Dr. Mary R. L’ Abbé named a 2026 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Inductee!
Honouring Canadian Health Leaders
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame will celebrate six new Laureates on June 18, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta. Among them is Dr. Mary L’Abbé, recognized for her pioneering work in improving Canada’s nutrition policies and empowering healthier food choices worldwide.
Guided by her belief that “to stem Canada’s epidemic of chronic disease, we must shift our focus from treatment to prevention,” Dr. L’Abbé has spent her career improving nutrition at the population level. From her early work as Director of the Bureau of Nutritional Sciences at Health Canada—where she led research and regulatory efforts to ensure a healthier national food supply—to her impactful academic leadership at the University of Toronto, Dr. L’Abbé has advanced evidence-based nutrition policy in Canada and internationally.
Her contributions include landmark initiatives to reduce sodium, eliminate trans fats, and improve food labelling transparency—policies now recognized globally as models for improving public health. She also developed the Food Label Information and Price (FLIP) database, an innovative tool used in nearly 20 countries to monitor food environments and support informed policy decisions.
A trusted advisor to the World Health Organization and numerous international committees, Dr. L’Abbé continues to empower consumers and policymakers alike to make healthier choices—cementing her legacy as a true champion for nutrition and prevention.
