Calian acquires northern Canadian care provider

OTTAWA – Calian Group Ltd., a trusted provider of mission-critical solutions for defence, space and healthcare, announced it has acquired Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS), a leading provider of remote and emergency healthcare services in northern Canada.

Headquartered in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NWT), AMS is a Canadian-owned company that specializes in the delivery of 24/7/365 operational and medical support across Canada’s northern regions, including the NWT, Yukon, Nunavut and parts of Canada’s northern provinces.

Founded in 1995, the company employs over 300 frontline medical personnel who deliver well-rounded, full-spectrum healthcare services through six distinct divisions and in partnership with over 15 indigenous populations.

In addition, AMS is the exclusive provider of air ambulance, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation flights throughout the NWT for patients and high-risk industrial worksites conducting over 2,000 air and ground missions annually.

“AMS is a deeply rooted, well-respected and critical provider of healthcare in Canada’s northern communities, with a dedicated team and strong relationships in the communities they serve,” said Kevin Ford, CEO of Calian. “By bringing together two complementary healthcare companies, we will combine our expertise, reach, innovation and passion for delivering high-quality healthcare. Together, we are stronger and better positioned to address Canada’s northern healthcare access challenges while aligning with our country’s strategy and upcoming federal investments in the Arctic region.”

As the pioneer of northern industrial medicine, AMS brings a strong foundation of industrial customers across mining, energy and emergency services. The acquisition enhances Calian’s ability to deliver integrated healthcare solutions across a broader geography, increase its service offerings and diversify Calian’s customer base.

AMS also brings long-standing partnerships with Indigenous communities – an area where Calian remains committed to building deeper engagement, trust and culturally respectful care.

“This partnership will support the expansion and continuity of care in some of Canada’s most resilient and underserved communities,” said Derek Clark, president, Health, Calian. “We recognize that Canada’s North faces unique challenges, and with this acquisition, we can combine AMS’s paramedical and industrial expertise with Calian’s extensive capabilities in health service delivery and digital health, enabling improved operational performance and a full continuum of care – from first response to ongoing care management.”

Like Calian, AMS has been built on strong values, community and prioritizing a workplace that fosters growth, development and impact to make a difference in the communities it serves.

“We are excited to join a Canadian company that shares our commitment to excellence, people and community,” said Sean Ivens, president and CEO, AMS. “Through this transition we will continue to deliver the high-quality care our partners and communities expect, while gaining additional resources and capabilities to innovate and grow for the future of northern healthcare.”

AMS will operate as Advanced Medical Solutions, a Calian Company, during an initial transition period. The legal entity will transition to Calian Advanced Medical Solutions Ltd. within twelve months. Calian is committed to ensuring continuity of services and strengthening existing community partnerships and supporting AMS employees through a thoughtful integration process.

“We are committed to working closely with Indigenous partners and communities, healthcare agencies and Northern governments to ensure a respectful transition that benefits all,” added Clark. “This is a long-term investment in the people, services and health system of Canada’s North.”

The acquisition aligns with Calian’s broader strategic growth priorities and the direction of the Canadian government. In 2022, the government announced a commitment of over $38 billion to modernize NORAD and in 2024 built on this commitment with their plan, Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence. Calian’s strengthened presence in the North positions the company to support national priorities while expanding opportunities across multiple sectors including space and defence.