Expert advisors

Meet the expert advisors who guide our work.

To achieve the work of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (the Strategy), the Partnership engages with experts from across the country. These relationships foster collaboration and deepen the involvement of a cross-section of cancer and health system experts, clinicians, healthcare providers, patients, and families to inform the development and implementation of initiatives. As steward of the Strategy, the Partnership’s work is enriched through the involvement of those who devote their time, knowledge and expertise to further the shared priorities.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis advisors

First Nation, Inuit and Métis advisors provide advice and guidance regarding the Partnership’s work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

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  Lea Bill
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Lea Bill

First Nations Advisor

Lea Bill is Cree and originates from the Pelican Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan. Lea is a Registered Nurse and the Research and Oversight Engagement Project Manager at Alberta First Nations Information Governance Center. Lea is also the President of the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (C.I.N.A.). She has served as a Board Director for Aboriginal Nurses Association from 1990 -1994 and as President from 1994-1999.

As a Traditional practitioner, Lea applies an integrated approach to her practice combining her Indigenous knowledge with her nursing knowledge, bio-energy sciences and the research field.

Lea has been leading people in native spiritual discovery processes for more than 25 years through ceremony, vision quests and teaching the beauty and the wisdom of indigenous technology, specifically the use and application of circle knowledge and natures wisdom. With more than 30 years of experience working in the health field in Community Health and Home Care, Lea continues to advocate for health equity for First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Her nursing career has provided the opportunity to work in many First Nation communities, including the Northwest Territories at the local and the national level.

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  Gail Turner
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Gail Turner

Inuit Advisor

Gail Turner is Inuit, and a beneficiary of the Labrador Inuit Land Claim. She retired in 2012 from the position of Director of Health Services for the Nunatsiavut Government, Northern Labrador. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a Master’s of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University, and many additional certificates in health and administration through distance programs.

Her early career was spent in acute care nursing in Ontario and the United Kingdom. For the last twenty- six years she has been working in Labrador with Inuit, Southern Inuit of NunatuKavut, settlers, First Nations, and since 2004 exclusively with the Inuit. She has presented on Inuit health at provincial, regional, national and international meetings and symposiums, including the World Cancer Congress in 2011.

Her work has been focused in public health but she has also managed remote community clinics and continuing care. She is passionate about the North and the need for First Nations, Inuit and Métis to be heard and truly engaged in the planning of their health care and the promotion of optimal health. Her growing interest is in health equity and the pressing need for innovative and community-based solutions for bringing health care service to the people.

Gail has served as the Indigenous Director on the Board of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. She is a recent recipient of the Labradorians of Distinction Award for services to health and community. As a senior she has a growing interest in senior wellness, access to appropriate home care and long- term care when needed and ageing in place.

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  Susie Hooper
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Susie Hooper

Métis Advisor

Susie is a proud Métis Citizen of Métis Nation British Columbia and a dedicated representative of her region and communities.  Susie has been serving her region and Métis communities as the Métis Nation British Columbia Northwest Regional Director since 2012. She also serves as the Minister of Health and Minister of Employment & Training with the Métis Nation British Columbia. Prior to this, Susie held the position of the Métis Women’s Regional Representative.

Susie’s tireless support and efforts through her volunteer work with and for her communities has been recognized by the Mayor of Smithers, BC, His Worship, Taylor Bachrach when she received the Citizen/Volunteer of the year award in 2016, at the Smithers Chamber of Commerce Community and Business Awards 2016.

Health equity advisors

Health Equity Advisors guide the Partnership’s efforts to achieve equitable access to quality cancer care for all people in Canada.

• Dr. Christian Finley
• Carole Mayer
• Dr. Sian Shuel

Screening expert advisors

Screening expert advisors guide the Partnership’s work in strengthening screening efforts and achieving equitable access to quality cancer screening across Canada.

• Dr. Monique Bertrand
• Gregory Doyle
• Dr. Stephen Lam
• Dr. Linda Rabeneck

Additional expert advisors

In addition to the groups above, the Partnership also works with other expert advisors to align efforts and drive the Strategy forward.

• Dr. Darren Brenner
• Dr. Andrew Coldman