CCHL National Conference 2025

• Provide a purpose-built community gathering of health leaders;
• Develop essential skills and behaviors to enhance leadership;
• Connect health leaders with their peers, community, and system;
• Inspire participants to lead the future of healthcare collaboratively; and
• Present world-class cutting-edge knowledge, focused on solutions and workplace application.

Theme

Unstoppable!

Following on the success of previous CCHL National Conference themes of Reunited! (2023) and Come Together (2024), the 2025 CCHL National Conference will reflect the current healthcare environment and challenges while capturing sentiments such as optimism, resilience, change, future focus, and readiness.

This year, we're celebrating the relentless nature of healthcare leaders, professionals, pioneers, and advocates who, together, continue to push boundaries, drive transformative change, and elevate care, despite the challenges. Our intention for 2025 is to keep the momentum going with our theme, Unstoppable!

This theme inspires the notion of continuous momentum. It’s an energetic reminder to stay optimistic, tenacious, and persistent as we forge new paths for the future. It's an opportunity to recognize the ceaseless drive of our leaders who refuse to be deterred by setbacks. In 2025, we are not just sustaining momentum—we are accelerating it through partnerships that reimagine care, break down silos, and build towards a brighter, more connected healthcare system.

Join over 500 health leaders from across Canada and from all aspects of healthcare as we collectively strive to imagine and re-imagine healthcare. With ample networking time, interactive concurrent sessions, visionary plenary speakers, a diverse audience of health leaders, and meaningful engagement with the corporate healthcare sector, we will see new partnerships and real illustrations between healthcare leaders and their staff, patients, families, and communities. The 2025 CCHL National Conference will connect you and your peers in a spirit of optimism and readiness.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a community that is determined to keep pushing the envelope. Together, let's celebrate progress, embrace innovation, and continue to re/imagine; re/energize; re/build leadership in healthcare.

The future is now in Canadian healthcare. We are Unstoppable! 

Call for Abstracts

 The Canadian College of Health Leaders invites you to submit abstracts for concurrent sessions as part of the 2025 National Conference.

The Conference Planning Committee encourages proposals which express innovative, practical, and creative ways for presenting information to attendees. Proposals should be for interactive and engaging session and not simply didactic presentations. The committee will be accepting only a small amount of presentations to fit into the conference program.

Guidelines for corporate submissions

We welcome submissions from private sector partners, provided that they address (a) cooperative venture(s) with a non-profit sector partner and include the latter as a co-presenter.

The abstract should present an unbiased description of a certain method or service, discussing both pros and cons. Subtle and/or blatant advertisement of any products or services is in direct conflict with the spirit of the conference. Examples of the former include repeated references to products or trade names and excessive use of corporate logos and trademarks in graphic illustrations. Photographs of commercial equipment are not permitted unless they add educational value. The Planning Committee insists that all presenters understand without exception, that commercialism is inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Abstracts including commercialism will be disqualified. Presenters are asked to abide by these constraints when preparing their abstracts, and presentations.

Conflict of Interest

The Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) requires clear disclosures from all presenters regarding any financial holdings, funding sources, or affiliations that might raise questions of bias or be perceived to have potentially influenced presentation content. CCHL expects that all conference speakers, organizers, and moderators are committed to full, forthright, and transparent disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest. The CCHL has not prescribed an exhaustive list of potential conflicts here; rather, we ask presenters to make a good faith effort to identify any issues that might reasonably be expected to raise conflict-of-interest questions.

Presenters are asked to disclose any concerns or questions regarding a conflict of interest by contacting Brianna Lavoy at blavoy@cchl-ccls.ca.

Presentation format

Concurrent sessions will have a duration of 90 minutes and must be formatted to include audience engagement. An activity table is requested for presenters to display how the session will be run and what activities will be prepared in order to keep attendees engaged. Please download, complete, and upload the activity table as part of your abstract submission. There is a maximum of three (3) presenters per session.

Presentation Topics

Your abstract should fit into one of the below topics, which you can indicate during the submission process:

