# Join us to develop actionable steps for advancing health equity in primary health care
# June 3–4, 2026 | Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites, Richmond Hill, Ontario
# Registration is now open!
# Key dates:
- April 16 at 5 PM EST: Early Bird Registration period ends (see "Pricing Table" below for registration rates)
- May 11, 2026: The cut-off date to secure the group rate at the hotel. Rates are not guaranteed after this date (see "Accommodations" below)
- June 2, 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites: Rural, Remote, and Northern Symposium (Registration link)
- June 2, 6 PM to 7:30 PM at Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites: Alliance AGM
- June 3 and 4: Alliance 2026 Conference in person (see "Conference Program Outline" below)
# Cancellation and Transfer Policy:
- All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to conference@allianceon.org
- Cancellations received before May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST are eligible for a refund minus a 25% administrative processing fee.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST, including but not limited to no-shows due to travel delays or personal scheduling conflicts.
- Registrants may transfer their registration to another individual at no cost if the request is submitted in writing by May 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.
- Registration transfers or badge reprints requested after May 25, 2026 or on-site are subject to a $100 administrative fee.
For more info, please read our Cancellation and Transfer Policy here.
# Conference overview:
The Alliance for Healthier Communities’ Annual Conference 2026 will bring together more than 700 participants from across Ontario’s health and social sectors: primary care professionals, clinicians, community leaders, policymakers, researchers, advocates, board members, and system partners, all committed to advancing health equity and strengthening attachment in primary health care in Ontario.
Building on the Government of Ontario’s commitment to expand attachment, this year’s theme, Attachment for Everyone: Centring Health Equity in Ontario’s Primary Health Care Expansion, recognizes that meaningful progress means more than increasing numbers. It’s about ensuring every person, particularly those from equity-denied groups such as Black and racialized, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, Francophone, and Rural, Northern, and Remote communities, has access to high-quality, barrier-free primary health care.
Together, we’ll explore how to translate bold ideas and evidence-based practices into real-world change — through collaboration, learning, and collective action that centres people and communities in Ontario’s evolving primary health care system.
# Pricing table:
| Early Bird (before April 16) | Regular Price (after April 16) | On-site | |||||||
| 2-day registration | 2-day registration + Gala Ticket | 1-day registration | 2-day registration | 2-day registration + Gala Ticket | 1-day registration | 2-day registration | 2-day registration + Gala Ticket | 1-day registration | |
| Alliance Members | $557 | $649 | $454 | $687 | $779 | $454 | $817 | $908 | $584 |
| Students | $324 | $454 | $163 | $324 | $454 | $163 | $947 | $1,038 | $714 |
| Non members | $687 | $779 | $584 | $817 | $908 | $584 | $947 | $1,038 | $714 |
Individual Award Gala tickets cost $130 regardless of registrant type or period.
All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars.
# Accommodations:
We have secured room blocks at two hotels for the Conference in Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites (hosting the Conference) and Best Western Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites (adjacent). Both properties are conveniently connected to each other. Please book your accommodations using the links provided below:
Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites: Group rate is $234 CAD per night (plus applicable taxes). Booking link Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel | Hotel Rooms
Best Western Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites: Group rate is $195 CAD per night (plus applicable taxes). Booking link Best Western Parkway Hotel Toronto North | Hotel Rooms
Important Notes:
- The cut-off date to secure the group rate is Monday, May 11, 2026. Rates are not guaranteed after this date.
- For cancellation policies, please refer to the respective hotel’s website.
