Digital Innovation Summit

June 16 - 17, 2025

It’s time to scale New Brunswick’s digital innovation movement. The McKenna Institute’s fourth annual Digital Innovation Summit will convene global experts, tech leaders and change-makers to define and accelerate New Brunswick’s digital future.

Register now

Keynote speaker

Special Advisor to the Chair of the Vector Institute

Photo of Tony Gaffney

Tony Gaffney is Special Advisor to the Chair of the Vector Institute, an independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to AI research.

He is focused on his passion: making Canada more competitive, leveraging AI to accelerate the growth of our economy, improve lives and maintain our sovereignty.

He previously served as President and CEO of Vector where he led a team of world-class researchers and professionals who work across sectors to advance responsible AI application, adoption, and commercialization across Canada.

An internationally experienced CEO, Tony is a former member of the Global Executive Committee of Aon Hewitt and served as the CEO of Aon Hewitt Canada.

Prior to joining Aon, Tony was a Managing Partner at Accenture, a Global executive with MCI Telecommunications, President and CEO of BellNexxia, and CEO of BCE Emergis.

Tony serves as an advisor to Canada’s VITAL Health AI initiative, the Ontario Health Data Council and the Accelerations Consortium. He has also served as a member of the Government of Canada Advisory Council on AI, the OECD.AI network of experts (ONE.AI) task force for AI Compute and Climate Change, and the World Economic Forum AI Governance Alliance working group, an initiative focused on responsible generative AI.

Tony is also an experienced Corporate Director (iNED), focused on governance with impact. He understands the economic and social significance of AI and is passionate about the critical role that boards and CEOs play in AI foresight, governance, and the responsible use of AI.

He led the “High Performance in the Boardroom” initiative; in collaboration with 30+ leading board chairs focused on the future of governance. He also served for 12 years as a Corporate Director with Altus Group Limited (AIF.TO), an AI-enabled global provider of intelligence as a service to the commercial real estate sector.

Tony has served on many other boards, including Loblaws President's Choice Bank, the Bishop Strachan School, the Toronto Region Board of Trade, the Toronto United Way Cabinet, and more.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.A.I.) degree and M.A. from Trinity College Dublin and is a graduate of the Rotman Corporate Directors program (ICD.D).


Program

This year’s exclusive event begins with a round of golf at the beautiful award-winning, nationally renowned Algonquin golf course. Throughout the event, we are looking forward to highlighting Atlantic Digital Health Transformation and working together to explore digital solutions to key issues facing healthcare in New Brunswick.  Day one is about creating connections, partnerships and opportunities. Day two is about accelerating action, innovation and growth.

9 a.m. | Golf | St. Andrew’s Golf Course | Tee times available until 10 a.m.
Indicate on your invitation if you will be joining for golf.
Teams will be assigned closer to the date.

3 p.m. | Registration opens
Passamaquody Foyer, Algonquin Resort

4:30 p.m. | Welcome reception
Passamaquody Foyer, Algonquin Resort

5:30 p.m. | Dinner & keynote address
Shaughnessy Room, Algonquin Resort

8 p.m. | Reception
Shaughnessy Room & Passamaquody Foyer, Algonquin Resort


7:30 a.m. | Registration opens
Passamaquody Foyer, Algonquin Resort

8 a.m. | Breakfast buffet
Shaughnessy Room, Algonquin Resort

8:30 a.m. | Morning welcome & presentations
Shaughnessy Room, Algonquin Resort

9:30 a.m. | Atlantic Digital Health Transformation Panel
Shaughnessy Room, Algonquin Resort

11:15 a.m. | Lunch
Shaughnessy Room, Algonquin Resort

12:30 p.m. | Digital healthcare vendor presentations, sponsored by Mariner
St. Andrews Room, Algonquin Resort

4 p.m. | Summit ends


Note: Event times are subject to change. More details to follow.

Atlantic Digital Health Transformation Panelists

Tuesday, June 17

President & CEO, Vitalité Health Network

Dre France Desrosiers

Dre Desrosiers possède près de 25 ans d’expérience médicale et administrative, dont plusieurs au sein de sa clinique médicale privée à Tracadie. Dre Desrosiers est native de Montréal. Elle détient un diplôme d’études collégiales en sciences de la santé du Collège de Maisonneuve de même qu’un doctorat en médecine de l’Université de Montréal.

