The Future of Chiropractic Care Starts Now
We’re proud to unveil the Chiropractic Association of Alberta’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan—a bold vision built on collaboration, innovation, and trust. This is more than a roadmap; it’s a commitment to making chiropractors the first choice for musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation in Alberta.
Download resourcesHow We Got Here:Â Shaping the Future of Chiropractic Care in Alberta
Our 2026–2029 Strategic Direction is the result of a, collaborative process designed to position Alberta’s chiropractors as trusted leaders in musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation. Building on the foundation of our 2022–2025 plan, we began in early 2025 with a clear goal: to define where the profession needs to be to remain integrated, innovative, and patient-centered.
The development of the strategic plan was spearheaded by the Strategic Planning Committee and supported by a dedicated team of committee members, each contributing their unique insights and expertise to shape a bold and forward-thinking vision for the future of chiropractic care in Alberta.
This collaborative process included:
- Board retreat in Kananaskis – exploring systemic trends and envisioning “Chiropractic in 2035.”
- Member workshops & surveys – surfacing priorities like collaborative care, insurance navigation, and public awareness.
- Stakeholder interviews – gathering insights from healthcare leaders, researchers, and patient advocates on safety, integration, and innovation.
This strategic plan is built on the voices of our members, partners, and patients—uniting insights into a future-proof roadmap for the next era of chiropractic in Alberta. It’s more than a plan; it’s a commitment to leadership in rehabilitation, innovation, and growth. From this vision, the tagline for our new strategic direction emerged:
Alberta Chiropractors Leading MSK Rehabilitation
Across Alberta, chiropractors are redefining musculoskeletal (MSK) care—leading the way in rehabilitation, innovation, and patient-centered outcomes. Our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan positions chiropractors as trusted partners in the healthcare system, working alongside physicians, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams to deliver safe, evidence-based care. This vision isn’t just ours—it’s shared by leaders across healthcare.
Prominent voices are recognizing the essential role chiropractors play in advancing MSK health and improving access for patients in Alberta. Here's what they have to say:
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 “The Alberta Medical Association has long recognized the value of the medical home – where a physician is the quarterback of a team of allied health professionals who, using the latest peer-reviewed evidence, work collaboratively within their full scope of practice to care for patients. Chiropractors play an important role in this model, providing non-invasive, musculoskeletal care and increasingly contributing to diagnosis and continuity of care.”
Dr. Brian Wirzba
President of the Alberta Medical Association
 “Integration isn’t about hierarchy; it’s about collaboration and partnership. Chiropractors can play an essential role in the promotion of MSK health and rehabilitation. The impact of the profession will grow stronger as it invests in multidisciplinary education and meaningful partnerships across the healthcare system.”
Dr. Pierre Côté
Hann-Kelly Family Chair in Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Director, Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research
Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health
Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University
Chiropractors as Alberta’s Primary Contact in MSK Health
Chiropractors are leaders of rehabilitation care and integrated into Alberta’s public healthcare system. We will be widely recognized as safe, effective, and trusted health professionals, with spine, muscle, nerve and joint conditions. Chiropractors and their interdisciplinary partners will contribute to better patient outcomes and system efficiency.
MSK Care Demand
Every minute, an Albertan seeks help for a bone or joint issue—underscoring the urgent need for musculoskeletal care across the province.
Source: Bone and Joint Health SCN Transformational Roadmap 2020–2025
Alberta’s #2 Choice for Chronic Pain
Chiropractors are the second most consulted providers for arthritis and chronic back pain in Alberta—after physicians.
Source: Prevalence and characteristics of healthcare utilization among Canadians (PMC)
Leaders in Motor Vehicle Injury Recovery
Chiropractors are projected to be the leading care providers under Alberta’s new Care-First system for motor vehicle injury claims, launching January 2027.
Source: Alberta.ca – News release
Culture of Safety and Innovation Driving Evidence-Based Care
The Chiropractic Association of Alberta will embed safety, evidence, and sustainability into everyday practice by promoting outcome-based care, and encouraging collaboration with other health professionals. By leveraging academic partnerships and innovative initiatives, chiropractors will build public trust, influence health policy, and position chiropractors as essential contributors to a resilient healthcare system.
Access to Diagnostic Imaging
Chiropractors in Alberta can order publicly funded diagnostic imaging for their patients—improving access and continuity of care.
Just Culture: Safety Rooted in Learning
The Chiropractic Association of Alberta’s Just Culture Position Statement affirms a commitment to patient-centered care, continuous learning, and shared accountability.
AI-Powered Self-Management
The SelfBack pilot integrated an AI-driven app into 15 Alberta chiropractic clinics, supporting patient self-management for low back pain.
Source: SelfBack Pilot Program
Growth for Every Chiropractor
The Chiropractic Association of Alberta is dedicated to equipping chiropractors with the tools, support, and systems they need to thrive. We’re advocating for fair reimbursement, reducing administrative burdens, and enabling diverse, sustainable practice models. By investing in member well-being, professional growth, and policy influence, we’re strengthening a healthy profession grounded in safe, evidence-informed, patient-centred care.
Historic Compensation for Chiropractors
For the first time since 2014, Alberta’s WCB contract was renegotiated—resulting in increased compensation for chiropractic services.
430 Clinics Connected to Netcare
A growing number of chiropractic clinics—430 and counting—are now integrated with Alberta’s electronic health record system, improving continuity of care.
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Shared Space in Health Care
Alberta chiropractors are expanding their professional footprint—gaining access to new collaborative opportunities and sharing space with mainstream health providers—driven by strategic advocacy and innovation.Â
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