# Conference Program Outline:
Tuesday, June 2, 2026:
|
10:30 AM |
3:30 PM |
Rural, Remote, and Northern Symposium (Registration link) |
|
6:00 PM |
7:30 PM |
Alliance's AGM |
| 7:30 PM | 8:30 PM | AGM Reception |
Wednesday, June 3, 2026:
| 7:00 AM | Registration opens | |
|
7:30 AM |
8:30 AM |
Exhibit Hall / Breakfast Buffet |
|
8:30 AM |
9:00 AM |
Welcome and introductions |
|
9:00 AM |
10:25 AM |
Plenary Session 1: Keynote with Award winning author David A. Robertson |
|
10:25 AM |
11:00 AM |
Poster Board Reception & Exhibitor Break |
|
11:00 AM |
12:00 PM |
Morning Learning Sessions |
|
12:00 PM |
1:00 PM |
Lunch and Exhibitor Break |
|
1:10 PM |
2:15 PM |
Plenary Session 2: Attachment and Health Equity Panel Discussion |
|
2:15 PM |
2:30 PM |
Awards Presentation |
|
2:30 PM |
3:00 PM |
Poster Board Reception & Exhibitor Break |
|
3:00 PM |
4:00 PM |
Afternoon Learning Sessions |
|
4:00 PM |
4:45 PM |
Networking & Free time |
| 4:45 PM | 5:30 PM | Reception with Cash Bar |
|
5:30 PM |
7:30 PM |
Transformative Change Awards Gala |
| 7:30 PM | 8:45 PM | Dinner Service |
| 8:45 PM | 11:30 PM | DJ & Entertainment |
Thursday, June 4, 2026:
| 7:00 AM | Registration opens | |
|
7:30 AM |
8:30 AM |
Exhibit Hall / Breakfast Buffet |
|
8:30 AM |
9:45 AM |
Plenary Session 3: Keynote (details upcoming) |
|
9:45 AM |
10:00 AM |
Awards Presentation |
|
10:00 AM |
10:30 AM |
Poster Board Reception & Exhibitor Break |
|
10:30 AM |
11:30 AM |
Morning Learning Sessions |
|
11:30 AM |
12:30 PM |
Lunch &Exhibitor Break |
|
12:30 PM |
1:30 PM |
Afternoon Learning Sessions |
|
1:40 PM |
2:55 PM |
Plenary Session 4: Action Plan and Actionable Steps |
|
2:55 PM |
3:10 PM |
Closing and Door Prizes |
# Plenary Sessions:
We are pleased to announce that the first plenary session of Conference 2026 will feature award-winning author David A. Robertson.
A member of Norway House Cree Nation, Robertson is one of Canada’s most influential contemporary storytellers. His work explores Indigenous perspectives, mental health, and reconciliation, and has earned widespread recognition, including two Governor General's Literary Awards for his writing.
In this opening plenary, Robertson will draw on the power of storytelling to explore how reconciliation can move from concept to action. Through personal stories, insight, and reflection, he invites audiences to consider the role each of us can play in building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Join us as we open Conference 2026 with a powerful conversation that will inspire dialogue, empathy, and meaningful change.
Stay tuned for more details!
# Learning Sessions:
Wednesday, June 3, Morning Sessions (11 AM - 12 PM):
|
Session |
Session Title |
Organizations or Presenter |
Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governance 1 | High Performing Boards through Policy Governance II |
• Adrianna Tetley, Governance Coach, contracted with CCHC • Michelle Hurtubise, CEO, Centretown CHC |
|
| Governance 2 | AI Governance in Health Care: From Concept to Oversight |
• Ben Fuhrmann, Lawyer, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP • Krystin Chung, Lawyer, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP • Marc Gordon, Director of Information Management, Alliance for Healthier Communities |
|
| Panel 1 | Black Health Is Not Optional: Launching the Alliance’s Refreshed Black Health Strategy |
• Dr. Akeem Stewart, Provincial Lead, Black Health and Wellness, Durham Community Health Centre, Alliance for Healthier Communities • Liben Gebremikael (To be confirmed), CEO, TAIBU Community Health Centre |
|
| Workshop 1 | One Team Recovery (OTR): An Inclusive, Trauma-Informed, Harm-Reduction-Based Recovery Model Embedded in Primary Care |
• Derek Roberts, Certified Canadian Addictions Counsellor, Windsor Family Health Team • Elizabeth Lalonde, Certified Canadian Addictions Counsellor, Windsor Family Health Team |
|
| Panel 2 | Scaling Equity-Based Attachment: A Collaborative IPCT Model Across Three Toronto OHTs |
• Akm Alamgir, Director, Organizational Knowledge and Learning, Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services • Rejwan Karim, Associate Executive Director, Access Alliance MHCS • Cliff Ledwos, Acting Executive Director, Access Alliance MHCS |
|
| Workshop 2 | Bringing Primary Care Home: A CHCN–OHT Northumberland Partnership Model for Rural Outreach and Attachment |
• Marley Budreau, Clinical Director, Community Health Centres of Northumberland • Kylie Morton, Manager, Specialized Programs, Community Health Centres of Northumberland • Olivia Lawson, Data and Financial Analyst, Community Health Centres of Northumberland |
|
| Workshop 3 | Building the Conditions for Equitable Attachment: Organizational Readiness in Ontario’s Primary Care Expansion | • Candace Singh, EDIA-A Lead, CMHA DURHAM | |
| Spotlight Session 1: Community-Led Integrated Care (Three 10-min presentations) |
