Walking into the 2026 Commitment to Care Conference, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. Across the profession, challenges and opportunities continue to shape the healthcare landscape, and this past weekend served as a powerful reminder that there has never been a more exciting time to be a chiropractor in Alberta.

Hosted by the Chiropractic Association of Alberta, this year’s conference focused on building what’s next in Primary Care while reinforcing our commitment to evidence-based practice, professional excellence, and advancing MSK health. Over two days, members took away key insights from government leaders, researchers, clinicians, and interprofessional partners. Through discussions on integrated care, publicly funded initiatives, patient safety, regulation and resilience, the conference highlighted the growing role chiropractors play within Alberta’s evolving healthcare system.

As we reflected on how far the profession has come and explored the opportunities ahead, one message was clear: chiropractic continues to be a valuable contributor to collaborative, team-based, patient-centred care.

Setting the Stage on Saturday

From the moment the conference began, the energy in the room reflected a profession ready to embrace the future. Saturday’s program focused on building what’s next in Primary Care, creating space for thoughtful conversations about healthcare transformation, collaboration, and leadership.

Care-First

The afternoon opened with insights from Katie Hogg and Erin O’Neill from the Alberta Government on the province’s Care-First automobile insurance reform. Members gained valuable perspectives on system priorities, opportunities for collaboration, and what evolving healthcare models may mean for MSK care and patient access.

College of Chiropractors of Alberta

Members also heard from the College of Chiropractors of Alberta (CCOA), whose presentation explored the important relationship between regulation, public trust, and the profession’s continued growth within Alberta’s healthcare system. The session challenged attendees to view regulation not as a barrier to progress, but as a foundation that supports greater access, integration, and confidence in chiropractic care.

A key focus was clarifying the distinct but complementary roles of the CCOA and the Chiropractic Association of Alberta. Attendees heard how the College’s legislated mandate is to protect the public through registration, standards, continuing competence, complaints resolution, and accountability, while the Association advocates for the profession and advances opportunities for integration, funding, and access. Together, both organizations contribute to a stronger and more trusted profession.

Bridging Research into Practice

The evening continued with a featured keynote from Dr. Shawn Thistle on bridging research into practice. As research continues to evolve, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to translate new knowledge into meaningful clinical care. The session challenged attendees to think critically about implementation and highlighted practical strategies for incorporating research into everyday practice.

Celebrating Excellence

A highlight of the evening was recognizing members who exemplify leadership, innovation, service, and excellence in patient care. Through the Commitment to Care Awards, we celebrated individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen both the profession and the communities they serve.

To conclude the evening, attendees came together for the second annual Chirolympics, a team-based competition that included teamwork and plenty of laughter. A fitting end to a busy first day.

Sunday: Advancing Chiropractic Through Collaboration

Day two shifted the focus from exploration to action, examining how chiropractic can contribute to team-based, multidisciplinary healthcare environments. Throughout the day, speakers shared practical insights, real-world examples, and innovative approaches designed to strengthen patient outcomes and advance the profession.

The morning began with a ministerial address from Honourable Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Healthcare, followed by insights from the first publicly funded chiropractic program since 2009, the Low Back on Track pilot program. These sessions provided important perspectives on healthcare accessibility and demonstrated how chiropractic care can ease the strain on healthcare providers while meaningfully contributing to the broader healthcare system.

Strengthening the Profession Through Partnership

During the CMCC-sponsored lunch session, attendees heard from key national partners whose work continues to support the profession’s growth, sustainability, and impact across Canada.

Dr. Christine Bradaric-Baus, President of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), shared insights into the institution’s strategic priorities and evolving role in preparing the next generation of chiropractors. Dr. Dean Wright, CEO of the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association (CCPA), provided updates on how the organization continues to support chiropractors through risk management, professional protection, and educational resources. Dr. Ayla Azad, CEO of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), highlighted national advocacy efforts and the importance of strengthening the profession’s voice across Canada. Together, these presentations reinforced the value of strong partnerships in advancing education, patient safety, and the long-term success of chiropractic care.

Patient Safety and a Culture of Care

Patient safety remained a central theme throughout the conference. Sessions focused on incident reporting and learning, building a just culture within chiropractic practice, and patient feedback. These sessions reinforced that fostering a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement is essential to advancing both patient safety and professional excellence.

The afternoon offered additional opportunities for growth and learning. Members explored lessons from integrated care models, including experiences from the Mount Carmel Clinic, which highlighted the value of collaborative approaches to Primary Care. Clinical sessions also provided practical guidance on the assessment and management of knee conditions, equipping attendees with evidence-based tools to support patient care.

A Powerful Closing Message

To close the conference, attendees heard from Ryan Straschnitzki, Humboldt Broncos survivor and aspiring Paralympian. Ryan shared his remarkable journey of resilience, perseverance, and adapting to life’s unexpected challenges. Through his story, he demonstrated that while adversity can change the path forward, it does not have to define what comes next.

His message resonated deeply with attendees, serving as a reminder that growth often emerges from challenge and that new opportunities can be found even in the most difficult circumstances. Ryan’s perspective on determination, purpose, and embracing new possibilities provided a meaningful and inspiring conclusion to the weekend.

Looking Ahead

Throughout the weekend, we heard a consistent message from speakers, leaders, and members alike: the future of healthcare will be built through collaboration, innovation, and a continued commitment to patient-centred care.

Chiropractors are uniquely positioned to contribute to Alberta’s healthcare system through evidence-based MSK care, trusted patient relationships, and meaningful partnerships across health professions. The discussions at this year’s conference demonstrated the profession’s readiness to embrace new opportunities while continuing to uphold the high standards patients expect and deserve.

Five years into the Commitment to Care Conference journey, we continue to see the value of bringing our community together to learn, connect, and lead. The conversations that began in Calgary will continue long after the conference concludes, helping shape the future of chiropractic care across Alberta.

Thank You

The success of the Commitment to Care Conference would not be possible without the support of our members, speakers, sponsors, vendors, and partners. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to create a meaningful conference experience.

Thank you for joining us as we celebrated five years strong. We look forward to continuing this journey together and seeing you at next year’s conference.