1. AI and digital tech: Explore the transformative potential of AI and digital technologies in healthcare. Demonstrate how innovative technologies and tools are reshaping care, streamlining operations, and enhancing decision-making processes. Discuss the ethical implications of AI, and strategies for integrating these technologies into everyday practice. Embracing AI can help us overcome challenges and elevate the standard of care, ensuring that we truly don’t stop now in our quest for excellence.
2. Health Human Resource (HHR) - Workforce wellbeing, recruitment, and retention: The backbone of healthcare lies in its workforce. Focus on the vital importance of workforce wellbeing, the strategies needed for effective recruitment, and ensuring retention. Dictate how to cultivate a supportive work environment that prioritizes mental health, promotes professional growth, and fosters a culture of resilience. Provide new insights for tackling the healthcare HHR crisis. Inspire healthcare leaders to invest in their teams, ensuring that we have the people and resources to push forward without pause.
3. Collaboration, innovation, and value-based healthcare:Highlight successful partnerships and collaborations across healthcare that have led to improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Establish strategies for fostering a culture of collaboration and harnessing innovative solutions that address the needs of patients and communities. Demonstrate how delivering value-based care can result in a healthcare system that continues to thrive, keeping us moving forward.
4. Indigenous Health: Address the critical importance of Indigenous health within Canada’s healthcare system. Discuss culturally safe practices, community engagement, and strategies to address health disparities faced by Indigenous populations. Emphasize Indigenous voices and successful initiatives that respect Indigenous knowledge and promote holistic care and inspire healthcare leaders to integrate these insights into their practices. Empower and support the Indigenous community, ensuring that the momentum of change includes everyone in the journey forward.

Abstract structure guidelines

Abstracts should be prepared in paragraph format, written as a session description, and should reference:

• Statement of purpose;
• Learning objectives and outcomes;
• Relevance to the selected presentation topic;
• Practical applications;
• Patient and family involvement;
• Participant engagement activities originality, and innovation; and
• Leadership lessons learned.

Submissions must not exceed 300 words.

Abstracts submissions should reflect and integrate CCHL’s foundational commitments:

• Planetary health / Sustainability;
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion;
• Indigenous Health; and
• Patient Voice.

Submission instructions

The abstract should be prepared in paragraph format keeping in mind the word count. The word count excludes the title. You can copy and paste the text from your document into the abstract submission form.

You will require the following information to complete the abstract submission form:

• Primary contact person. As the primary contact, only this person will receive correspondence and is expected to share it with their presenters. (The submitter should be the primary contact);
• Presentation topic. Select one topic as indicated above that best fits your abstract (AI and digital tech, HHR - Workforce wellbeing, recruitment, and retention, Collaboration, innovation, and value-based healthcare, or Indigenous Health);
• Target audience. Select the target audience that best fits your abstract (Senior leaders, middle management, aspiring leaders);
• LEADS Framework domain. Indicate which domain best fits your abstract. (i.e. Lead self, Engage others, Achieve results, Develop coalitions, or Systems transformation);
• A completed activity table; and
• Name, title, organization, contact information, a photo, and a 50-word biography for each

Once your abstract is prepared, please click on the link below to start completing the online submission form. Abstracts submitted by mail or email will not be considered.

Online submissions have now closed.

Selection criteria
All abstracts will be peer-reviewed and selected according to how well they meet the submission criteria and reflect CCHL’s foundational topics.

• Statement of purpose;
• Learning objectives and outcomes;
• Relevance to the selected topic;
• Practical applications;
• Patient and family involvement;
• Participant engagement activities, originality, and innovation; and
• Leadership lessons learned.

CCHL’s foundational commitments:

• Planetary health / Sustainability;
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion;
• Indigenous Health; and
• Patient Voice.

All criteria will be scored on a scale of 1 to 10. All criteria are weighted equally. Please reference the evaluation criteria rubric for additional information.

Speaker Compensation

The Canadian College of Health Leaders is pleased to offer each concurrent session speaker a full conference registration at the reduced cost of $740.00 plus tax.

Please note that abstract presenters are responsible for their conference registration fee should they wish to participate in the conference as well as all related expenses such as accommodation and travel. CCHL does not provide any honorarium, and reduced cost registrations are not transferable.

All abstract submissions will receive an email confirmation email. If a confirmation is not received, please contact conference@cchl-ccls.ca.

Important dates

Deadline - Abstracts must be received by 11:59 p.m. November 29, 2024.

Registration

Registration is currently closed.

Early bird registration deadline: May 2, 2025

Regular registration deadline: June 13, 2025

Member Rate
The CCHL National Conference member registration rates are available to members of both CCHL and the Canadian Nurses Association. Join the College today for only $195 for the first year and get reduced rates on CCHL events. CCHL membership details available here.

*For the Patient Representative rate, please send information about the patient organization you represent to conference@cchl-ccls.ca.
**For the student rate, please send information on your current full-time student enrolment to conference@cchl-ccls.ca.

Program-at-a-glance

Title Sponsor: Sodexo
In collaboration with the Canadian Nurses Association

*Program is subject to change without notice. 

Keynote Speakers

Shawn Kanungo
Strategy in a World of Disruption

As a globally recognized innovation strategist and bestselling author, Shawn Kanungo works at the intersection of creativity, business, and technology. He spent 12 years at Deloitte working closely with leaders to help them better plan for the opportunities associated with disruptive innovation. In his high energy keynotes, Kanungo draws on his extensive experience to provide audiences with an optimistic roadmap for the future; one that embraces unexpected approaches to innovation to remain competitive and relevant.

