Dr. Karima Velji

Dr. Karima Velji currently serves as the Chief of Nursing & Professional Practice and Assistant Deputy Minister of Health at the Ministry of Health in Ontario. She was appointed to this role on July 7, 2022, and has expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with key health officials to tackle the nursing crisis and enhance the healthcare system in Ontario.13

Professional Background

Dr. Velji has an extensive background in healthcare leadership. Prior to her current position, she held several significant roles, including:

• Vice President of Clinical Services at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.
• Integrated Vice President for Patient Care and Quality at St. Joseph’s Health Care and London Health Science Centre.
• Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Executive at Baycrest in Toronto.
• Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Executive at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.2

Leadership and Contributions

Dr. Velji is recognized for her contributions at both provincial and national levels. She has served as:

• Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Accreditation Canada.
• President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Nurses Association from 2014 to 2016.
• Currently, she co-chairs Health Canada’s Violence Evidence Guidance Action (VEGA) program.2

Her expertise extends internationally as she consults on policy development, training, and academic plans across various regions including East Africa and the Middle East.2

Academic Affiliations

Dr. Velji holds cross-appointments with several universities, including:

• University of Toronto
• University of Western Ontario
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• Nippissing University.2

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Velji has received numerous accolades for her leadership in nursing, including:

• Sigma Theta Tau Excellence in Administration Award.
• Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Toronto.
• Margaret Comack Award of Excellence in Nursing Leadership from the Ontario Hospital Association.2

Dr. Velji's commitment to improving healthcare practices and her leadership roles make her a prominent figure in Ontario's health system.