HR’s Role as a Strategic Lever in Health Care Transformation: A Panel Discussion

The HQ

Over the past 5 years in particular, there has been a lot of discussion about human resources, or HR – but what does this include … and what more could it mean? In episode 61 of The HQ Podcast, we explore HR in its capacity to be a strategic lever for transformation in healthcare. Far beyond transactional processes, HR has the power to (re)shape the future of our health systems—especially during times of global and economic uncertainty.

Why does HR matter now more than ever? What risks do we face if we undervalue strategic HR leadership? And how can health systems unlock the full potential of their people to drive meaningful change?

Joining us to explore these questions—and more—are two expert healthcare HR leaders who are challenging assumptions and advancing innovative approaches to people and culture: Anna Marenick, Vice President of People, Culture and Belonging at Nova Scotia Health, and Sarah Cameron, Chief of People, Strategy and Technology at Covenant Health.

Together, they share their insights on what it takes to build a strategic HR backbone, why recruitment alone won’t solve workforce challenges, and how HR must evolve to meet the values and expectations of today’s workforce. From interest-based negotiations to culture change, they discuss what success looks like when HR takes its rightful place as a transformative force in healthcare.

Don’t miss this timely, thoughtful conversation about how HR can shape a sustainable and resilient healthcare future.

Key Discussions

The Business of HR in Healthcare

• What distinguishes HR from HHR?
• What is HR not, and why is that distinction critical?

Why HR Needs to Be More—and Different—in 2025

• How new generations and shifting values are redefining work
• Why HR must move beyond transactional functions

Building a Strategic HR Backbone

• Why recruitment isn’t the only answer
• What questions organizations should be asking to drive change

Overcoming Barriers to Strategic HR

• What prevents healthcare organizations from fully embracing strategic HR?
• How can HR leaders better communicate their value and demonstrate ROI?

Transformational HR Leadership

• Is sector experience essential to lead strategic HR transformation?
• How do HR leaders develop the skills to drive innovation and change?

What Success Looks Like

• Real-world examples of strategic HR approaches making an impact
• How interest-based negotiations can advance workforce outcomes

Risks of Losing Strategic HR Leadership

• What’s at stake for health organizations and the system at large?
• Why HR executive roles are critical during economic uncertainty

Priorities for Strategic HR Leaders Today

• Addressing workplace violence, retention, wellness, and more

About Our Guests

Anna Marenick

Vice President of People, Culture and Belonging, Nova Scotia Health

Anna Marenick is a successful human resources and transformational leader with extensive regional and national experience. She has led multi-faceted and complex programs in diverse and challenging environments in both the private and public sector.

Anna joined nova Scotia Health in 2021 in the role of Senior Director of Organizational Change Management and later took on the role of interim Senior Director of People Services.

Prior to joining Nova Scotia Health, she was the senior director of people and governance at Develop Nova Scotia. Her creative, inclusive approach to solving complex problems in a variety ofsettings makes her exceptional at collaboratively propelling ideas and people forward.

She sits on the Board of Directors of Saint Mary’s University and Neptune Theatre. She is also actively involved in the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.

Earlier this year, at the Nova Scotia Chartered Professional in HR awards, Anna was presented with theUnion Partnership Award, and the NS Health team was presented with the Team of the Year award.

Anna has a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from St. Francis Xavier University. She is also a Prosci Certified Change Management Professional and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources.

Sarah Cameron

Chief of People, Strategy and Technology, Covenant Health

Sarah Cameron is chief of people, strategy and technology at Covenant Health, where she leads human resources, strategic planning, communications, and technology initiatives across the organization. Since joining Covenant Health’s executive team in October 2022, Sarah has brought extensive experience in corporate strategy, organizational development and transformational leadership.

Prior to her current role, Sarah served as chief human resources officer for the City of Saskatoon, where she owned her expertise in talent management, leadership development, and driving organizational change at scale. Throughout her career, she has specialized in helping organizations enhance their performance and effectiveness through strategic people-focused initiatives.

Sarah is passionate about the power of relationships and collaboration in solving complex challenges and creating meaningful change. She believes in fostering healthy, inclusive work environments that empower teams to deliver their best work in service of the communities they serve.

Helpful Resources

Anna Marenickt: LinkedIn | Click Here

Sarah Cameron: LinkedIn | Click Here

Nova Scotia Health | Website | Click here

Covenant Health | Website | Click Here

HealthCareCAN’s Health Human Resources Advisory Committee (HHRAC) | Website | Click Here

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