Leader of the Year, honourable mention
Dr. Aly Kanani is an orthodontist, health-care and hospitality entrepreneur and philanthropist who, along with his teams, provides accessible dental and orthodontic care to tens of thousands of residents across Surrey, Greater Vancouver and throughout B.C.
Over the past two decades, he and his spouse have led multiple practices with the belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
Beyond his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Dr. Kanani is committed to giving back through ongoing philanthropic efforts focused on health-care access. Working together with his teams, Dr. Kanani donates substantial sums annually to community health programs and supports initiatives to extend care to those most in need.
"I believe that everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves access to quality health care, especially something as impactful as dental and orthodontic care," Kanani said. "Knowing that we can play even a small role in bringing a smile to someone’s face or helping them feel more confident is incredibly rewarding. I’m inspired daily by my team’s dedication and by the resilience and gratitude of those we’re fortunate to serve."
Kanani said the nomination is a testament to his team and the culture of "care and commitment" that they've worked hard to build together.
"I am incredibly grateful to have the support of my wife Dr. Sophie Lertruchikun, our family, our leadership teams, our unsung heroes, and our wonderful community, who all contribute to making Surrey a better place," he said.