2025 CHPCA Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of Palliative Care in Canada

In October 2025, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) will gather palliative care professionals, advocates, researchers and community leaders from across the country and beyond for its biennial national conference—this year hosted in the vibrant city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. More than a professional gathering, the 2025 conference will be a milestone event, marking the 50th anniversary of palliative care in Canada.

From October 22-25, delegates will meet to reflect on the past, engage with the present and envision the future of palliative care. The program will feature plenary sessions, workshops, poster presentations and networking opportunities designed to advance knowledge, foster collaboration and strengthen our collective impact on care at the end of life.

A Program Built for Connection and Learning

This year’s conference will open with a keynote address exploring the history of palliative care in Canada and the lessons we can carry forward. Additional plenary speakers will
challenge us to think about the future—how we can make hospice palliative care accessible for all Canadians, respond to the needs of an aging population, and integrate
grief and bereavement supports more fully into the care continuum.

The program will cover a wide spectrum of topics, including:
• Clinical innovations in symptom management and interdisciplinary care
• Community-based approaches to reach underserved populations
• Policy and advocacy strategies to advance equitable access
• Education and training, including grassroots programs like the Last Aid course
• Research and quality improvement initiatives that are shaping practice across the country

Attendees will also have the chance to explore poster sessions showcasing cutting-edge research, practical tools, and community-led projects.

Spotlight on Collaboration

Collaboration is a hallmark of CHPCA’s work, and this year’s conference will reflect that spirit. Special networking events and pre-conference symposiums will bring together
physicians, nurses, social workers, grief and bereavement professionals, administrators, allied health providers, academics, and volunteers.

One highlight will be a dedicated Last Aid networking session on Thursday afternoon, where facilitators, course participants, and champions will come together to share
experiences and explore opportunities to expand access to this introductory palliative care education.

Organized by

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is the national voice for quality hospice palliative care in Canada. We advance hospice palliative care across the country by providing education, raising awareness, influencing public policy, and collaborating with provincial hospice palliative care associations.

Learn More

Land Acknowledgment

CHPCA would like to acknowledge that the 2025 National Conference is being held on the Traditional Territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Traditional Territories of the Snuneymuxw and Snaw-Naw-As First Nations.

With thanks to The Vancouver Island Federation of Hospices

The Vancouver Island Federation of Hospices is delighted to welcome the upcoming CHPCA’s 2025 Conference, which will be held on Vancouver Island. This presents an excellent opportunity for all individuals engaged in the hospice and palliative care sector to come together in Nanaimo to learn, share, and connect. We are pleased to support the planning of this conference and eagerly anticipate a vibrant gathering in Nanaimo. We look forward to seeing our members and colleagues there!