Kim Steele
Calgary,Canada
Summary
Strategic and influential drug access and public affairs leader with over 20 years of success securing public and private reimbursement for innovative medicines. Proven ability to influence drug access and policy, build coalitions, and drive regulatory wins across all levels of government. A trusted spokesperson and relationship builder known for aligning diverse stakeholders—including patient organizations, elected officials, and industry leaders—to drive access and improve health outcomes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
National Director, Government Relations & Advocacy
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
01.2017 - Current
- Led national access strategy to secure reimbursement for Trikafta across all Canadian public drug plans within five months of Health Canada approval. Within four years 95% of the CF population is now eligible, a collective spend of over $1B annually.
- Built, trained and managed a grassroots, national advocacy network; led meeting campaigns resulting in outreach to 40% of MPs and 700+ provincial/territorial officials.
- Co-founded an All-Party Emergency Access Caucus representing ⅓ of Parliamentarians to stop proposed PMPRB guidelines and protect access to rare disease drugs.
- Co-chaired one of the most comprehensive burden of disease study on cystic fibrosis-to-date, informing payer negotiations and business cases for coverage of Trikafta. Study findings were published in BMJ Respiratory.
- Authored high-impact government and HTA submissions, gave testimony to committees and participated in consultations at federal/provincial levels.
Consultant, Independent Sub-Contractor
Self-Employed
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Advised rare disease, neurological, and dermatology patient groups on drug access strategy, including development of patient submissions and burden of illness studies.
- Led logistics and messaging for “Day on the Hill” advocacy events, securing 40+ MP meetings for neurological health charities seeking a national neurological strategy.
- Conducted stakeholder policy benchmarking for a leading pharmaceutical client to inform access strategy.
Director, Stakeholder Relations
Innovative Medicines Canada (formerly Rx&D)
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Led cross-country consultations with 100+ patient groups and 50+ member companies to inform stakeholder engagement strategy and partnership framework.
- Strengthened industry’s positioning on CETA and CADTH reforms by aligning industry and patient voices.
- Modernized sponsorship strategy to align with advocacy goals, improving transparency and outcomes.
Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Communications, CEO’s Office
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Led CEO’s CCSVI crisis management strategy to gain government support for clinical trials to determine efficacy of treatment.
- Led governance consultations across 120+ chapter boards, streamlining structures and boosting organizational effectiveness.
- Acted as communications lead to the CEO and board, advised on bylaw and policy interpretations, supported policy committee and internal policy development processes.
Senior Coordinator, Government Relations and Communications
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Co-led campaigns that secured $15M federal investment and for neurological research and advanced national caregiver strategies.
- Built and trained a national volunteer advocate network; authored white papers and drug access submissions for HTA bodies.
Education
Skills
- Government & Stakeholder Relations
- Reimbursement Strategy (Public & Private)
- Policy Development and Advocacy
- Coalition Building
- Patient & Public Engagement
- Regulatory Affairs
- Strategic Communications
- Public and Media Relations
Speaking Engagements
- Northwinds PHI Forum, Keynote (2025)
- Benefits Alliance Spark Conference, Keynote (2024)
- Council on Drug Plan Partnerships (2024)
- Market Access Summit (2023)
- Innovative Medicines Canada Patient Partners Forum (2023)
Volunteer Leadership
- Chair-in-Training, Best Medicines Coalition (2025)
- Observer, National Rare Disease Drug Strategy Implementation Advisory Committee (2023–Present)
- Advisor, National Occupational Standard, Government Relations Officer (2022)
- Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, Committees: Drug Pricing & Regulation, Rare Disease Strategy, Membership (2020-Present)
- Team Lead, Ontario Brain Strategy (2010-12)
Timeline
National Director, Government Relations & Advocacy
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
01.2017 - Current
Consultant, Independent Sub-Contractor
Self-Employed
01.2015 - 01.2017
Director, Stakeholder Relations
Innovative Medicines Canada (formerly Rx&D)
01.2012 - 01.2014
Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Communications, CEO’s Office
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
01.2010 - 01.2012
Senior Coordinator, Government Relations and Communications
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
01.2007 - 01.2010
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