Lynda Cranston

Recipient, 1992 – Management and the Professions

When Lynda Cranston was awarded her Women of Distinction Award in 1992, she was the chief executive officer of the Richmond General Hospital, commended for her exceptional management skills, devotion to providing quality care, and valued participation in the community. And as surprised as she was to be nominated, she was even more amazed to actually receive the award.

“I was gobsmacked that I won,” Lynda says. “I just didn’t think I would get it. It felt like winning an Academy Award.”

Over the past 16 years, Lynda has achieved even more milestones in health care. She merged Women and Children’s Hospital, then moved to Ottawa to create Canadian Blood Services (she was the organization’s first CEO). After her return to British Columbia, she was the CEO of the former Simon Fraser Health Region before it became part of the Fraser Health Authority, of which she then became CEO as well. She’s now the President and CEO of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), where she has spent the past six years.

In addition to her busy work life, Lynda has contributed her time to a number of worthy causes. She has been on the boards of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera and United Way, just to name a few. She’s also the current Chair of the Canadian Health Care Association.

Lynda has seen a lot more chances for women in health care since the early 90s, as well as more openings for women in advanced education such as law and medicine.

“There are more opportunities for women than ever before,” she says.

But despite women’s progress, Lynda points out, we’re still seeing a lack of women’s participation at the senior levels, as well as negative representations of women in everything from reality TV to coverage of Britney Spears. Which makes recognition such as the Women of Distinction Awards, a celebration of the great achievements of women, all the more vital.

“The awards are important because they recognize the work that people are doing within their community,” Lynda says.