The Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice is pleased to announce the appointment of Saira Abrar as its new Executive Director, effective Tuesday May 20, 2025. 

Saira joins us following an extensive and competitive search process, with the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors. She brings over 15 years of progressive leadership experience, including eight years at the Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice, where she held several senior management roles. 

Saira is an accomplished healthcare leader with expertise in primary care strategy, governance, and organizational leadership. She has successfully overseen the development and management of Primary Care Networks and is recognized for her ability to build strong, collaborative partnerships with physicians, health authorities, Indigenous organizations, and community stakeholders. Saira has championed initiatives that drive innovation and implement system-level change, with a strong focus on advancing equity. 

Saira holds a Master’s degree in Health Services Research from the University of New Brunswick and a Medical Doctor (MBBS) degree from Rawalpindi Medical College, Pakistan. 

“The Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice is thrilled to welcome Saira Abrar as our new Executive Director.  With the recent approval of two new Primary Care Networks in the Sea to Sky corridor, Saira’s strategic insight, public health expertise and leadership skills will be invaluable. Her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with her experience in financial management and community-based care, positions her as a trusted leader among our membership. We look forward to working with her.”  
- Dr. Olivia Bayley, Co-Chair, Board of Directors  

“I am honoured to join the Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice as the new Executive Director. In this role, I am committed to advocating for our physicians, nurse practitioners, and the patients they serve, ensuring their voices are represented at every level of decision-making, both within the organization and across the healthcare system. I look forward to working in partnership with the Board, staff, health authority partners and the Indigenous communities of Squamish and Whistler to strengthen our primary care networks and expand their impact throughout the region.”   

- Saira Abrar, Incoming Executive Director 

About the Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice 

The Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice is a non-profit society working alongside its members to strengthen primary care and improve health outcomes for residents from Squamish to Whistler. The Division supports family physicians and nurse practitioners by amplifying their voice in healthcare decision-making, fostering collegiality and professional fulfillment, and promoting high-quality, accessible care through collaboration with community partners and stakeholders. 

To learn more about Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice, please visit: https://divisionsbc.ca/sea-sky 

or contact:   

Cathy Paterson, Interim Executive Director 

Email: cpaterson@seatoskydivison.ca 

Dr. Melissa Ann Aragon Cantu
MD (UBC), Family Practice, Hospitalist, ER

Dr. Melissa Ann Aragon Cantu has been a family physician in Squamish since 2017. Melissa is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals and families. With a background in medical anthropology and a medical degree from the University of British Columbia, Dr. Aragon is a full-service family physician who works in ER, family practice, and addictions. Dr. Aragon is passionate about working with the Sea to Sky Corridor’s most vulnerable patient population and reducing barriers to primary care. She is an advocate for the continued role that family physicians play as an integral role in continuity of care - from the office to the ER to the medical ward and long-term care. She hopes to continue to advocate in these areas as a Division Board Member.

Dr. Brennan McKnight
M.D, C.C.F.P.

Dr. Brennan McKnight was born and raised in Victoria, BC. She studied Kinesiology at the University of Victoria before completing her medical degree at the University of British Columbia. After completing her Family Medicine residency in 2011, she spent 2 years practicing rural and remote medicine in dozens of communities in BC as well as northern Saskatchewan. She then worked for 4 years as a full-service family physician in Sooke, BC. In 2019 she relocated to Whistler with her husband and 3 small children. She recently completed a 2-year term as the MSA President and is the Medical Director of Whistler 360. Brennan is completing her FPSC Board Governance course this spring. She is interested in learning more about and contributing to the Division’s work to support and innovate change in family practice.

Véronique Paquette is now our Membership Coordinator

We’re excited to announce that Véronique Paquette has transitioned from her role as Attachment Coordinator to become our new Membership Coordinator. In this role, Véronique will be connecting directly with Division members to share insights into the value the Division brings to their practices and professional lives. She’s eager to learn about each member’s unique needs and to champion initiatives that support local primary care provider wellness and continuing education. Her new role will be contributing to the long-term strength and sustainability of primary care in the Sea to Sky region.

Véronique can be reached at membership@seatoskydivision.ca

Welcome Kate Van Beelen, our new Attachment Coordinator

Please join us in welcoming Kate Van Beelen to the Sea to Sky Division of Family Practice as our new Attachment Coordinator. Kate brings a strong background in management and marketing, with experience spanning project coordination, strategic communications, and community engagement. She recently completed a Marketing Management certificate at BCIT, further strengthening her skills in outreach and relationship-building. A proud Sea to Sky resident since 2013, Kate is deeply connected to the region and passionate about supporting local initiatives that benefit the community. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, strength training, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

Kate can be reached at patientattachment@seatoskydivision.ca