Health Practice

Marjolaine is an authentic and dynamic fully bilingual strategic communications expert accomplished in traditional and digital media with over 15 years of experience in storytelling and relationship building. She has a proven ability to combine political acumen and writing skills to create strong brands and craft relevant and clear messages.

She’s been leading and supporting stakeholder engagement, reputation management, relationship building, and communication projects and outreach at the highest levels of decision-making, including in Liberal cabinet ministers’ offices, and most recently as Director of Communications for the Minister of Health. Marjolaine has been involved with the Liberal Party for years, working in the war room during the 2021 election and previously volunteering on other campaigns.

Dr. Katharine Smart is an experienced medical leader and advocate who constantly challenges the status quo in medicine. A pediatrician in Canada’s north, her work focuses on innovative and collaborative partnerships between community and government to serve marginalized children in rural and remote areas. An outspoken advocate against misinformation, Dr. Smart regularly uses her voice to bring evidence and facts to the forefront of health communication.

Dr. Smart is the past president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), where in 2021 she became the 10th woman to serve in the organization’s 155-year history. A fierce and authentic leader, she has become a recognized and respected medical voice in Canada. Dr. Smart has been recognized as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women, with the Medical Post’s Changemaker Media Engagement Award and the Waterfalls Global Award. In recognition of her advocacy for primary care and family medicine, she received an honourary membership from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. She has held many leadership positions including president of the Yukon Medical Association and sits on the board of Ronald McDonald House charities.

Dr. Smart is a passionate communicator and sought-after media expert, keynote speaker, panelist, and podcast guest. She is the host of SPARK: Conversations by Children’s Healthcare Canada.

Jon specializes in advancing public policy goals with the federal and Atlantic governments through integrated public affairs campaigns. With several years of experience in public affairs consulting, Jon provides strategic advice to clients in a variety of sectors, including cannabis, health and pharmacy, technology, charitable and not-for-profit, and transport.

Prior to joining Syntax, Jon helped launch Diplomat Consulting, where he led public affairs and government relations for a broad range of clients and oversaw the development of a first-of-its-kind report on the future potential of the cannabis industry, titled What Cannabis Can Be.

Beyond public affairs and government relations, Jon has been heavily involved in politics. He’s worked with the Liberal Party of Canada, served as a campaign advisor to a former premier of New Brunswick, and is active as a Table Officer with the PEI Liberal Party.

Galya is a marketing and communications specialist with experience in the healthcare industry, media, and government. Galya worked with a medical start-up, where she led digital marketing strategy, customer relations management, PR, and lead generation. She successfully implemented a communication strategy that launched the company nationwide. Galya also served as part of the communications team for Ukraine’s Minister of Health, helping to promote healthcare reform through content for digital platforms. She is an experienced project manager who has led the development and launch of several websites and video productions.