Kitchener, ON | September 23, 2026— Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) has joined HealthCareCAN, the national voice of hospitals, health authorities, health research institutes, and healthcare organizations across Canada.
As WRHN advances its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, membership in HealthCareCAN will support the organization’s priorities to build thriving teams, deliver outstanding care, advance personalized care, and strengthen partnerships across the health system. Through this national network, WRHN will have opportunities to collaborate with healthcare leaders from across Canada, share innovations, and contribute to conversations shaping the future of healthcare.
“The future of healthcare will be shaped by organizations that are willing to work together, embrace innovation, and lead through change,” says Ron Gagnon, President and CEO of Waterloo Regional Health Network. “Joining HealthCareCAN allows us to learn from leading organizations across the country, contribute our own experience, and accelerate progress on the priorities that matter most to our patients, teams, and communities.”
WRHN was created in 2025 through the integration of Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital. Serving one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions, WRHN is building a connected health network that delivers care that is personal, seamless, and reimagined. Its strategic plan focuses on strengthening the workforce, improving access and patient experience, advancing innovation and technology, and building the partnerships and infrastructure needed to support a growing and diverse community.
Membership in HealthCareCAN connects WRHN to a national community committed to healthcare innovation, workforce development, policy leadership, research, and health system improvement. The organization will participate in national advisory committees and working groups while contributing its own perspectives and experience as one of Canada’s newest integrated health networks.
“We are delighted to welcome Waterloo Regional Health Network into the HealthCareCAN community,” says Michelle McLean, President and CEO of HealthCareCAN. “WRHN is helping to redefine how healthcare is organized and delivered in Canada, and they bring valuable experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong commitment to collaboration to our national network.”
For WRHN, joining HealthCareCAN represents another step in building the partnerships, knowledge, and innovation needed to improve health and healthcare across Waterloo Region while contributing to the advancement of Canada’s healthcare system.
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About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, we provide outstanding care that’s personal, seamless, and reimagined.
Learn more at WRHN.ca.
About HealthCareCAN
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of hospitals, health authorities, health research institutes, and healthcare organizations across Canada. We convene national healthcare leaders, provide health workforce professional development, and provide strategic advice to strengthen care, research and innovation in Canada.
Learn more at healthcarecan.ca.
Media Contacts:
Cassandra Easton
Public Affairs Lead, Waterloo Regional Health Network
cassandra.easton@wrhn.ca
519-584-5548
Alexandria Rowe
Communications and Member Services Specialist, HealthCareCAN
arowe@healthcarecan.ca
855-236-0213/613-241-8005 ext. 221