SK’s virtual health hub joins CAN Health Network

SASKATOON – The Virtual Health Hub (VHH) and the CAN Health Network are proud to announce a new strategic partnership and the launch of two commercialization projects with Canadian-made technologies.

VHH aims to transform access to healthcare in Saskatchewan’s remote, rural, and northern communities. It’s a partnership of the Whitecap Dakota Nation, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and the Virtual Care and Remote Presence Robotic Program led by Dr. Ivar Mendez (pictured) and supported by the government of Canada and the province of Saskatchewan.

“Virtual Health Hub is building a model of healthcare delivery that uses advanced virtual care and artificial intelligence technologies, all rooted in meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities,” said Dr. Mendez, director of the Virtual Health Hub. “The future of healthcare needs Canadian-made solutions that prioritize underserved and marginalized populations.”

VHH is set to be fully operational by February 2027 in a unique, state-of-the-art virtual care facility on Whitecap Dakota Nation land, located 26 kilometres south of Saskatoon. The centre will serve as a national hub for virtual care, leveraging telehealth, artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging tools to bring high-quality services directly to communities that have long faced systemic barriers to care.

“The province is excited about the new partnership between Virtual Health Hub and CAN Health Network to support additional innovation in Saskatchewan’s rural, remote and northern communities,” said government of Saskatchewan Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill. “Virtual solutions that leverage AI technologies are a part of the future of healthcare in Canada and investments and partnerships like this are making the future a reality in Saskatchewan.”

This partnership between VHH and CAN Health Network marks a major milestone for both organizations, solidifying a shared commitment to improving access, equity, and health outcomes for northern and Indigenous populations through technology and collaboration.

“This collaboration ensures that Canadian-made technology is helping improve access to care in rural and remote communities,” said Dr. Dante Morra, chair and founder of the CAN Health Network. “We’re not just solving challenges — we’re building a more connected and inclusive health system that truly reflects the needs of Canadians.”

As part of the partnership, two new projects are being launched through the CAN Health Network and VHH:

Luxsonic (Saskatchewan): The patented Virtual Imaging Platform (VIP) is full stack radiology workflow software built in virtual reality to maximize portability and powered by artificial intelligence to boost productivity. It allows radiologists to remotely view and interpret diagnostic images, supporting faster diagnoses in remote areas, where access to imaging specialists is often delayed or unavailable.

“We are proud to provide software for the VHH that will bring real change to healthcare in rural and remote communities,” said Dr. Mike Wesolowski, CEO and Founder of Luxsonic. “With support from CAN Health, Luxsonic VIP will help power the delivery of critical diagnostic expertise to any community, no matter how remote.”

Virtual Hallway (Nova Scotia): A simple, secure digital platform that enables family physicians to connect quickly with specialists for advice — ensuring patients get the right care faster, without unnecessary referrals or delays. Currently in early-stage implementation, this project has strong potential to support more coordinated care across vast regions.

“This partnership is about more than technology, it’s about making sure no patient is left waiting simply because of where they live,” said Justin Hartlen, CEO of Virtual Hallway. “We’re excited to work with the CAN Health Network and Virtual Health Hub to bring timely, specialist-informed care to the front lines of more communities in Canada.”

By supporting the integration and scale of made-in-Canada technologies, the partnership is also creating new opportunities for Indigenous leadership in virtual health delivery, while helping to build a more self-sufficient, cost-effective, and inclusive health system.

“The CAN Health Network continues to bring new Canadian health innovations to market,” said Mélanie Joly, minister of industry and minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. “The partnership with Virtual Health Hub is another example not only of helping small and medium-sized businesses bring their innovative healthcare solutions to life but also of helping patients in Indigenous communities benefit from these groundbreaking technologies. Congratulations to both organizations on coming together.”

“The CAN Health Network is helping to make sure that Canadians living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities benefit from new innovations in Canadian healthcare,” said Buckley Belanger, secretary of state (Rural Development). “These two projects are proof that no matter where you live, you can get access to top-quality medical care — and digital innovations are making that possible.”

Through this collaboration, the CAN Health Network and Virtual Health Hub are setting a new standard for how technology, innovation, and partnership can deliver tangible results — especially for those who need it most.