Schedule

• Meals

Our team will be on hand to welcome you, provide your conference materials, and ensure a smooth check-in experience. Whether you have questions or need assistance, we're here to help.

*New for 2026* this cross-network session brings together the Child and Youth Mental Health Network, Pediatric Pain Management Practice and Policy Network, Connecting Care for Children with Medical Complexity, and the Child Health Equity Network for a shared conversation. Network leads will offer brief updates on their current work, followed by a collective discussion focused on alignment, shared priorities, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration across CHC’s networks.

Effective treatments exist, yet children in Canada continue to experience undertreated and preventable pain. This is particularly true for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities who are disproportionately impacted by pain yet face significant inequities in pain care. Drawing from a national project led by Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP), this year’s interactive pain hive shares solutions that support delivery of neuroinclusive pediatric pain management at hospitals and healthcare centers across Canada. Co-presented with patient/caregiver partners, health professionals, and organizational partners, this session will focus on co-creation and collaboration across diverse healthcare ecosystems/health systems to accelerate implementation of quality pain care. This interactive hive will: (1) share tools and resources for equitable pain management for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, health professionals, and decisionmakers; (2) showcase real-world “implementation-in-action” of quality, neuroinclusive pediatric pain management in hospital settings, including lessons learned; and (3) engage attendees in facilitated discussions and hands-on activities to prioritize actionable next steps to address identified gaps and barriers to the delivery of quality, equitable pain care for neurodiverse children and youth. The pain hive is part of a national project led by SKIP that accelerates implementation of quality, equitable pediatric pain management at diverse hospitals across Canada with a particular focus on children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. This project brings together expert teams from SKIP, nine children’s hospitals/healthcare organizations, 11 community partner organizations, health professionals, decision-makers, implementation specialists, youth, and families, with funding primarily from Kids Brain Health Network and Brain Canada Foundation. Join us to continue the conversation, learn from those with lived experience, and help transform knowledge into actionable change- together.

Join CAPN for a facilitated panel discussion on AI & Tech in Pediatric Nursing More details coming soon

Hosted by the Connecting Care for Children with Medical Complexity Practice Network, this session will explore the significant and complex behavioral needs of children with medical complexity and their impact on families and providers. Drawing on emerging research, participants will consider how unmet behavioral needs can challenge existing care models. The discussion will highlight gaps in services, fragmented supports, and the realities families face navigating systems not designed for integrated care. From the provider perspective, we will reflect on the clinical, ethical, and practical challenges of delivering coordinated care that addresses both medical and behavioral dimensions, creating space for shared learning and dialogue around more holistic approaches to complex care. New this year, all networks kick off the day together at 8:00 a.m., connecting across disciplines, celebrating our collective impact, and the shared value we bring to children’s healthcare, before moving into individual network hives.

This session explores the coordinated, inter-agency response to a community crisis in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, with a focus on child and youth mental health. Participants will gain insight into the provincial emergency response framework, the unique challenges of delivering services in rural and remote settings, and the critical role of partnerships across sectors. Presenters will walk through the phases of response—from initial incident to coordinated action—highlighting how local, regional, and provincial services aligned to support the community. The session will also examine the role of BC Children’s Hospital as a tertiary care partner and share key lessons learned that can inform future crisis responses. Attendees will leave with practical insights into cross-sector collaboration, system readiness, and strategies for responding to complex mental health needs in communities in crisis. The session will conclude with facilitated discussion to reflect on how these learnings can be applied in other contexts. New this year, all networks kick off the day together at 8:00 a.m., connecting across disciplines, celebrating our collective impact, and the shared value we bring to children’s healthcare, before moving into individual network hives.” This Network is generously supported by BC Children's Hospital Foundation

Hosted by the Child Health Equity Network, this interactive Hive will bring together leaders and practitioners working to advance equity in child and youth health systems across Canada. Building on emerging practice from across jurisdictions, the session will focus on how organizations are moving beyond equity as a principle to equity as a strategic, operational priority. Participants will explore practical approaches to embedding equity in strategic plans, governance and accountability structures, data use, and cross-departmental decision-making, with space to reflect on shared challenges and opportunities for national alignment. New this year, all networks kick off the day together at 8:00 a.m., connecting across disciplines, celebrating our collective impact, and the shared value we bring to children’s healthcare, before moving into individual network hives.

