Award-Winning National Health Writer
André Picard is one of Canada’s top health & public policy observers and commentators. He has been a part of The Globe and Mail team since 1987, where he is a health reporter and columnist. He is also the author of five bestselling books. Picard is an eight-time nominee for the National Newspaper Awards, Canada’s top journalism prize, and past winner of the prestigious Michener Award for Meritorious Public Service Journalism.
He was named Canada’s first “Public Health Hero” by the Canadian Public Health Association, as a “Champion of Mental Health” by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, for his dedication to improving healthcare.
A graduate of the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, André has received honorary doctorates from six universities, including UBC and the University of Toronto. He is a seasoned communicator who employs a conversational style to reach his audience. Additionally, he enlivens his research and commentary with personal stories to provide context for his audience. Fluently bilingual, André will enlighten and pique a sense of curiosity of audience members from all educational backgrounds. Behind the placid exterior lies an inquisitive, perceptive and industrious scribe for whom the work only begins with the official story.
The University of British Columbia recently announced André Picard as one of the Asper Visiting Professors at the School of Journalism, Writing, and Media for the 2020-2021 academic year, winter session. In 2020, Picard was awarded The Owen Adams Award of Honour. This award is the highest CMA award available to a non-physician.
Important Note: Mr. Picard will not participate in male-only panels.
TOPICS
VIRTUAL: What’s Next: The COVID Aftermath
André Picard is a leading voice on the impact and consequences of COVID-19 in Canada. He has reported on the pandemic from a wide range of angles of public health. André was one of the first prominent voices to make a public declaration to ‘shut it down” and implement physical distancing.
In this exclusive virtual keynote, he will guide you through an in-depth trajectory of the virus and up-to-the-hour information on progress.
Effectively Communicating Health Information
In this presentation, André Picard breaks down the biggest challenges of our healthcare system faces. Many people are not informed about these challenges and do not take the proper steps to prevent them. André will provide your audience with some critical tools and strategies to effectively communicate information, and spread awareness.
Critical Care – What’s Happening in Canada’s Healthcare System
How strong is our healthcare system? What challenges can it withstand? Are there opportunities for improvement? Award-winning national health writer, André Picard, answers these questions and more as he shares his healthcare vision for the future.
Seniors Care
André Picard talks about all elements of elder abuse and includes references to the Kerby Centre- Canada’s first shelter for battered seniors.
Mental Health
How can we raise awareness of mental health issues? How are we able to create safe environments for those who suffer from illnesses? André Picard will guide you through the best practices of approaching mental health.
