Tariffs, Trade, and Triage: Keeping Healthcare Supplied in Unpredictable Times

In this episode, Karen speaks with Christine Donaldson, President and CEO of HealthPro Canada, and Derek Spinney, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Corporate Services at Nova Scotia Health, about the delicate balancing act of healthcare procurement.

From navigating on-again, off-again tariffs - or tariff threats - to managing Canada’s reliance on American-made medical supplies, Christine and Derek reveal the behind-the-scenes decisions that protect patient care, and explore how HealthPro Canada is working to build a more resilient, transparent supply chain—and what provincial health systems, like Nova Scotia Health, are doing to stay one step ahead.

Hot on the heels of "Let's Talk Access" episode, Karen chats with the practice team from Halifax's Mentor Clinic. In what Karen calls, "a two-fer," Drs. John Ross and Shauna Archibald and Nurse Practitioner Theresa Hubley discuss what it's like to work at, and care for patients in, Nova Scotia's first Health Home.

They discuss how through creating a healthier work environment for staff, they have more time to promote wellness and not just treat illness.

Links:

1. Health Homes in Nova Scotia
2. Need a Family Practice Registry

Nova Scotia is on a journey to improve access to primary care for all Nova Scotians. This includes more providers, expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists and nurse practitioners, registered nurse prescribers, developing Health Homes so that care is collaborative with same-day/next-day appointment access, and creating the YourHealthNS app to put care directly in the hands of Nova Scotians.

Listen in as Karen chats with Bethany McCormick, vice president of operations for Northern Zone, and executive sponsor for Primary Healthcare and Madonna MacDonald. acting vice president of operations for Primary Healthcare in Central Zone. Their titles are long, but their impact on improving access to primary care will leave an even longer legacy.

Links:

1. YourHealthNS
2. Need a Family Practice
3. VirtualCareNS
4. Health Homes in Nova Scotia
5. 811
6. 211

Interested in learning more about becoming a Health Ambassador? E-mail: podcasts@nshealth.ca

Editor's note: Since recording, the YourHealthNS app has now surpassed 700,000 downloads, and there are 91,423 Nova Scotians on the Need a Family Practice Registry (as of June 1, 2025).

What is 3D printing, how does it work, and how is it changing the game when it comes to Canadian healthcare?

Karen is joined by Margaret Palmeter, Director of Business Development at Nova Scotia Health's Innovation Hub, and together they chat with PolyUnity's CEO, Jacqueline Lee, and President, Mark Gillingham, the leadership at the helm of the Newfoundland-based company that’s changing the healthcare equipment and parts game through 3D printing.

Links:

1. St. John’s tech company creating custom casts with an iPhone | CBC.ca
2. PolyUnity partners with Nova Scotia Health to launch 3D printing project | Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub

Happy National Nursing Week!

In this special episode of Chats on Change, Karen swaps out her role as host for Dr. Annette Elliott Rose, Nova Scotia Healths Chief Nurse Executive and Vice President of Clinical Performance and Professional Practice. Annette is joined by her colleague Jennifer MacDougall, Director of Nursing Strategy - Interprofessional Practice & Learning, and author and journalist Sarah DiGregorio.

Annette and Jennifer chat with Sarah about her book, Taking Care - The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World.

The trio discuss the how the foundation of nursing is built on the fundamental human compulsion to care for one another.

Nurse at Nova Scotia Health

With a wide range of nursing opportunities across Nova Scotia, there's a place for everyone to grow and thrive here. Nova Scotia Health is committed to expanding its nursing workforce to fill critical roles across the province and improve access to care.

Explore our opportunities:

• To learn more and apply as a registered nurse, visit: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/nsha/job/All-Locations-Registered-Nurse-Seeking-Experienced-Candidates-NS/578291917/

• To learn more and apply as a licensed practical nurse, visit: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/nsha/job/All-Locations-Licensed-Practical-Nurse-Seeking-Experienced-Candidates-NS/578292117/

• To learn more and apply as a registered international nurse, visit: https://jobs.nshealth.ca/nsha/job/All-Locations-Registered-International-Nurses-NS/569807217/

Explore the new Nova Scotia Health internal travel nurse program, where you’ll find opportunities throughout Nova Scotia to expand your skills, experience the warmth of new environments, and contribute to our critical emergency departments.

• https://jobs.nshealth.ca/nsha/job/All-Locations-Internal-Travel-Nurse-Emergency-Department-NS/589878117/

Do you know a Nova Scotia Health nurse who's transforming healthcare? Nominate them in our Nursing Week contest, there's a chance to win one of six $100 Visa gift cards.

Karen takes the show on the road to Dartmouth General Hospital, where they discuss the new Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite. She’s joined by the co-founders of the Orchid Gala, Sheri Morgan and Liz Rigney, and Dr. Scott Mawdsley, site chief of surgery and OBGYN at Dartmouth General Hospital.

Together, they share their journey from initial fundraising to the successful establishment of the Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite, and how the services offered in the suite will be the first of their kind in Nova Scotia.

Read more:

DeanneReeve Pelvic Health Suite ushers in a new era in pelvic health for NovaScotians | Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub

Links:

Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation

QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation

CapeBreton Regional Hospital Foundation

Orchid Gala

In this episode of Chats on Change, Karen sits down with acclaimed health journalist André Picard for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of Canada’s healthcare system. As one of the country’s most respected voices on health policy, Picard shares his insights on interprovincial barriers, healthcare funding, workforce challenges, and the need for greater national coordination. The conversation explores innovative approaches happening in Nova Scotia, including physician mobility, a new internal travel nurse program, and the role of technology in modernizing care.

Picard also highlights lessons Canada can learn from European healthcare models, emphasizing the importance of data integration, prevention-focused care, and streamlined services. He and Oldfield discuss the power of artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and how the healthcare system must evolve to remain sustainable. Thought-provoking and insightful, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of Canadian healthcare.

Links

What is C3 at Nova Scotia Health?

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