinking approaches, paving the way for a more personalized healthcare experience that is deeply rooted in our customer-centric values.

Charles Brown’s exemplary leadership also shone through during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. He collaborated closely with government partners to make critical decisions that ensured the continuity of lab diagnostic testing services. This safeguarded vital testing resources to support healthcare initiatives and played a pivotal role in screening COVID-19 symptoms for travelers and employees.

The Healthcare Technology Report provides market research and insights, business news, investment activity updates and important corporate developments related to the healthcare technology sector.

To learn more about the award and the other individuals included in the list, please visit https://thehealthcaretechnologyreport.com/the-top-50-healthcare-technology-ceos-of-2024/