Dr. Vivian Stematopoulous

Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos is an associate teaching professor at Ontario Tech University and one of Canada’s leading experts on family caregiving, child and youth-based caregiving (young carers) and long-term care. With a PhD in Sociology, her research focuses on the experiences of family caregivers (particularly young carers/caregivers) and the systemic challenges facing older adults in institutional care.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Stamatopoulos emerged as a nationally recognized advocate for long-term care reform. She became a prominent media commentator and policy voice, exposing the devastating impact of systemic neglect, inadequate staffing, and profit-driven models of care on vulnerable residents. Often referred to as a “long-term care crusader,” she has worked alongside families, legal advocates, and community organizations to push for meaningful change in elder care policy.

Her expertise has been sought by policymakers, parliamentary committees, and grassroots advocacy groups and beyond academia, she continues to amplify the voices of residents and families, insisting that dignity, transparency, and accountability must be at the center of Canada’s care system. For her scholarship and advocacy work, she has earned various recognitions, including KITE-UHN’s Paper of the Year Award (University Health Network), The Doris Anderson Award (Chatelaine Magazine), The Orville Thacker Award (Ontario Health Coalition), Health Hero (Best Health Magazine) and Vaccine Hero (Toronto Star).