Elle est membre de la Société médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, du Collège des médecins et chirurgiens du Nouveau-Brunswick et de la Société canadienne des leaders médicaux. Elle est aussi membre et fellow du Collège des médecins de famille du Canada.

De plus, elle est membre du conseil d’administration de l’Institut atlantique de recherche sur le cancer, de Service Nouveau-Brunswick, et des Services de santé Medavie.

Tout au long de sa carrière, Dre Desrosiers a occupé divers postes de leadership et de direction, notamment la vice-présidence aux services médicaux, à la formation et à la recherche, et depuis 2020, la présidence-direction générale du Réseau de santé Vitalité.

Dre France Desrosiers

  • 2000 à 2004 – Chef de l’urgence et de la médecine familiale
  • 2004 à 2008 – Chef de département de la Péninsule acadienne
  • 2008 à 2009 – Médecin-chef locale, zone Acadie-Bathurst
  • 2009 à 2016 – Médecin-chef régionale, Réseau de santé Vitalité
  • 2016 à 2020 – Vice-présidente aux services médicaux, à la formation et à la recherche, Réseau de santé Vitalité
  • Novembre 2020 à aujourd’hui – Présidente-directrice générale, Réseau de santé Vitalité

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Dr. Desrosiers has nearly 25 years of medical and administrative experience, including many within her own private medical clinic in Tracadie. Dr. Desrosiers was born in Montréal. She holds a Diploma of College Studies in Health Sciences from Collège de Maisonneuve, and a Doctor of Medicine from the Université de Montréal.

She is a member of the New Brunswick Medical Society, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick and the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders, and she is also a member and Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

In addition, she is a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Service New Brunswick, and Medavie Health Services. Throughout her career, Dr. Desrosiers has held a variety of leadership and governance positions, including as Vice-

President of Medical Services, Training and Research, and since 2020 as President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network.

Dr. France Desrosiers

  • 2000 to 2004 – Head of Emergency and Family Medicine
  • 2004 to 2008 – Department Head for the Acadian Peninsula
  • 2008 to 2009 – Local Chief of Staff, Acadie-Bathurst Zone
  • 2009 to 2016 – Regional Chief of Staff, Vitalité Health Network
  • 2016 to 2020 – Vice-President of Medical Services, Training and Research, Vitalité Health Network
  • November 2020 to present – President and CEO, Vitalité Health Network

Chief Transformation & Strategy Officer, Health PEI

Christopher Gillis

Christopher is a highly motivated transformational leader with a proven track record of implementing complex projects, delivering positive results and successfully managing organizational change.

With 15+ years working in management he is passionate about human resources, project management and the ability to use both to solve multi-faceted problems and create cultures of performance all the while building effective relationships through communication and trust.

With a natural, optimistic, professional approach to people, career and team-work, he has the demonstrated ability to set goals and successfully handle multiple high profile priorities at the same time. His experience working and succeeding in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors is a testament to his flexibility, agility and determination.

Prior to his current role as Chief Transformation & Strategy Officer at Health PEI, Christopher was the Deputy Minister, Priorities & Intergovernmental Affairs and, Deputy Clerk of Executive Council & Deputy Secretary to Cabinet with the Government of PEI.

As Deputy Minister Christopher led the creation and implementation of many successful health priorities including: the Government of PEI's digital services front door - MyHealthPEI, the founding and creation of Canada's first multi-jurisdictional licensing model for physicians (the Atlantic Registry), Pharmacy Plus, Virtual Hallway for physicians and, led the province's most recent round of negotiations with the federal government on health transfer funding for the province.

Christopher's experience in healthcare extends to his time as Director of Human Resources & Project Management with a regional healthcare firm focused on community pharmacies and long-term care facilities.

At Health PEI Christopher is responsible for system transformation, data analytics, digital solutions and information technology, and organizational strategy.

Christopher holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the University of Prince Edward Island and a Master of Public Administration from Queen's University with a focus in health and social policy.

He is a Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), a Project Management Professional (PMP) and, a certified leader in organizational transformation (PMI).

Christopher lives in Charlottetown with his husband, Craig, and their mini-labradoodle, Pepper.


Chief Information Officer, Nova Scotia Health & IWK Health

Scott McKenna

Scott McKenna assumed the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health in October 2022.

