The current trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada and other countries would have real consequences for our healthcare systems which are still not fully recovered from the impact of the COVID pandemic. A resurrected policy issue, tariffs are now at the centre of economic and political discourse, raising urgent questions for all health care organizations, leaders, and governments. The proposed US-tariffs and economic policies would threaten all supply chains, including healthcare’s, and with that the cost of essential medical supplies, devices, and equipment would certainly rise, straining government and hospital budgets. Such disruptions in our intertwined supply chains would lead to shortages and increased costs… and both would threaten our health workforce and its capacity to deliver timely, accessible, and quality patient care.

Could we see shortages of critical medical resources? How will rising costs affect healthcare organizations? And what can leaders do to navigate this uncertainty?

In this episode of The HQ podcast, we explore the risks and realities of U.S. tariffs on Canada’s healthcare sector. To unpack these pressing questions, we are joined by two leaders with firsthand expertise. Kendra Frey, Vice President of Strategic Sourcing & Innovative Solutions at HealthPRO Canada, oversees procurement for over 2,000 healthcare facilities nationwide. Nicole DeKort, President & CEO of Medtech Canada, represents Canada’s medical technology companies and has worked at the intersection of healthcare policy and industry for years. Together, they provide insight into the economic, logistical, and policy-driven aspects of this complex issue—and what tariffs could mean for the future of healthcare in Canada.

With tariffs threatening to disrupt healthcare supply chains and drive-up costs, healthcare leaders need to be prepared for the challenges ahead. How can the system adapt? What strategies can organizations use to navigate uncertainty? Tune in to this episode of The HQ podcast for expert insights and practical takeaways on what these trade policies mean for the future of healthcare in Canada.

Key Discussions:

Understanding Tariffs & Their Risks

What exactly are tariffs, and how do they function in global trade?
How do the proposed U.S. tariffs threaten the stability of healthcare supply chains in Canada?

The Threat to Healthcare Providers & Patients

Could these tariffs lead to shortages of critical medical supplies and devices?
What are the potential consequences for healthcare workers and patient care?

Lessons from the Pandemic & Proactive Strategies

What lessons did Canada’s healthcare system learn from previous supply chain disruptions, like COVID-19?
How can procurement leaders and policymakers mitigate risks and build supply chain resilience?

Domestic Innovation vs. Economic Strain

Could tariffs drive new opportunities for domestic production, or will they simply create additional strain on existing resources?
How do international trade agreements factor into Canada’s ability to navigate these economic pressures?

Actionable Takeaways for Healthcare Leaders

What immediate steps can healthcare organizations take to prepare for potential tariff impacts?
How can organizations balance cost-efficiency with supply chain resilience in an uncertain economic landscape?

About Our Guests:

Kendra Frey

Vice President, Strategic Sourcing and Innovative Solutions

HealthPRO Canada

As Vice President of Strategic Sourcing and Innovative Solutions at HealthPRO Canada, Kendra provides executive leadership and strategic oversight across all sourcing portfolios, including Pharmacy, Clinical, Support Services, Nutrition and Food Services, Capital Equipment, and Signature Services. She is responsible for delivering innovative procurement strategies that enhance efficiency, generate cost savings, and maximize value for the more than 2,000 healthcare facilities HealthPRO Canada serves.

With extensive expertise in strategic sourcing, Kendra plays a critical role in strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Canada’s healthcare supply chain. Her strategic vision and leadership ensure that HealthPRO Canada continues to drive market-leading solutions that support member organizations in delivering high-quality patient care.

A certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP), Kendra holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Management Economics from the University of Guelph.

Nicole Dekort

President & CEO

Medtech Canada

Nicole DeKort is the President & CEO of Medtech Canada – the industry association representing Canada’s Medical Technology Companies – pursuing opportunities to demonstrate the value of innovative medical technology to government, stakeholders, and key partners in the health care system.

She previously served for 10 years as the Vice-President of Ontario & Marketing for Medtech Canada, overseeing Ontario government relations and national marketing programs for the association. In response to the heath system challenges we’ve faced in the last few years – both the pandemic and the wait times and decreased access to health services in Canada – Nicole worked with her colleagues to launch www.medtechinnovation.ca which highlights the vast impact the medical technology had in response to the pandemic, and also highlights the tremendous role that the medical technology industry is playing to help address the medical services backlogs in Canada.

Prior to joining Medtech Canada, Nicole has a 15-year background in politics and government in a diverse portfolio of roles. Nicole’s last role in government prior to joining Medtech Canada was serving as the Executive Director of Strategic Planning for the then Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

Nicole also serves on the Board of Directors for Life Sciences Ontario, the provincial association representing the Life Sciences sector in Ontario.

Helpful Links and Resources:

Guest: Kendra Frey | LinkedIn: Click Here

HealthPRO Canada | Website: Click Here

Guest: Nicole DeKroot | LinkedIn: Click Here

Medtech Canada | Website: Click Here

Collaboration: The Key to Mitigating Threat of Looming Trade War | Resource: Click Here

Protecting Canada’s Healthcare Supply Chain Amid Growing Trade Uncertainty | Resource: Click Here

Ready or Not: Download the Healthcare Supply Chain Playbook | Resource: Click Here

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