|
Spencer Lanthier - Community Development Worker, Kingston Community Health Centres | |
|
Katherine Taylor - Physical Activity for Chronic Disease Management Lead, Kingston Community Health Centres | ||
|
Matthew Ward - Primary Care and Digital Lead, Huron Perth & Area and North Simcoe OHTs |
Wednesday, June 3, Afternoon Sessions (3 PM - 4 PM):
|
Session Code |
Session Title |
Organizations or Presenter |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Governance 3 | Governance by Charter, Grounded in Africentricity |
• Liben Gebremikael, CEO, TAIBU Community Health Centre • Nicola Dove, Doctoral Candidate, York University • Karen Richards, Board Chair, TAIBU CHC • Radeka Clarke, Board member, TAIBU CHC |
|
| Workshop 4 | Indigenous Health in Indigenous Hands: Supporting Meaningful Engagement with Indigenous Communities |
• Darryl Souliere-Lamb, Manager- Integrate Care, Indigenous Primary Health Care Council • Elissa Noah, Program Coordinator, Indigenous Primary Health Care Council |
|
| Workshop 5 | From Stories to Action: Advocacy Skills for Health Workers Supporting Uninsured Communities |
• Rebecca Cheff, Knowledge Translation Specialist, National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health • Sarah Shahid, Coordinator, Healthcare for All campaign, Decent Work and Health Network |
|
| Workshop 6 | The Present and Future of AI in Community-Based Health Care |
• Daniel O. Livvarcin, CEO, Vectors Group • Yacouba Traore, Executive Director, Carlington Community Health Centre |
|
| Panel 3 | Full Scope: Using Nurses to Fill the Gap in the Care of People Who Use Substances |
• Laurie Barkun, Registered Nurse Prescriber, Rapid Access Addiction Medicine, Street Health Centre - Kingston Community Health Centres • Katie Dunham, Nurse Practitioner Lead (Stonehenge); Nursing Educator (META:PHI); Faculty (U of T), Stonehenge Therapeutic Community; META:PHI; University of Toronto Bloomberg School of Nursing |
|
| Workshop 7 | The Power of Purpose: Skill Development, Peer Pathways, and Meaningful Work |
• Dean Dewar, Director, CTS, Sandy Hill Community Health Centre • Tabitha Morris, Program and Case Management Supervisor, Ottawa Inner City Health • Rob Boyd, CEO, Ottawa Inner City Health • Robin McAndrew, Executive Director, Sandy Hill Community Health Centre |
|
| Spotlight Session 2: Social Prescribing and Clinical Collaboration (Three 10-min presentations) | Improving Data Quality and Collaboration Through Standardized Social Prescribing Pathways | Amanda McConkey - Community Health Promoter, Community Health Centres of Northumberland | |
| Nature Based Social Prescribing | Lauren Jeffrey - Community Program Coordinator, South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre | ||
| When Music Becomes Medicine: Harnessing the Power of Singing on Prescription | Arla Good - Adjunct Professor, Co-director , The SingWell Project | ||
| Spotlight Session 3: Specialized Clinical Toolkits and Training (Four 10-min presentations) |
|
Bourne Auguste - Provincial Medical Lead, Nephrologist, Ontario Health (Ontario Renal Network), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre | |
|
Mafo Yakubu - Lead, Clinical and Quality Standards, Ontario Health | ||
|
Dana Summers Laframboise - Senior Specialist, Quality Improvement, Clinical and Quality Standards, Ontario Health | ||
|
Laura Ciccone - Director of Operations, Niagara Falls Community Health Centre |
Thursday, June 4, Morning Sessions (10:30 AM 11:30 AM):
|
Session Code |
Session Title |
Organizations or Presenter |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Governance 4 | Evaluating the Organization Through Executive Limitations Policies |
• Tamara Chipperfield, Chief Executive Officer, Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre • Melissa Kwiatkowski, Chief Executive Officer, Guelph Community Health Centre • Adrianna Tetley, Governance Coach |
|
| Panel 4 | The Next Evolution of the Primary Care Neighbourhood Network |
• Andrea Lombardi, Senior Director, Integrated Care, WellFort CHC • Tashani Parker, Manager, Integrated Care, WellFort CHS |
|
| Workshop 8 | A Safer Downtown for All: Inclusion of People who Use Drugs in Solutions to Public Safety | • Rob Boyd, Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Inner City Health | |
| Workshop 9 | ANCHOR Ottawa: Lessons from Launching a Community-Led, Equity-Centered Crisis Response |
• Suzanne Obiorah, CEO, Somerset West Community Health Centre • Michelle Hurtubise, CEO, Centretown Community Health Centre • John Hoyles, Executive Director, Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario |
|
| Panel 5 | Extending Prevention Through Peers: How Volunteer Peer Health Coaches and Prevention Practitioners Can Advance Equity of Chronic Disease and Cancer Prevention |
