In 2006, the Health Care Leaders’ Association of British Columbia (HCLABC), in collaboration with major health employers and post-secondary institutions began developing a learning process that could enhance the overall quality and quantity of health leaders in BC.

The result was the creation of the leadersforlife Initiative. A starting point for leadersforlife was the formulation of the original LEADS Health Leadership Capabilities Framework in order to define the leadership qualities needed for the health sector in BC. A research team from Royal Roads University's Centre for Health Leadership Research undertook this work. Subsequently, leadersforlife has worked with health organizations across Canada to adapt the LEADS framework to reflect national perspectives and aspirations.  The result is the LEADS in a Caring Environment capabilities framework, which is the shared basis of the leadersforlife Initiative. (See the LEADS Checklist tab.)

The LEADS in a Caring Environment capabilities framework represents the key skills, abilities, and knowledge required to lead at all levels of the health system in Canada. It is closely compatible with  other evidence-based  leadership competency frameworks that are employed internationally in the health care industry, as well as in the in the private and public sectors. Unlike many, it is well-researched, elegant, appropriate, and memorable

Canada’s Needs

In an information-rich world, a highly skilled workforce remains healthcare’s most valuable asset. Increasingly, however, research suggests that Canadian health care organizations are not investing the resources they need to develop transformational leaders – those leaders who will be able to navigate skillfully through the  complex health and health care environment.

Recent studies undertaken by CHLNet found that health organizations currently invest 30% less than the average spent per employee on professional and leadership development than do organizations in most other industries.  leadersforlife is dedicated to providing a suite of leadership development opportunities that will bring maximum benefit from the investments that health organizations make.