Scott led development of a Digital Health Strategy which has architecture, data standards, clinical enablement and a citizen-centric focus at its core. He is responsible for day-to-day IM/IT operations as well as digital modernization and transformation.

Scott collaborates across health and digital sectors to advance interoperability, AI, and adoption of digital solutions designed to improve clinician and citizen experience.

Scott came to Nova Scotia Health after 32 years with the federal government. Most recently he was Chief Information Officer for both Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada supporting the Government of Canada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scott has significant background in transformation, modernization and innovation while leading people and culture through change. His leadership experience ensures digital tools and solutions support the overall business strategy of the organization and its employees.


President & CEO, Horizon Health Network

Margaret Melanson

Margaret Melanson is the President and CEO of Horizon Health Network and in 2025, she was named a Top 50 CEO in Atlantic Canada by Atlantic Business Magazine for her pioneering and transformative work in people-centred care.

She has held many prominent leadership roles within Horizon, including interim President and CEO, Vice President, Clinical Services and Vice President, Quality and Patient Centred Care.

Previously, she was the Executive Director for the Saint John area, where she was responsible for clinical service delivery within acute care, among other responsibilities. She also has experience leading several clinical networks across all Horizon.

Margaret has extensive clinical and administrative experience in the health care sector, having also previously served as Vice President of Clinical and Facility Support Services for the Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation, among other roles.

She is also a Past President of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada, and the New Brunswick Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from Dalhousie University, as well as an Executive Master of Business Administration.


Founder & Chair, CAN Health Network

Dr. Dante Morra

Dr. Dante Morra is a visionary leader and innovator in Canadian healthcare, recognized for transforming systems and driving impactful change.

As the Founder and Chair of the CAN Health Network, Dr. Morra has created an integrated marketplace that is revolutionizing how Canadian medtech companies enter and succeed in the healthcare sector, fostering economic growth and innovation.

Previously, Dr. Morra served as the Chief Clinical Innovation Officer and President of THP Solutions, where he was instrumental in advancing technological solutions and operational efficiencies.

He also founded Insight Health Solutions, a groundbreaking initiative generating $45 million annually and giving a portion back to support hospital operations. During his tenure as the inaugural Chief of Staff at Trillium Health Partners, one of Canada’s largest academically affiliated hospitals, he oversaw 1,400 physicians and professional staff.

He was instrumental in the merger of the Mississauga hospitals, Canada’s largest hospital merger, creating a unified system that redefined care delivery and system integration.

Dr. Morra’s leadership extended to the implementation of EPIC, a transformative digital health solution that fundamentally changed the way healthcare is delivered, improving patient outcomes and operational workflows.

Additionally, he founded the Institute for Better Health in 2014 to drive practical, solutions-focused research addressing systemic challenges in healthcare.

A specialist in internal medicine and a Professor at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Dr. Morra holds a Master of Business Administration and is an acclaimed educator.

His course on leadership, systems change, and quality has earned him prestigious awards, including the W.T. Aikins Award, the highest teaching honor from the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Morra’s dedication to advancing Canadian healthcare has positioned him as one of the country’s most influential innovators.

His work has been recognized in The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business Magazine’s Top 50 Executives for his ability to turn visionary ideas into real-world solutions that create lasting impact.


Partner, EY Canada's National Healthcare Practice

Shannon MacDonald

Shannon MacDonald, ICD.d, FCPA, is a Partner in EY Canada’s National Healthcare Practice. Based in Toronto, she leads Digital Healthcare, guiding project teams across Canada to improve digital health solutions for patients and citizens.

She has deep experience with Executive teams in strategic planning, leading and designing facilitated client sessions, and project leadership and governance. Shannon has decades of experience in various business analysis functions with Health and Government & Public Sector clients.

Shannon has also served on several boards over her career. In this capacity she has been engaged in writing board mandates, policy documents, and terms of reference documents.  Shannon is currently the board chair at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Here she has been leading a rebuild of the board, a governance review, a five year action plan, recruitment of a new President as well as the development of a governance team and a DEI team.

Shannon also services on the board of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Studies and the Health Standards Board.


Hosts

Benefactor

Frank McKenna

Frank McKenna is a politician, ambassador, lawyer and businessman whose relentless pursuit of New Brunswick’s best interests has been a constant across the remarkable trajectory of his life and career. As premier of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1997, he advanced a contemporary vision for New Brunswick predicated on state-of-the-art technology, progressive programs and pride. New Brunswick became a global leader in e-government and achieved national acclaim for its technology prowess.

