Institutional Board of Directors (CAE)

Dr. Samuel Benaroya is an internist and a professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) of McGill University with extensive experience in hospital and university settings. At McGill University, he has served as Associate Vice-Principal, Vice-Dean of Health Affairs of the FMHS, and coordinator of the Réseau universitaire intégré de santé et de services sociaux (RUISSS) McGill.

He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery (MDCM) from McGill University, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. From 2015 to 2025, he served on the Board of Directors of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, representing the academic and teaching sector. He previously served on the boards of directors of St. Mary’s Hospital Centre and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute.

His expertise contributes to aligning the institution’s academic goals and clinical objectives.

Ms. Nancy Blanchet has been borough mayor for LaSalle since 2021, following two mandates as a borough councillor. Over the past 20 years, she has held various strategic roles within municipalities, communities, and associations, focusing on social development, project management, and governance.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the Université de Laval and had headed a number of social organizations, including the Table de développement social de LaSalle and the Regroupement des organisations communautaires en oncologie.

She sits on several boards of directors and committees, among them Concertation Montréal and several local foundations focused on health and housing. Her ongoing commitment reflects a deep engagement with public health and community well-being.

Mr. Marc-Antoine Boisvert is an autistic user who has received services from the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal since 2018. The institution has supported him in becoming more independent in both his personal and professional life.

He is eager to contribute his knowledge, insights, and perspective as a member of the institution’s board of directors. By sharing his lived experience, he aims to help improve the care and services available and support other users.

Ms. Isabelle Brault, a trained nurse and associate professor at the Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, is recognized for her expertise in health services management, interprofessional collaboration, and the evolving roles of nurses. She holds a Doctorate in Public Health (Public Health Administration), a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, all from Université de Montréal.

She has actively contributed to the healthcare network for over 20 years and served on the Board of Directors of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal from 2015 to 2025, including a term as vice-chair. Since 2024, she has been an administrator at the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative. She also sat on the Board of Directors for the CSSS Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle.

Ms. Brault is an independent member who uses her expertise to bridge the gap between academic and clinical environments within the healthcare network.

With over a decade of leadership at Maison du Père and its foundation, Ms. France Desjardins is recognized for her expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams addressing homelessness, social reintegration, and mental health, particularly in partnership with the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, where she continues to serve on the Board of Directors. She also brings 14 years of experience in the business sector, notably with Standard Life, where she held national roles focused on the sale of employee benefit plans to Canadian institutions. These roles strengthened her understanding of organizational dynamics and human resources in various institutional contexts.

Her roles as an independent member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Governance, Ethics and Administration Committee at the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal reflect her ability to support leadership with intelligence, rigour, and respect. She excels in managing organizational transitions with a focus on the well-being of those affected, offering pragmatic solutions tailored to the complex realities of the healthcare sector.

She brings to the Board a strong belief that informed support and appropriate professional distance are key to effective governance, along with a well-rounded perspective on human resources management that contributes to the harmonious development of the organizations she serves.

Mr. Christian G. Dubois brings significant experience in municipal governance and community organization management, having served on the Montréal City Council, where he chaired several standing committees. He is currently the chief executive officer of Onix International Inc. and the executive director of the Centre Bienvenue and the Résidence Bienvenue.

A recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, he is recognized for his leadership and social commitment. He also was recently awarded the Prix Françoise Vien des Amis de la santé mentale. He brings extensive expertise in governance, territorial development, and inter-organizational collaboration to the board, with a particular focus on the mental health sector.

Ms. Laura Fish became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Douglas Foundation since 2019 after having served as its executive director. Along with her extensive background in the legal, community, philanthropic fields, including her work as a lawyer and special advisor with Norton Rose Fulbright, she also oversees strategic planning for the Federation CJA.

She holds a double degree (BCL/LLB) from McGill University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Tufts University, and has developed expertise in governance, strategic management, and philanthropic development. 

Ms. Fish is known for her leadership, her ability to mobilize institutional partners, and her commitment to improving mental health services.

Dan Gabay joined the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal as its President and CEO in February 2023. Mr. Gabay is driven by a strategic vision centred on innovation, agility and providing an outstanding patient experience. His 18-year background in healthcare management has given him an in-depth understanding of the complexity of Québec’s health and social services network, an affinity for being at the heart of the action, and an evidence-based management style.

