Carp’s Syntax adds Health Practice to portfolio

CARP – Carp-based full-service public relations firm Syntax Strategic is adding a specialized division to its team focusing on Canadian healthcare.

“Syntax Strategic is pleased to announce the creation of a new Health Practice to support current and future clients as they navigate the complex healthcare system,” the company released in a statement today (Dec. 19).

The practice will provide clients with full-service support including advocacy and public affairs, strategic communications, media relations, marketing, events and campaigns.

“Our new Health Practice builds on our subject matter expertise and will offer exceptional services to our existing and future clients,” Syntax Strategic founder and CEO Jennifer Stewart said. “It is being led by an incredibly strong team who will provide top-tier strategic advice and counsel to our clients as they manage this challenging healthcare environment.”

The Health Practice will be led by Marjolaine Provost, former director of communications for Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos, with strategic counsel and guidance from Dr. Katharine Smart, Past President of the Canadian Medical Association.

Provost brings more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications, storytelling, and relationship-building. She has been involved with the Liberal party for years, supporting several election campaigns including a role in the war room during the 2021 federal election. Prior to her role with the minister of health, Provost served as director of communications and operations for Marco Mendicino when he held the immigration portfolio and was also an advisor to then-Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains.

Dr. Smart is the past president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). In 2021, she became the 10th woman to serve in the organization’s 155-year history. She has been recognized as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women with the Medical Post’s Changemaker Media 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.

“Our clients are being led by the very best,” Stewart said. “Provost is an authentic and dynamic communications expert who will guide clients on how to navigate traditional and digital media and build strong relationships with stakeholders and potential partners. Dr. Smart is a highly respected and listened-to voice on medical issues in Canada. I feel honoured to have such a strong, authentic leader from the sector join us in providing support to our clients in the healthcare sector.”

Syntax Strategic was founded in 2010 by Stewart. Syntax is a full-service firm specializing in media relations, strategic communications, marketing, design, policy and public affairs. Syntax has worked with a broad range of clients, including several national and international clients in government, academia, non-profit, and the private sector covering topics that span health sciences, health advocacy, social impact, development, cleantech, governance and more.

To enquire about the services of the Health Practice, please email health@syntaxstrategic.ca.

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