Since leaving Deloitte, Kanungo has worked with hundreds of organizations on their journey to digital transformation. He’s led complex projects incorporating artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, behavioural economics, Web3, and more. Today, Kanungo is a Partner with Queen & Rook, where he advises leading organizations and executives on disruptive trends and invests in early-stage ventures.

Kanungo is the first innovation expert to have a streaming special, released on Apple TV and Prime Video in August 2023. It complements and shares the name of his bestselling debut book, The Bold Ones, a playbook for individuals to become bolder and push their careers and organizations forward. It has been touted as one of McKinsey’s top decision-making books for leaders. Kanungo’s work has also been featured in the Globe and Mail, The Guardian, CBC, and CTV.

A prolific content creator, Kanungo’s content on innovation has garnered millions of views across LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. He’s been recognized by Edify magazine as one of their “Top 40 Under 40” and was called the “best virtual keynote speaker I’ve ever seen” by Forbes in 2021.

Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa
Physician | Expert in Human Connection, Authentic Leadership, and Organizational Wellness

An accomplished physician, nationally ranked spoken word poet, and thought leader, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa is a multi-faceted powerhouse whose journey exemplifies authentic leadership in every aspect. Through powerful storytelling and compelling narrative, she draws from her diverse experiences — across sectors, stages, and disciplines — to share meaningful and actionable insights on leadership, connection, and wellness, and how to unlock our true potential for transformative results in our organizations, communities, and lives.

Oriuwa’s career is a testament to her insatiable curiosity about the human experience and the profound connections that define it. She is currently a resident doctor in psychiatry at the University of Toronto where she earned her medical degree and became the first Black woman named sole valedictorian of the department. Oriuwa has since become a vocal advocate for improving disparities in Black health and confronting institutional discrimination, spearheading change initiatives in healthcare and beyond.

In addition to her medical degree, Oriuwa has a master’s degree in Health Systems Leadership and Innovation from the University of Toronto. She’s also served on multiple boards informing their efforts in advancing equity, leading authentically, and prioritizing workplace wellness, and is the author of Unlike the Rest, her memoir of becoming, belonging, and being seen on her journey as a medical trailblazer and leader.

Oriuwa has been named one of TIME magazine’s “2021 Next Generational Leaders” and one of Maclean’s Power 50. She has also been named one of Best Health Magazine's “Women of the Year” and been featured in several major media outlets, including CBC’s The National, CTV News, CP24, Toronto Star, and TODAY, amongst others. In 2021, Oriuwa was honoured in Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes campaign with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll made in her image to commemorate her contributions as a frontline healthcare worker.

An in-demand speaker, Oriuwa has spoken at numerous national and international events. She honed her ability to captivate and inspire audiences as a competitive poet. She infuses her keynotes with the rhythm, emotion, and precision of poetry, transforming critical and timely discourse into an artful narrative that leaves a profound, impactful, and lasting impression.

Optional Events

Please review the optional events below in addition to the CCHL National Conference. Note that there may be additional costs to these optional events.

Optional Event: Honouring Health Leadership Event

17:30 - 23:00 | Sunday, June 15, 2025

We invite you to join us and celebrate the accomplishments of the 2024 National Awards Program recipients at the College’s Honouring Health Leadership Event, a hallmark of excellence in healthcare and professionalism.

Attendance at this program entitles certified Canadian College of Health Leaders members (CHE / Fellow) to 2 Category I credits towards their maintenance of certification requirement for attending the event.

The cost to attend this event is as indicated below.

Individual ticket    $205.00 (plus tax)
Table of eight       $1,600.00 (plus tax)

CHE Program One-on-One Consultations

08:00 - 5:00 | Monday and Tuesday, June 16-17, 2025

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet in a “One-on-One” setting with Stéphane Joannette, Director of Professional Certifications and Strategic Alliances at The Canadian College of Health Leaders during the National Conference to answer some of your questions and to gain insights on the CHE Program.

Click here to book your One-on-One consultation with Stéphane.

Our Sponsors

Hoping to gain exposure, build good will, and connect with health leaders?

Sponsoring CCHL’s National Conference might be the perfect approach.

With a stellar program, we know that the Canadian College of Health Leader’s National Conference will provide an inspiring and interactive environment for top decision makers in the healthcare field and will offer you many networking opportunities. The College is offering a number of levels of sponsorship. Each level provides the sponsor with a significant list of benefits and opportunities. Flexibility is available at each level. We invite you to join us and support this event!

Please contact Jaime Cleroux at jcleroux@cchl-ccls.ca with any questions.