Frank was the first premier in Canada to have an email address and a computer in his office. An early adopter, he has long understood the power of technology to make us more connected, successful and contemporary. During his three terms in office, he advanced a revolutionary vision of moving New Brunswick to a knowledge-based economy based on “bandwidth and brain-width.”

Following three whirlwind terms, Frank kept his promise to step down after ten years. He went on to influential roles outside of his home province, first as Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. in 2005. The following year, TD Bank named him deputy chairman, a position created for Frank that he still holds.

Frank is the Chair of Brookfield Asset Management, a global asset manager with $750 billion in assets. Additionally, he is a Director of Canadian Natural Resources (CNRL), Canada’s largest oil and gas producer.

Frank McKenna holds 15 honorary degrees, an Order of Canada, an Order of New Brunswick, a King’s Counsel, Member of the King’s Privy Counsel, a Vanier Award recipient and a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors. He is a former Chancellor of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.

He holds degrees from St. Francis Xavier University and University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law, where he earned a prestigious Lord Beaverbrook scholarship and graduated second in his class.

Through it all, Frank has never lost his abiding connection and commitment to his home province, where he lives in Cap Pele with his wife, Julie. The McKennas have three children and seven grandchildren.


President, University of New Brunswick

Paul Mazerolle

Dr. Paul Mazerolle is the 19th president and vice-chancellor of the University of New Brunswick. Prior to his appointment in July 2019, Dr. Mazerolle was previously the pro vice chancellor (arts, education and law, 2009-2019), campus provost for Mount Gravatt campus (2009-2019), director of the Violence Research and Prevention program (2006-2019), and director of the Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance (2007-2009) at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia. He was also director of Research and Prevention at the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission (2002-2005) and head of the criminology program at the University of Queensland (2000-2006).

Dr. Mazerolle received his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the University of New Brunswick (1989), his master of science in criminal justice from Northeastern University (1990), and his PhD in criminology from the University of Maryland at College Park (1995).

Dr. Mazerolle has led and participated in several major initiatives. While at Griffith, he chaired the university-wide Safe Campus Taskforce and chaired the sub-committee on Changing Attitudes and Behaviour regarding Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault. Since 2014, Dr. Mazerolle led and chaired the Griffith Integrity 20 program. Dr. Mazerolle was a member of the Premier’s Youth Violence Taskforce and the Seniors Taskforce in Queensland, Australia. He was also Board Chair and Director at Open Minds, a leading non-government organization addressing mental illness and disability. Dr. Mazerolle is a past editor of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology and is the founding co-editor (with Tara McGee) of the Journal of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology.

An active scholar in criminology, Dr. Mazerolle has led several funded research projects. His research examines processes that shape offending behaviour across the life-course. His primary focus is in building knowledge on violence to inform theories, advance understanding, and improve policy and practices to reduce or prevent violence.

Paul is a proud native of New Brunswick, having grown up in Fredericton. He returns with his wife Amanda, and their two border collies, Maya and Gaby, to enjoy the four seasons.


Executive Director, McKenna Institute

Adrienne Oldford

Adrienne Oldford brings deep leadership experience and a passion for economic and social development in New Brunswick to her role at the helm of the McKenna Institute. Over more than 25 years in senior management positions in the public and private sectors, she has served as president and CEO of the New Brunswick Business Council and COO of Atlantic Lottery Corp., among other roles.

Adrienne serves on the Board of Assumption Life and is the Chair of the UNB Faculty of Management Advisory Board. She regularly volunteers to facilitate strategic planning engagements with local community organizations.

Adrienne holds an MBA from the University of New Brunswick and a BSc from Dalhousie University. She has also completed several programs through the Institute of Corporate Directors and Queen’s University’s Executive Education Program.

In 2018, Adrienne was recognized by the Ottawa-based Public Policy Forum with the Frank McKenna Award for Public Policy, presented to distinguished Atlantic Canadians who have built bridges between sectors, contributed to public policy, and shown exceptional leadership. UNB’s Faculty of Business Administration has awarded her the Certificate of Achievement.


This invigorating event is made possible by our sponsors.
Note: Invitations are non-transferable.

Highlights from our 2024 event