CancerCare Manitoba hires new CEO

Winnipeg Free Press

3 days ago

CancerCare Manitoba will soon be under new leadership, the provincial agency's staff members learned Friday.
Dr. Kent Stobart has been hired to replace former president and CEO Dr. Sri Navaratnam, who left the role well before the end of her contract. Stobart worked at the facility from 1999 to 2002.
'We are excited to welcome Dr. Stobart back to CancerCare Manitoba,' a spokesperson told the Free Press Friday evening.
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'A pediatric oncologist and accomplished academic leader, he brings a wealth of experience, deep knowledge of cancer care and a proven commitment to patients. These qualities will be instrumental in shaping CCMB's future. Given the rigorous and extensive search undertaken for this position, CancerCare Manitoba's board is confident that Dr. Stobart is the right leader to guide CCMB into its next era.'
The facility's staff learned of the hiring earlier Friday in a letter from board chair Jeoffrey Chipman.
'Our goal was to find a leader who not only brings exceptional experience but also aligns with the values that define our organization: collaboration, innovation, integrity and a deep commitment to patient care,' he wrote.
'We are confident Dr. Stobart has this experience, embodies these values and will help guide the strategic leadership of (CancerCare Manitoba).'
Stobart has been a doctor since 1984 and has held clinical and academic roles in all four western Canadian provinces. Most recently, he served as the vice-dean of education in the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine, Chipman's letter said.
Stobart will take the helm in November, 'once he has had the opportunity to orient himself in his new role,' it said.
Dr. Donna Turner will remain in place as the agency's interim leader during the transition. Turner was appointed to the role in April after Navaratnam announced she was leaving before her contract was set to expire in December.
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Navaratnam had previously announced her intention not to renew her contract, leaving behind a leadership role she had held since 2014.
Professional services firm MNP was contracted to lead an international search for her replacement last November.
Chipman thanked Turner for her leadership over the past several months. She will return to her role as chief of population oncology once Stobart takes over, the letter said.
'Her steady leadership and unwavering dedication have been essential in maintaining the momentum of our work and the stability of our operations,' it said.
'The (CancerCare Manitoba) board also wants to thank all staff for their dedication and commitment during the past number of months. Your commitment to excellence and your continuing focus on providing the best care to Manitobans, is outstanding… We look forward to this next chapter for our organization.'
Doctors Manitoba, the organization representing physicians in the province, welcomed Stobart's arrival in an emailed statement Friday.
'We look forward to working with Dr. Stobart on a new chapter for CancerCare, including on recommendations to strengthen support for cancer specialists so they are best positioned to deliver exceptional care to their patients.'– Doctors Manitoba statement via email
'We look forward to working with Dr. Stobart on a new chapter for CancerCare, including on recommendations to strengthen support for cancer specialists so they are best positioned to deliver exceptional care to their patients,' it said.
Like Chipman, the organization thanked Turner for her temporary leadership.
Doctors Manitoba has been critical of CancerCare and previously called for an independent investigation into operations after a months-long review revealed allegations of burnout, heavy workloads, recruitment challenges, lacklustre communication, favouritism and distrust in the executive leaders.
Nurses and allied health workers came forward with similar allegations after the results of the review became public.
Stobart will assume leadership of CancerCare as the agency prepares to create a new research and treatment facility that could cost up to $1 billion.
The new building will stand next to CancerCare headquarters at 675 McDermot Ave. Construction is slated to begin next August and will continue for about four years, Premier Wab Kinew said in June.
Chipman's letter noted CancerCare planned to publicly announce Stobart as the agency's new leader sometime after Aug. 26, after the provincial byelection in Spruce Woods. Manitoba legislation restricts government departments from making announcements about programs or activities during election periods.
'We look forward to sharing this good news more broadly later this month,' Chipman's letter said.
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Tyler SearleReporter
Tyler Searle is a multimedia producer who writes for the Free Press's city desk. A graduate of Red River College Polytechnic's creative communications program, he wrote for the Stonewall Teulon Tribune, Selkirk Record and Express Weekly News before joining the paper in 2022. Read more about Tyler.
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