Title Sponsor

In collaboration with

Conference Venue

Edmonton Convention Centre
9797 Jasper Ave
Edmonton, AB T5J 1N9

Accommodations

The Westin Edmonton

10135 100 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 0N7
Toll free: 1-800-937-8471
Online booking: Click here to reserve your room.
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yegwi-the-westin-edmonton/

Traditional room – King                         $255.00 (Single/double occupancy)
Traditional room – Two doubles             $255.00 (Single/double occupancy)
Executive King                                      $280.00 (Single/double occupancy)
Deluxe Wing – King                               $305.00 (Single/double occupancy)

Enjoy comfort at The Westin Edmonton. Situated in the capital city of Alberta, Canada, our hotel in downtown Edmonton connects you with our thrilling Arts District, a few minutes' stroll to Rogers Arena and Ice District, restaurants and outdoor activities. Energize with delicious breakfast and dinner options from Share Restaurant. Business travelers capitalize on high-speed Internet access and work desks with ergonomic chairs. Our 416 hotel rooms and suites exceed expectations thanks to our famous Westin Heavenly® beds. The Westin Edmonton is just steps away from the Edmonton Convention Centre and the beautiful River Valley.

Reservations must be made by May 12, 2025 to benefit from the conference rate.

The Fairmont McDonald

10065 100 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 0N6
Tel:  1-780-429-6419
Toll free: 1 800-441-1414
Online booking: Click here to reserve your room.
https://www.fairmont.com/macdonald-edmonton/

CCHL Accommodation - $309.00 (Single/double occupancy)

For more than a century, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has effortlessly delivered timeless luxury in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Nestled upon the North Saskatchewan River Valley, the hotel’s charm and ever-evolving elegance has earned it the spotlight as one of the city's most sought-after locations since 1915. Boasting dignified style and luxurious detail, our recently renovated guestrooms are elegantly appointed with modern décor and the finest amenities.

Reservations must be made by May 12, 2025, to benefit from the conference rate.

Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown

One Thornton Court
99 Street and Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2E7
Tel: 1-780-423-9999
Toll-free: 1-866-441-7591
Booking link: Click here to reserve your room.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yegcy-courtyard-edmonton-downtown/

Guest room rate - $189.00 (Single/Double occupancy)

The newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown features 188 modern guestrooms offering panoramic views of the North Saskatchewan River. Located conveniently in the downtown core next to the Edmonton Convention Centre and easy walking distance to Edmonton City Centre Mall, Rogers Place, Ice District, The Royal Alberta Museum and access to the river valley trail system via the 100th Street Funicular. All of our main floor outlets and meeting space offer floor to ceiling windows with spectacular views of the North Saskatchewan River. Riverside Bistro gives our guests a memorable dining experience with a menu that promotes local producers, in a comfortable atmosphere or relax on our seasonal patio.

Reservations must be made by May 15, 2025, to benefit from the conference rate.

Conference Policies

REGISTRATION POLICIES

Conference Payment Policy

Registration must be submitted online and paid in full to qualify for the early registration rates. If payment is not received by the deadline date, attendees will be invoiced at the next deadline rate. Registrations received without full payment are considered incomplete and shall not be included in the registration reports.

Conference Cancellation Policy

Conference cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to conference@cchl-ccls.ca and received no later than the early bird deadline. Registration fees will be refunded minus a $250 administrative fee. There will be no refunds for cancellation requests received after the early bird deadline.

No-shows occur when individuals register but do not attend the conference. No-shows are not eligible for a refund.

CCHL reserves the right to make changes in programs and speakers, or to cancel the conference if registration targets are not met or when conditions beyond its control prevail. If the conference is not held for any reason, CCHL’s liability is limited to the refund of the registration fee only.

 Conference Substitution Policy

If you are unable to attend the CCHL National Conference, you are welcome to send a colleague in your place. Please submit details of the substitution in writing to conference@cchl-ccls.ca.

PRIVACY POLICIES

CCHL collects information through registration forms for planning purposes, for providing information to delegates about the conference, and for completion of registration, name badges and delegate lists. In delivering this conference, the CCHL National Conference is supported by sponsors. As part of that support, if a delegate consents during the registration process, then his/her complete contact information will be made available to the sponsors.

Photo/video release

CCHL will take photographs and some video at the national conference and utilize them in CCHL news or promotional material whether in print, electronic, or other media including the conference website. By participating in the CCHL National Conference, you grant CCHL the right to use your photograph for such purposes.

 VACCINATION AND MASK POLICY

Our priority at CCHL is to create a safe environment at the annual conference. As the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, we will be working in conjunction with the venue to monitor health and safety protocol requirements. At this time, masking is optional and proof of vaccination is not required.

For more information

Please contact:

Brianna Lavoy
Manager, Conferences and Events
blavoy@cchl-ccls.ca
1-800-363-9056 ext 232