Dr. Nav Persaud on effecting change

To what trait do you attribute your success?

Good luck. I have been extraordinarily fortunate to be supported by family, friends and colleagues.

When/where are you most creative?

On airplanes. Lifting off the ground helps to put things in perspective. Being above the hustle and bustle makes it easy to remember what’s important.

How do you overcome a fear of change?

Dissect it. It’s not change in general that people fear; there is always something specific people don’t want to let go.

What’s the best way to be heard?

Listen. Make sure you are working on issues that other people think are important. Then make a decision to move forward and keep going. Also keep listening.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Racism. It exists. Wonderful opportunities have put me in many rooms where I was the only racialized person. Lots of people are deprived of opportunities because of discrimination and especially due to anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.

Who is your hero?

The people harmed by the opioid crisis who took on Purdue Pharma. Without any help from governments, these brave people challenged a pharmaceutical behemoth. Their fight has finally prompted some government action and it might lead to real accountability and an end to the opioid crisis.

What do you hope is your legacy?

My wife, Sheetal, and I are exquisitely proud of our children.

What’s next for you?

Hopefully, I will actually make some changes that matter in the future. Millions of Canadians suffer because they cannot afford to take essential medicines while insurance and pharmaceutical companies grab billions in government subsidies and hidden concessions each year.