Emmett Hall Memorial Lectureship

The Emmett Hall Memorial Lectureship is one of Canada’s most prestigious honours in the field of health systems and policy, celebrating the enduring legacy of Justice Emmett Hall, the father of Canadian Medicare. The Lectureship recognizes individuals whose leadership and contributions reflect Hall’s vision and values in advancing Canada’s health system.

Each year, the Justice Emmett Hall Memorial Foundation selects a Hall Laureate who delivers the annual Hall Lecture at the Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR) conference. This high-profile plenary brings together health system leaders, researchers, and policymakers from across the country. A video recording of the lecture is later shared on the Hall Foundation website.

The Hall Laureate receives a $5,000 award and travel support to attend the CAHSPR conference.

Past Hall Laureate Lectures

Videos of recent Hall Lectures are available below:

· Dr. Katherine Fierlbeck (2025)

· Dr. Joel Lexchin (2024)

· Dr. Pat Armstrong (2023)

· Dr. Colleen Flood (2022)

· Dr. Jeffrey Turnbull (2021)

Nominate the Next Hall Laureate

The Hall Foundation accepts nominations year-round. Nominations received before November 15 each year are considered for the selection of the following year’s Hall Laureate award.

Access the nomination form here

Hall Laureate Selection Criteria

Selection of the Hall Laureate is based on the following criteria:

Commitment to Hall’s ideals and Canada’s health system values
The nominee has demonstrated leadership in advancing the health ideals articulated by Justice Emmett Hall (equity, fairness, justice, and efficiency) and in supporting the core principles underpinning Canada’s public health insurance system, such as universality, accessibility, and public administration.

Excellence and recognition
The nominee has a longstanding record of achievement in scholarship, leadership, or public service and has been recognized for their influence in advancing health systems and policy in Canada.

Communication and engagement
The nominee has the ability to deliver a compelling Hall Lecture to a diverse health systems audience (including researchers, policymakers, health system and clinical leaders, and the public) and is available to present at the annual CAHSPR conference.