Kim Steele
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 three years 95% of the CF population became eligible for therapy, now 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 and 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 studies on cystic fibrosis-to-date, informing payer negotiations and business cases for coverage of Trikafta. Study findings were published in BMJ Respiratory Journal.
- 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
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 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
Leadership Development -
Humani
01.2023
Appreciative Inquiry Certification - undefined
AI Institute
01.2017
Non-Profit Management Certificate - undefined
Toronto Metropolitan University
01.2010
Surveys from Start to Finish - undefined
Statistics Canada
01.2004
Bachelor Of Arts - Anthropology
University of Alberta
2002
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, Private Health Insurance 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
- Advisor, National Occupational Standard, Government Relations Officer, 2022
- Observer, National Rare Disease Drug Strategy Implementation Advisory Committee, 2023-Present
- Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, Committees: Drug Pricing & Rags, Rare Disease Strategy, Membership, 2020-Present
- Member, United Way Community Investment Board, 2016-2018
- Team Lead, Ontario Brain Strategy, 2008-2012
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
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
Appreciative Inquiry Certification - undefined
AI Institute
Non-Profit Management Certificate - undefined
Toronto Metropolitan University
Surveys from Start to Finish - undefined
Statistics Canada
Leadership Development -
Humani
Bachelor Of Arts - Anthropology
University of Alberta
Similar Profiles
Kim SteeleKim Steele
National Director, Government Relations & Advocacy at Cystic Fibrosis CanadaNational Director, Government Relations & Advocacy at Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Lisa SanchezLisa Sanchez
Officer, Events at Cystic Fibrosis CanadaOfficer, Events at Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Maya DugganMaya Duggan
Volunteer at Cystic Fibrosis CanadaVolunteer at Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Deepraj PathakDeepraj Pathak
Lead - Policy Advocacy and Government Relations at RocheLead - Policy Advocacy and Government Relations at Roche
Dr. Katie ColinaDr. Katie Colina
Executive Director of Advocacy & Govt. Relations at EdmentumExecutive Director of Advocacy & Govt. Relations at Edmentum