Executive Vice President, Government Relations & Legal Services & Chief Privacy and Risk Officer (CPRO)

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 and 2024! Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

The Executive Vice President, Government Relations & Legal Services & Chief Privacy & Risk Officer (CPRO) is a senior executive leader responsible for advancing SHN’s corporate legal services, enterprise risk management, emergency preparedness, government relations, and privacy strategies within a complex and highly regulated healthcare environment.

Reporting to the CEO, this role serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors. The EVP ensures coordinated engagement with government partners, regulators, and community stakeholders while safeguarding legal integrity, regulatory compliance, organizational resilience, and the protection of patient and employee information.

Key Responsibilities:

Government Relations & Public Policy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with SHN’s strategic priorities.
• Lead public policy advocacy efforts related to healthcare delivery, funding, system transformation, digital health, and data privacy.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and political developments, translating impacts into strategic advice for the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with senior government officials, regulators, and public stakeholders.

Legal Advisory

• Serve as a key strategic advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership on corporate legal, policy and risk matters.
• Ensure Board committees receive timely, accurate reporting across assigned portfolios.
• Advise on healthcare laws and regulations, including funding and reimbursement rules, licensing standards, and professional regulatory requirements.
• Provide sound corporate legal and risk-based counsel during crises and sensitive public or reputational matters.

Enterprise Risk Management

• Lead and oversee SHN’s Enterprise Risk Management framework.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate enterprise, clinical, operational, financial, and reputational risks.
• Define risk appetite, tolerance, and escalation thresholds in partnership with the CEO, Board of Directors and executive leadership.
• Integrate risk management into business strategy, investment planning, and decision-making processes.

Privacy & Data Protection

• Provide enterprise oversight of privacy strategy, compliance, and education.
• Serve as or oversee the designated Privacy Officer.
• Ensure compliance with applicable privacy and data protection legislation, including PHIPA and PIPEDA.
• Oversee privacy impact assessments, data-sharing agreements, consent frameworks, and information governance standards.
• Lead responses to privacy incidents, breaches, and regulator inquiries.
• Provide regular reporting on privacy risks, trends, and mitigation strategies.

Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity

• Oversee emergency management planning and readiness across the entire Hospital network.
• Lead business continuity planning and disaster recovery strategies.
• Ensure critical processes, systems, and talent can be restored within defined recovery objectives.
• Direct enterprise resilience testing, simulations, and stress-testing exercises.
• Ensure continuity of care in collaboration with clinical and operational leaders.

Qualifications & Experience

• LL.B. or J.D. and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (or equivalent).
• Active license to practice corporate law.
• Master’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Laws or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive senior leadership experience spanning healthcare legal services, government relations and/or regulatory environments.
• Extensive, senior-level experience engaging and influencing deputy ministers, elected officials, regulatory authorities, and key public stakeholders, with a demonstrated ability to shape policy outcomes and advance complex organizational priorities.
• Strong understanding of the Ontario health system, legislative processes, and healthcare governance frameworks.
• Deep expertise in privacy legislation, enterprise risk management methodologies, and emergency preparedness principles.
• Experience within a public, nonprofit, or large integrated healthcare organization; prior service within government, healthcare, or a regulatory agency is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor high-performing professional teams in complex, multi-site environments.

Leadership Competencies

• Exceptional strategic judgment and executive presence.
• Political acuity and the ability to navigate complex public and regulatory environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influence skills.
• Values-driven leadership with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Sound corporate legal and risk-based judgment, particularly in crisis and high-sensitivity situations.

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike.

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values.

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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