His spirit of innovation has revitalized the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, fostering a culture of performance measurement that promotes transparency and informed decision-making. As such, he encourages all stakeholders to be accountable for providing exemplary care and services. During his first year at the helm, he led the roll-out of three coordination command centres, including Québec’s first such command centre in a mental health setting. These have tangibly improved patient flow at our hospital centres. Other innovations in the ways we provide healthcare include the use of virtual reality in critical care.

Mr. Gabay holds an honours degree in Economics from Concordia University and a master’s degree in Financial Economics from the Université de Montréal.

On September 3, 2025, pursuant to Article 6.11.3 of the Règlement intérieur d’établissement, Mr. Gabay was designated the secretary of the institution’s Board of Directors, consolidating his strategic role in governing the institution.

Ms. Christine Gagné-Rodger, an accomplished healthcare administrator, is presently the interim Director of the Accommodation Services Directorate at the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. In this role, she delivers strategic and operational leadership while further developing her proficiency in governance, regulatory compliance, human resources, and financial management within a complex environment.

Drawing on her extensive background in administration, Ms. Gagné-Rodger has successfully led numerous large-scale projects and has an in-depth understanding of strategic planning and risk assessment. She applies both analytical rigour and practical insight to support sound decision-making, particularly to the challenges posed by an aging population and the transformation of the health and social services system.

Known for her healthcare expertise, she is keenly aware of its operational and regulatory complexities, and the vital role innovation plays in the quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities.

Her collaborative, ethical, and results-driven approach enables her to assemble high-performing, dedicated teams that foster inclusive, human-centred governance centred on the needs of residents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Guided by her strong sense of solidarity, equity, and public service, Ms. Gagné-Rodger aims to actively support of the organization’s board of directors in setting meaningful, high-quality strategic orientations that serve the community.

Mr. Michel Gibson, mayor of the Town of Kirkland since 2013, brings more than 30 years of experience in municipal administration, including more than 20 years as a municipal representative. He represents a community of more than 19 000 citizens and oversees a budget of more than $76M. He is known for his leadership, rigorous management, and extensive involvement in the community.

Mr. Gibson holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Ottawa, and has professional training in management, communication, leadership, and technologies.

Mr. Gibson serves on several councils and committees for the Montréal Metropolitan Area, the urban agglomeration of Montréal, and PME MTL West-Island. He has led a number of initiatives related to public health, public security, and local development in collaboration with the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal.

Mr. Richard Legault is an accomplished administrator whose strategic vision and strong background in real estate and governance make him a valuable asset to any Board of Directors. As chairman of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal Board of Directors (2015 to 2024), he oversaw the governance of a newly merged institution operating within a complex regulatory environment.

Drawing on his experience at Caisse Desjardins des Sources – Lac-Saint-Louis, he successfully led structural mergers and enhanced asset management. He co-founded the Institut de la confiance organisationnelle, and promoted an innovative governance model based on trust.

As a member of the GARDN–Green Aviation Research and Development Network he demonstrates his ability to bring together sustainable development, innovation, and regulatory conformity. His strategic vision, combined with deep expertise in real estate and decision-making, make him a valuable asset to any Board of Directors.

On September 3, 2025, Mr. Legault was elected by acclamation as the chairman of the institution’s Board of Directors, reflecting his colleagues’ deep respect for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the institution’s mission.

Ms. Codruta Marin has been with the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal since 2020 and is currently an administrative procedures specialist. In that time she has contributed to several directorates and developed expertise in hiring, human resources, procurement, information technologies, and process optimization. Through her close collaboration with managers and frontline staff, she has developed a detailed understanding of the institution’s organizational and human issues.

Ms. Marin is committed and has a strong ability to synthesize information. She seeks to contribute to the board of directors by representing the perspective of employees. She brings a background in governance, most notably as a board member of the family-based educational childcare service BC La Maison du Panda, and holds a trilingual bachelor’s degree in business administration. She also has international professional experience. A polyglot with a strong sense of social engagement, she is known for her rigour, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment.

Since 2002, Ms. Judy Martin has served as Executive Director of the Hylcan Foundation, overseeing its financial management, governance, and support for various Canadian community organizations. She has a strong background in philanthropy, administration, and governance, and dedicated to supporting the community.

She served on the Board of Directors of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal from 2015 to 2025. During her tenure, she chaired the Public Advisory and Service Quality Committee and promoted strong governance to continuously improve care and services. She has also held leadership roles in organizations serving children and families, including on the Board of Directors of the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres.

