The Justice Emmett Hall Memorial Foundation, Inc

The Justice Emmett Hall Memorial Foundation, Inc is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Justice Emmett M. Hall, widely regarded as the "father" of Canadian Medicare. Established to promote the principles of universality and accessibility in the Canadian health care system, the Foundation supports initiatives that advance evidence-based health policy and celebrate leadership in health services research.

History and Background

The Foundation was conceived in 1996 during a meeting of the Canadian Health Economics Research Association (CHERA), now known as the Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR). It was formally incorporated on May 5, 1997, and registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency under business registration number 887283463RR0001 later that year.

Justice Emmett Hall, after whom the Foundation is named, was instrumental in shaping Canada's national medicare system. Born in 1898 in St. Colomban, Quebec, Hall’s career spanned decades of legal practice in Saskatchewan before his appointments as Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench for Saskatchewan, Chief Justice of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, and ultimately a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. As Chair of the Royal Commission on Health Services, Hall championed the implementation of universal and accessible health care, principles that continue to motivate the Foundation’s activities[2][5].

Mission and Activities

The Foundation’s mission centers on honoring Justice Hall’s values by promoting and financially supporting health services research and policy development that align with universal health care ideals. Key activities include:

• Awarding the annual Justice Emmett Hall Laureate and Lectureship to distinguished leaders in health services research.
• Supporting the Jack Boan Student Essay Competition Award to encourage emerging scholars in health policy.
• Celebrating excellence and leadership in evidence-based health policy through prestigious awards.
• Collaborating with CAHSPR to foster health services research in Canada.
• Hosting the annual Hall Lecture, a prominent event featuring the Laureate’s address on current health policy issues.

The Foundation also provides honoraria and covers expenses for award recipients to promote their work and leadership in the field[1][4][5].

Governance and Funding

Governed by a board of directors, the Foundation operates as a federally registered nonprofit charitable organization. Its activities are funded primarily through donations from individuals and organizations committed to advancing the ideals of Canada’s universal health insurance programs. The Foundation ensures compliance with Canada Revenue Agency regulations and maintains transparency through annual reports and audited financial statements[3][5].

Notable Laureates and Events

In 2025, Dr. Katherine Fierlbeck was announced as the Hall Laureate and delivered the Hall Lecture at the CAHSPR conference, underscoring the Foundation’s ongoing role in recognizing excellence in health policy scholarship[1].

Legacy

The Justice Emmett Hall Memorial Foundation plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the vision of one of Canada’s most influential figures in health care reform. By fostering scholarship, mentorship, and leadership in health services research, the Foundation continues to advance the Medicare ideals of universality and accessibility, ensuring Justice Hall's legacy endures in Canadian health policy.

External References and Further Reading

For more in-depth information on Justice Emmett Hall’s life and impact, see:

• Emmett Hall: Establishment Radical by Dennis Gruending.
• Aggressive in Pursuit: The Life of Justice Emmett Hall by Frederick Vaughan.
• Entry on Emmett Hall in The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan[2].