Healthcare organizations are navigating rapid change — from workforce pressures and digital transformation to shifting public expectations and system reform. Preparing for the future requires more than reacting to today’s challenges; it requires deliberate, forward-looking strategy. Zayna Khayat, Chief Program Officer at AMS Healthcare and a recognized leader in health system strategy and innovation, will lead an interactive workshop focused on how healthcare organizations can future-proof their strategies in an increasingly complex environment. Drawing on her work as adjunct faculty at the Rotman School of Management and as a health futurist with Deloitte Canada’s Healthcare practice, Zayna will explore emerging trends shaping the future of healthcare and what they mean for organizational leaders today. Through guided discussion and practical exercises, participants will examine how to:• anticipate and plan for long-term system change• strengthen strategic resilience in uncertain conditions• align organizational purpose with evolving care models and technologies• make better decisions today to prepare for tomorrow’s realities This session is designed to challenge assumptions, spark new thinking, and provide leaders with practical tools to help their organizations remain relevant, responsive, and sustainable in the years ahead.

• By Invite Only

• Meals
• Sponsored Session

More details coming soon

• Plenary Session
• Recorded Session

Generously sponsored by: the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH) Artificial Intelligence has the potential to reshape nearly every facet of healthcare practice, education and research. As generative, predictive, agent and now embodied AI (robots!) rapidly evolve, leaders and families in the children’s healthcare sector face both an extraordinary opportunity to adopt AI and a profound responsibility to stay in control of it. This session will equip participants with the strategic insight and practical grounding needed to responsibly shape and lead our sector's evolution in the cognitive era. Zayna Khayat, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer, Managing Director for the History & Future of Healthcare, AMS Healthcare

• Plenary Session
• Recorded Session
• Sponsored Session

• Meals

Across Canada and internationally, child health leaders are increasingly being called upon to lead in complex, politicized, and high-stakes environments. This session explores what brave leadership looks like when the health and wellbeing of children and youth are under threat, and when protecting evidence-informed care, public trust, and health system integrity requires stepping directly into challenging and often contentious territory. The session will begin with a keynote-style presentation examining the growing politicization of child health issues, including gender-affirming care and the impact this has on care delivery, public discourse, and leadership decision-making. A facilitated panel discussion will follow, featuring leaders who have navigated legislative change, public scrutiny, and advocacy efforts to protect access to care and uphold the rights of children and youth within evolving policy and regulatory landscapes. Panelists will reflect on the personal and organizational realities of leading through controversy, strategies for managing risk and resistance, and practical approaches to shaping and responding to public narratives in highly polarized environments. Participants will leave with concrete insights into how courageous, values-driven leadership can support children, youth, and families while strengthening the systems that serve them. Moderator: Emily Gruenwoldt, President & CEO, Children's Healthcare Canada Speakers / Panelists: Mark Del Monte, American Academy of Pediatrics Dr. Beth Foster, McGill University & McGill University Health Centre Rochelle Reid, Hamilton Health Sciences Dr. Jake Donaldson, Pinnacle Medical Centres To learn more about these speakers click here

• Plenary Session
• Recorded Session

Delegates will once again have the opportunity to participate in site visits to local child health organizations. These behind-the-scenes tours offer a unique look at innovative spaces and programs supporting children, youth, and families in Alberta. Transportation to and from all tour locations will be provided. Tours are included in your registration fee but you will be required to register and select from the tours below. 2026 tour locations include: - Alberta Children’s Hospital - Rotary Flames House - LUNA - Child and Youth Advocacy Centre - The Summit - Ronald McDonald House

• Social & Offsite Events