• Karen Kuzmich, Manager, Cancer Prevention, Canadian Cancer Society • Shebina Amlani, Sr. Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society • Arionne Mitchell, Team Lead, Canadian Cancer Society • Ezza Jalil, Research Coordinator, Access Alliance |
|
| Panel 6 | Attachment for Everyone: Nurse Practitioner Leadership for Equity-Deserving Populations |
• Maggie McNabb, Nurse Practitioner, Kingston Community Health Centres • Sue English, Nurse Practitioner, Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC) • Edward Cho, Nurse Practitioner, Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC) • Virginia Davis, Nurse Practitioner, Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC) |
|
| Workshop 10 | Anti-Oppressive social work practice and counselling in community healthcare | • Damindra Liyanage, Counsellor Therapist, Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services | |
| Spotlight Session 4: Black Health Initiatives (Three 10-min presentations) |
|
Dr. Sandy Ezepue - Executive Director, Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (HUCCHC) | |
|
Dr. Sandy Ezepue - Executive Director, Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (HUCCHC) | ||
|
Jessica Ostrega - Senior Specialist, Quality Improvement, Ontario Health |
Thursday, June 4, Afternoon Sessions (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM):
|
Session Code |
Session Title |
Organizations or Presenter |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Governance 5 | Values to Action: Strengthening Organizational Advocacy through a Clear Decision-Making Framework |
• Michelle Hurtubise, Chief Executive Officer, Centretown Community Health Centre • Siffan Rahman, Director, Diabetes Programs, Centretown Community Health Centre |
|
| Panel 7 | Victorian Community Health Services in Australia |
• Dr Leigh Clarke, CEO, Victorian Healthcare Association • Don Tidbury, CEO, DPV Health • Simone Heald, CEO, North Richmond Community Health • Sue Race, CEO, Dhelkaya Health • Tassia Michaleas, CEO, Holstep Health |
|
| Workshop 11 | Story Medicine: A Cultural Adaptation of Narrative Exposure Therapy For Indigenous Clients |
• Tessa Colthoff, Psychologist, Women's College Hospital • Meggie Cywink |
|
| Panel 8 | Closing the Gap from Enrollment to Engagement: Advancing a Multi-Level Framework for Attachment Readiness in Primary Healthcare |
• Akm Alamgir, Director, Organizational Knowledge and Learning, Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services • Jennifer Rayner, Director, Research & Policy, Alliance for Healthier Communities • Kasia Filaber, Manager, Health Initiatives (Open Door Program), Access Alliance MHCS |
|
| Panel 9 | Implementing the Black Health Plan at Somerset West (SWCHC): Innovative Strategies on Access, Attachment, to demonstrate Program Impact |
• Faiza Ahmad, Director of Family and Community Services, Somerset West CHC • Nagad Hersi, Therapist and Mental Health Outreach (Black MH Team), SWCHC • Mary Nduati, Community Support Worker (Black MH Team), SWCHC |
|
| Panel 10 | Providing Holistic Gender Affirming Care in Rural Communities |
• Lisa Long, Manager of Allied Health and Social Programs, NorWest Community Health Centres • Valerie MacGregor, Psychotherapist, West Elgin Community Health Centr • Dr. Kate Greenaway, Medical Director, FORIA Clinic |
|
| Panel 11 | Strengthening Care for the Caregiver: Lessons from a Social Prescribing Panel |
• Katie Muirhead, Acting Manager, Caregiver Navigation and Workplace Programs, Ontario Caregiver Organization • Stephanie VanBuskirk, Caregiver Link Worker, Ontario Caregiver Organization • Karen Doughty, Caregiver • Nancy Ewen, Executive Director, Elliot Lake Family Health Team |
|
| Spotlight Session 5: Culturally Safe Practices and Lived Experience (Three 10-min presentations) |
|
• Marianna Calamia, Manager, Interpretation and Translation Services, University Health Network (UHN) • Sophie Brunelle-Newman, Francophone Health Services Analyst, University Health Network (UHN) |
|
|
Ryanne J. Logan - Graduate Student, Brock University | ||
|
Celeste Turner - Population Health Manager, Niagara Falls Community Health Centre |
Poster Board Presentations (available throughout the two days of the Conference):
|
Poster Code |
Poster Title |
Organizations |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster 1 | Using an Interactive Board Game to Create Innovative Knowledge Translation Tools Regarding Social Prescribing and the Social Determinants of Health | Justin Trépanier - Student, Brock University | |
| Poster 2 | “The Right Prescription Isn’t pills, its people”- Evidence from survey evaluations highlights the power of meaningful connection through social prescribing | Grace Bonnett, BSc Social Prescribing/Community Navigator/Community Developer, Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre | |
| Poster 3 | Exploring the Lived Experiences of Racialized Parents Accessing Pediatric Rehabilitation Services in Ontario | Alissa Latiff - PhD Student, Ontario Tech University | |
