June 7, 2022 (Ottawa) – HealthCareCAN is proud to announce one of Canada’s most dedicated healthcare leaders, Shirlee Sharkey, former president and CEO of SE Health, as the recipient of its 2022 Legacy of Leadership award.

Presented at the 2022 National Health Leadership Conference, the award recognizes exceptional individuals who have made long-lasting and outstanding contributions to advancing Canada’s health system and have demonstrated significant and sustained commitment toward the enhancement of the health of Canadians.

“From her vision and courage to her passion and impact, Shirlee’s legacy of leadership inspires us all,” says Nancy Lefebre, senior vice president at SE Health. “Over the years, she has not only grown and shaped SE Health into a thriving not-for-profit social enterprise, but also brought positive change to Canadian health care with her vision for healthy aging, life care and the power of people.”

As one of Canada’s foremost experts on home care, Shirlee’s pursued her bold vision for healthy aging and life care over four decades as a registered nurse, health leader, community leader, author, mentor, and advocate. Under Shirlee’s leadership, SE Health has facilitated transformative solutions in areas such as Indigenous health, end of life and healthy aging, and over the past decade, invested more than $15 million into research, family caregiver supports and innovating for the future.

“It is an honour to bestow this award on such an outstanding individual.” added Paul-Émile Cloutier, HealthCareCAN President and CEO. “Shirlee has made an impressive career of empowering people, championing compassion, and advancing social innovation to improve how older Canadians live and age at home, and I am delighted to see her lasting impact recognized by her peers through the presentation of this prestigious award.”

Shirlee’s insights and belief in unleashing people’s potential and creativity have generated achievements and accolades from across Canada and beyond. In 2018, she was recognized as one of Canada’s Top Ten Women in Digital Health, and in 2012, she received both the Diamond Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II and the Order of Excellence from Excellence Canada in organizational innovation, quality and wellness. Further, in 2010, Shirlee was honoured with the Innovation Award for Healthcare Leadership from the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Additionally, she has received the University of Toronto’s 2008 Graduate Leadership Award, Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation; was named Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network in 2007; and received the Award of Excellence in Nursing Leadership from the Ontario Hospital Association in 2005.

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About HealthCareCAN:

HealthCareCAN is the national voice of action for health organizations and hospitals across Canada. We advocate in support of health research and innovation; to enhance access to high-quality health services for Canadians; and we empower health professionals through our best-in-class learning programs.

Media contact:
Alexandria Rowe, Communications and Member Services Specialist
arowe@healthcarecan.ca  |  855-236-0213/613-241-8005 ext. 221