Dr. Alika Lafontaine

Award-Winning Physician. National Health Leader.

System Disruptor and Fixer.

Named Maclean’s top Health Care Innovator of 2023, Dr. Alika Lafontaine is among the most influential voices in Canadian medicine today. A seasoned anesthesiologist and transformative leader, he made history as the first Indigenous and youngest physician to serve as President of the Canadian Medical Association—an institution more than 150 years old. His bold, visionary leadership continues to shape how Canadians think about healthcare, equity, and the future of our public systems.

Keynotes

From the front lines of healthcare transformation to the front of the room

Dr. Alika Lafontaine doesn’t just talk about change—he’s led it. As a keynote speaker, he brings the credibility of nearly two decades at the heart of Canada’s most ambitious healthcare reforms. His talks are grounded in lived experience, deep systems knowledge, and the hard-earned wisdom of turning advocacy into real-world outcomes. Whether he’s sharing the story of co-leading the Indigenous Health Alliance—which brought together 150+ First Nations and secured $68 million in federal investment—the lessons behind building Safespace Networks, an innovative platform for anonymously reporting racism and harm in healthcare, leading a historic apology process at the Canadian Medical Association for anti-Indigenous harm as the national voice of Canada’s physicians or a multitude of other experiences building or leading movements and organizations Dr. Lafontaine offers more than inspiration: he offers a blueprint for action.

System Transformation and Innovation

  • Strategic Storytelling for Systemic Change

  • Leading through Complexity in the midst of Perpetual Polycrisis

  • Leveraging Mental Models for Innovative Thinking

Keynote topics cover topics that can impact the front-line to the C-Suite and beyond include:

Equity, Inclusion & Reconciliation

  • Reforming Systems Through Authentic Equity

  • Creating Safe and Brave Spaces for Overcoming the Status Quo

  • Institutional Accountability and Reconciliation in Practice

Leadership, Culture & Change Management

  • Moving Beyond Performative Change

  • Fostering Environments of Change, Commitment, and Resilience

  • Leading Through Story: Aligning Teams and Shaping Culture

  • Inspiring, practical, and impactful—Dr. Lafontaine is exceptional

    Participant, Canadian Standards Association Public Policy Conference

  • Dr. Lafontaine turned complex issues into accessible solutions

    Participant, Canadian Association of Forensic Medicine Conference

  • Authentic storytelling that reignited our team's commitment to reconciliation

    Participant, Pfizer Equity and Diversity Day

  • Outstanding session that deeply resonated with our executives

    Board Participant - Canadian Nonprofit that provides critical resources to hospitals and community healthcare providers

Thought Leadership

Invite Dr. Alika Lafontaine to your podcast and provide your audience with impactful conversations that inspire, inform, and ignite action. Renowned for his thoughtful insights and captivating storytelling, Dr. Lafontaine draws upon nearly two decades of leadership in healthcare innovation, systemic transformation, equity, and reconciliation. His unique ability to translate complex ideas into relatable narratives makes him a favorite among listeners seeking meaningful dialogue and actionable wisdom. Elevate your podcast with a guest who doesn’t just talk about change—he creates it.

Training

Elevate Your Board and Executive Leadership

Gain Clarity: Equip your leaders with proven frameworks to effectively navigate complexity, polycrisis, and systemic change.

Enhance Impact: Empower your board and executive team to drive authentic equity, meaningful reconciliation, and sustainable organizational transformation.

Build Commitment: Foster courageous leadership and a culture of accountability and innovation, guided by Dr. Alika Lafontaine’s extensive frontline experience.