As a community representative, Ms. Martin brings a valuable citizen perspective to her role, informed by her experience receiving orthopedic care at the Lakeshore General Hospital. She also has first-hand experience with cancer care at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), where she navigated the complexities of the healthcare system with resilience and insight. These experiences contribute to her well-informed and empathetic understanding of users’ needs.

As Santé Québec transforms the healthcare network, she will play a key role in guiding strategic decisions toward sustainable, patient-centred care pathways.

On September 3, 2025, Ms. Martin was elected by acclamation as the vice-chair of the institution’s Board of Directors, underscoring her colleagues’ unanimous confidence in her dedicated leadership and profoundly human approach to the healthcare system.

Ms. Susan McKercher is an experienced manager with almost 30 years’ experience in public administration and governance at the municipal and paramunicipal levels. With a master’s degree in public administration (École nationale d’administration publique), a law certificate (Université de Montréal), and a business management certificate (HEC Montréal), Ms. McKercher brings a solid grasp of institutional dynamics and specialized knowledge in operations, regulatory frameworks, and strategic planning.

As an engaged and committed community member, Ms. McKercher advocates for business interests while upholding the principles of cooperative governance. She serves on several boards and committees, where she advocates for informed decision-making in transitional environments by analyzing the economic impacts and helping to shape long-term strategies.

Her career reflects her ability to drive economic growth by applying her skills to support the success of her environment. With her strategic vision and deep understanding of institutional dynamics, she is a strong ally to any cooperative financial institution.

Ms. Maryse Savoie, now retired, served for several years as Director General of Field Operations at Veterans Affairs Canada, where she led efforts to ensure consistent, high-quality services for veterans across the country. A respected leader in health and public service, she is known for her strategic vision, administrative excellence, and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of others.

Ms. Savoie holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing, combining clinical expertise with strong management skills. During her studies she developed an approach centred on care excellence, patient safety, and interdisciplinarity in geriatric health.

In recognition of her exceptional commitment, significant contributions to the nursing profession, and inspiring leadership, Ms. Savoie was awarded the Prix Florence—Excellence en soins infirmiers by the Ordre des infirmiers et infirmières du Québec. She was also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her service to veterans and her lasting impact on public administration. Ms. Savoie exemplifies compassionate, capable leadership that is dedicated to the continuous improvement of public services. 

Mr. Allen Van der Wee held senior leadership positions at Pfizer Canada Inc. for more than twelve years, including serving as Vice-President and General Manager for multiple business units. He earned recognition for his leadership in major organizational transformations, strategic integrations, the creation of new divisions, and the implementation of enterprise platforms such as SAP and Oracle. He was responsible for major partnership initiatives with other pharmaceutical companies.

Mr. Van der Wee has been active in governance, serving on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association for Pharmaceutical Supply Management (CAPSM), where he contributed to the organization’s strategic repositioning in response to market reforms. His public and community service includes a term on the Board of Directors of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (2020–2025), during which he chaired the Communications Committee and held roles on the Audit, HR, and Transition Committees. From 2005 to 2023, he was a member of the Board of Directors at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, serving three terms as chairman, during which time the facility expanded from 9 to 23 beds.

Actively involved in the community as a scout leader, sports coach, parish administrator, and volunteer, Mr. Van der Wee brings a balance of strategic insight and personal dedication. His lived experience as an informal caregiver for family members with chronic and mental health conditions has informed his comprehensive and empathetic view of the healthcare system and the significance of informal caregiving.

His involvement with the institutional Board of Directors of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal reflects his personal commitment to giving back to the community that supported him, while also working to improve the accessibility and efficiency of care in alignment with the goals of the Plan Santé Québec.

Dr. Mathieu Walker is a cardiologist at St. Mary’s Hospital Centre and a professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMCS) of McGill University with over 20 years’ clinical, academic, and administrative experience in the university and healthcare network. A committed medical educator, he has directed a number of training programs at McGill University and has been honoured with several teaching awards.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery (MDCM) from McGill University. He is also certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

He served on the Board of Directors of the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal from 2022 to 2025, representing the medical staff (Council of Physicians, Dentists and Pharmacists). Until December 1, 2024, he actively contributed to a number of committees focused on care, services, partnerships, and university affairs. His clinical expertise and leadership in medical education contribute significantly to the work of the Board, ensuring the medical community is well represented within the governance of the institution.