Transportation is one of the largest barriers for people in rural areas seeking health and healthcare services. On Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, from 12 - 1 PM via ZOOM, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health held a collaborative conversation on transportation networks and the connection to rural health.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen, BC Regional Innovation Chair (RIC) in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk Innovates. Dr. Breen’s goal is supporting rural communities across Canada to thrive under conditions of rapid economic and social change. Her more recent publications have focused on rural transportation funding and the need for public transit.

She was joined by ONE CARE's very own Stephanie Ellens-Clark, Executive Director and Charlene Tolton, Manager of Programs and Services. They explained how our team provides instrumental home and community-based services, ranging from the transportation of patients for medical appointments to the facilitation of wellness programs for older adults and caregivers.

The final speaker was Stephanie Stewart, Manager of Community Transit at County of Grey. She discussed the role of municipal governments and collaboration for regional transit networks.

The speaking event welcomed all participants and is now available to watch in-full online at the link below.