After a rigorous request for proposal process, the CAR will move forward with a new government relations firm to further promote the critical priorities of Canadian radiologists and patients with federal decision makers.
The CAR is pleased to announce a new advocacy partnership with Impact Public Affairs.
Impact Public Affairs has the experience at the federal political level and is familiar with the broad needs Canada’s healthcare sector has of its government. They have worked with many national and provincial health organizations across many sectors including radiology, having partnered with the Canadian Association of Interventional Radiology (CAIR).
“We chose to work with Impact Public Affairs because of their proven track record supporting national associations and healthcare organizations, and their deep understanding of federal government relations,” explained Casey Hurrell, CAR Senior Manager of Research and Policy. “Their team brings the policy expertise and creative energy needed to make an impact, especially during high-profile moments like our Day on the Hill. We were looking for a firm that could offer year-round strategic support on key priorities like health human resources, innovative technologies, and targeted federal investment in medical imaging, and Impact checked every box.”
With the potential for personnel change among federal ministers and subsequent committees, the CAR’s advocacy work has already started. Our immediate priorities include:
- Preparing a pre-budget submission ahead of Day on the Hill
- Maintaining connections made during the election cycle with party offices and their election platforms
- Reaffirming connections with past champions (MPs and Senators)
- Continuing to advocate on behalf of members for attention to our key issues (AI, HHR, CDS, Equipment)
Media relations is Impact’s strength, which they are using to give a louder voice to the CAR’s priorities on AI in healthcare. An op-ed piece for a future issue of The Hill Times is in the works to promote the benefits of the CAR’s proposed Health AI Validation Network (HAIVN) and the need for a unified framework to evaluate post-market AI in healthcare.
With a political leadership change and an election already before the halfway mark of 2025, the CAR is glad to partner with Impact Public Affairs to continue making our priorities heard on Parliament Hill.