TORONTO – Laboratory leaders, hospital executives and industry experts from across Canada recently came together in Toronto for CDEF 2026, hosted by In-Common Laboratories (ICL). 

Under the theme Powering Innovation in Canadian Lab Medicine, the three-day event featured engaging presentations, discussions and opportunities to connect. Talks focused on the innovations, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of laboratory medicine and Canadian health care.

The conference also featured a special video welcome from the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Canada’s federal minister of health, who shared greetings with attendees in both English and French.

“CDEF is about sharing ideas and learning from one another,” said Isaac Gould, CEO of ICL. “It’s a chance to strengthen relationships across Canada’s lab community and have important conversations about how we can work together to improve public health care. We’re incredibly proud to host an event that brings so many perspectives from across the country into one room.”

Keynote presentations explore innovation, technology and health equity

This year’s keynote speakers brought a range of perspectives to some of the most important issues facing laboratory medicine and Canadian health care.

Dr. David Schaeffer of Vancouver General Hospital, Dr. Mary Kinloch of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Seghen Woldai of Deloitte explored how advances in precision oncology can be translated into more connected, sustainable diagnostic pathways that improve patient care.

Health care strategist Will Falk examined the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Canadian health care, including the opportunities and considerations surrounding the adoption of generative AI.

Dr. Notisha Massaquoi, founder and director of the Black Health Equity Lab and assistant professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough, delivered a powerful keynote on advancing health equity through laboratory leadership. Her presentation challenged attendees to consider how diagnostic practices, research, data and institutional decision-making can influence equitable health outcomes.

A coast to coast to coast look at laboratory medicine

A highlight of CDEF was the return of the popular Cross-Country Check-Up, which brought together laboratory leaders to share updates from their respective regions.

Presentations featured perspectives from Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Yukon.

These sessions offered a valuable look at how laboratories across Canada are responding to changing health system needs, embracing new technologies and finding innovative ways to improve services and patient care.

Sharing ideas and strengthening connections

Beyond the keynote presentations and regional updates, CDEF featured an impressive lineup of speakers exploring a wide range of topics, including digital pathology, AI and data analytics, laboratory quality standards, diagnostic innovation, operational improvements and collaborative approaches to laboratory services.

An engaging panel discussion, The Role of Laboratories in Canadian Health Care: Perspectives From Hospital CEOs, brought together Altaf Stationwala of Unity Health Toronto, Kelli-Ann Lemieux of St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake and Dr. Nicole Boutilier of Nova Scotia Health. Moderated by Lisa Merkley of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the discussion explored the importance and evolving role of hospital laboratories. 

Throughout the conference, attendees had opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships and exchange ideas.

Thank you to our sponsors

ICL extends its sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors whose support helped make CDEF 2026 possible.

Gold sponsors: AstraZeneca, Deloitte and Roche.
Silver sponsors: Hologic and Siemens Healthineers.
Bronze sponsors: Amgen, CMEPP, DiaSorin, Leica Biosystems, Micronostyx, ProServeIT and Stago.

ICL also thanks the many speakers, delegates, attendees, volunteers and organizers who contributed to the success of this year’s event.

As a proudly Canadian, intentionally not-for-profit organization, ICL is committed to strengthening laboratory medicine through collaboration, innovation and shared expertise.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and welcoming everyone back for CDEF 2028!