2009 Award Recipient - Dr. Barbara Whylie

Dr. Barbara Whylie, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Cancer Society, 2009

Dr. Whylie was selected as the recipient of HCCC's 2009 Award of Distinction. The selection committee considered a range of criteria such as volunteerism, scope of influence, geographic scope of service, community outreach and the advancement of the charitable health sector. Dr. Whylie was chosen for the vast contributions she made to the charitable health sector throughout her distinguished career as a physician, cancer researcher and leader of Canada's largest health charity.

Dr. Whylie began her work for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) in 1996, first as its Director, Cancer Control Policy and then as CEO.

During her tenure as CEO, Dr. Whylie provided strategic leadership and oversight to both CCS and NCIC staff to improve cancer outcomes and the quality of life for those living with cancer. She made tremendous contributions to elevate the level of support for cancer research and related programs to reduce incidence, morbidity and mortality from cancer in Canada. Under

Dr. Whylie's leadership, the CCS consistently increased its annual investments in cancer research as well as other programs related to prevention, advocacy, information and support. In 2006 after years of advocating by the Society under Dr. Whylie's leadership, the Federal government committed $260 million over five years to form the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.  This initiative began to pave the way for Canadians to obtain improved cancer prevention information and high-quality, timely treatment and care no matter where they live.

As Director, Cancer Control Policy, Dr. Whylie ensured that the Society's health policies were soundly grounded in scientific evidence. She worked extensively with the media to spread the Society's health message, as well as to stimulate new research and contribute to decision-making and priority-setting processes for cancer control in Canada. For five years (1997-2002), she chaired the Canadian Coalition of Cancer Surveillance. Under her direction, the Coalition developed a multi-faceted vision for cancer surveillance in Canada, despite severe under funding.

The members of HCCC thank Dr. Whylie for her exceptional contributions to the charitable health sector.

The award was presented to Dr. Whylie at HCCC's Annual Roundtable Meeting on April 2, 2009 in Toronto.

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