Team – Safe Science Solutions

Team Vision

Centered around the preservation of human life. We are committed to safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of individuals.

Safe Science Solutions is led by:

A highly experienced team of entrepreneurs, pharmaceutical executives and former high level government officials.

Our Team

Doug Sommerville

Chief Executive Officer

25 years experience in the pharmaceutical sector
Former Country Head and Global SVP at Teva Canada, with record revenue exceeding $1.4B
Former Chair of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association - $6B industry sales
Former Global Vice President at Baxter Healthcare Corporation

Eric Hoskins

Director Government Relations

Former Ontario health minister responsible for one of the largest health care systems in North America (2014 – 2018)
On June 20, 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Hoskins to head a national pharmacare strategy
Former elected Member of Ontario Provincial Parliament with multiple cabinet positions
Current Government of Canada Chair, Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare

Ray Novak

Advisor

Co-founder and Managing Director of Harper & Associates, a global consulting firm led by Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper
Former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Canada (2013–2015) (Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper)
Principal Secretary of Canada (2008–2013)
Served nearly a decade in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada where he led strategic coordination in support of the government’s policy and communications

Advisory Team

Leah Ward - Independent Advisor

Two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors
Former Director of Communications to the Alberta NDP Caucus
Former senior advisor to former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley during the NDP’s term in government
Commentator on CBC’s Power and Politics, CBC Calgary’s political panel, CPAC, CTV National News, CBC’s Alberta at Noon, and the CBC podcast West of Centre

Zita Astravas - Independent Advisor

Seasoned public affairs professional with over 15 years serving in senior government
Former director of Issues Management and a seasoned Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Former Chief of Staff to the President of the King’s Privy Council and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, the Minister of Public Safety, and the Minister of National Defence
Former Director of Media Relations for the Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne

Laurel Brazill - Independent Advisor

Decade of experience in provincial politics and government relations, specializing in the field of healthcare
Former Director of Stakeholder Relations for the Minister of Health
Oversaw the implementation of transformative initiatives such as Ontario Health Teams and Ontario Health
Held roles at two of Ontario’s largest healthcare associations: the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario Hospital Association

Clancy Bouwman - Independent Advisor

Katy Merrifield - Independent Advisor

Decade of experience advising senior cabinet members and elected officials
Former Chief of Staff to the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Jobs, Tourism, Skills Training and Labour in British Columbia.
Former head of communications for the Premiers of British Columbia and Alberta
Previously managed two successful leadership campaigns in British Columbia and serving as a senior advisor to a provincial party

Peter Csillag - Independent Advisor

Over a decade of experience in public affairs, politics, and advocacy
Former Director of Issues Management for the Leader of the Official Opposition and caucus in the Alberta Legislature
Won the 2019 election campaign, and served as Senior Communications Advisor to the Government Caucus in British Columbia
Former Director of Issues Management & Parliamentary Affairs for Canada’s Minister of National