| Poster 4 | Bridging the Gap: The Transitions in Care Framework to Attach Justice-Involved Populations to Primary Heath Care | Shelley West - Community Health Navigator, Central Community Health Centre | |
| Poster 5 | Through the Cracks: Exploring Trans Youth Experiences of Discrimination: An Arts-Based Research Creation | Logan Michaelson - Graduate Student, Brock University | |
| Poster 6 | Community Acupuncture: A Strategy to Increase Attachment for Chronic Pain and Mental Health Patients within the Neighbourhood Health Home Model | Katrina Dollano, R.TCMP R.Ac Vice President, Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario (TCMO) | |
| Poster 7 | Beyond Hunger: Understanding the Impact of Food Programs at a Community Health Centre Setting | Dr. Sandy Ezepue - Executive Director, Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre | |
| Poster 8 | How the Rapid Action Learning Intensive – Patient Reported Outcome Measures (RALI-PROMs) helped Alliance Members to measure the impact of care on client health outcomes | Sara Bhatti - Learning Health System Manager, Alliance For Healthier Communities | |
| Poster 9 | Connecting Care: A Telemedicine Neighbourhood Model for Unattached Patients | Nicole van doornik - NP, Durham Community Health Center | |
| Poster 10 | When Attachment Isn’t Enough: Policy Barriers to Equitable Primary Care for Refugees | Zahra Belosch - PhD Student McMaster University- Department of Health, Aging and Society | |
| Poster 11 | CHOICES Diabetes: Culturally Responsive Diabetes Care for Black Communities | Camille Clarke - MD, TMU/CHOICES | |
| Poster 12 | A Framework for Social Prescribing at Intake | Courtney Bauman - Community Outreach Worker / System Navigator, Woolwich Community Health Centre | |
| Poster 13 | Equity-Oriented Care on Palliative Care Access for People Experiencing Homelessness & Vulnerable Housing | Pam Gerrie - Manager Palliative Carelink, NorWest Community Health Centres | |
| Poster 14 | Evaluating Health Promotion Programs in Community Health Centres in Ontario: Early Findings |
Isabelle Fortuna - Research and Policy Analyst, Alliance for Healthier Communities Sara Bhatti, Learning Health System Manager, Alliance for Healthier Communities Abirami Sivasathan, Practicum Student, Western University |
# Transformative Change Awards Gala 2026:
Transformative Change Awards recognize and celebrate health champions within our membership who work at the forefront of transformative change to help us achieve the best possible health and wellbeing for everyone in Ontario. We’re looking for inspiring stories of leaders, innovators and collaborators who have reframed problems, broken new ground and created transformative solutions that have improved outcomes for people and communities facing barriers to good health.
#Awards are presented in the following categories:
Transformative Change Awards: Up to three (3) award recipients may be selected. The award is open to Alliance members only; teams, partnerships, organizations, collaboratives and programs are eligible for nominations.
Adrianna Tetley Legacy Award: One (1) award recipient is selected. The goal is to recognize an emerging leader in primary health care transformation who demonstrates tenacity and determination to improve the health and wellbeing of people and communities facing barriers to health.
Denise Brooks Health Equity Champion Award: One (1) award recipient is selected. The goal is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to advancing health equity.
Joe Leonard Award: One (1) award recipient is selected every year. This award is the highest recognition from the Alliance and is reserved for individuals only.
NEW THIS YEAR! Jennifer Rayner Research for Health Equity Award: One (1) award recipient will be selected. The goal is to celebrate a researcher or research team that has made significant contributions to the evidence for team-based primary health care and health equity through innovative and impactful research and has provided valuable insights for practices and policy.
The awards will be presented at the Alliance Conference Awards Gala in June 3, 2026 from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
For more information, please visit the award's page here.
You can see the stories and videos of the last year’s Transformative Change Awards recipients here.
# Sponsors & Exhibitors
Join us as a sponsor or exhibitor at the 2026 Conference and connect with a network of health sector leaders, providers, and community champions. Showcase your organization’s work, demonstrate your commitment to health equity, and build relationships with decision-makers from across Ontario’s community health sector.
For more information or to discuss sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please contact Joyce Morocco at joyce.morocco@allianceON.org.