Territorial Welcome and Opening Remarks
Our 2026 Annual Conference will be taking place in the Coal Harbour area of Vancouver, British Columbia, on the traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
We thank the Squamish Nation for opening our conference with a territorial welcome and drum performance.
When Genomics Gets Personal: A Scientist and Breast Cancer Patient’s Perspective
This presentation explores the transformative and human dimensions of genomics through the dual lens of a scientist and a breast cancer patient. Drawing on personal experience navigating diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, the talk illustrates how genomic and innovative technologies move from abstract concepts to life-shaping tools at the bedside. It highlights the role of genomics in precision oncology, from tumor profiling and treatment selection to risk assessment and long-term care, while also addressing real-world gaps in access, interpretation, and implementation. By bridging science and lived experience, this session invites reflection on how genomics can be delivered not only with technical excellence, but with empathy, clarity, and equity—ensuring that precision medicine truly serves the all people.
Speaker:
Payer Insights: A Panel Discussion
Join us for a multi-perspective discussion on the role the public and private payers in Canada’s health-care system. This session features insights from industry leaders Anar Dossa (Pacific Blue Cross), Erin Crump (Sun Life Health), and John Capelli (Ministry of Health).
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the critical economic and health-care trends affecting plan sponsors, public and private payers, and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
- Describe how these stakeholders are adapting and responding to financial and health-care system challenges, and what that means for pharmacies.
- Describe initiatives by payers and PBMs to integrate pharmacist expertise, expanded scope of practice, and professional services into their operating models.
Speakers:
BC Ministry of Health
Updates from BC PharmaCare
Discussion of the recent work in the Ministry of Health's Pharmaceutical, Laboratory and Blood Services Division.
Speaker:
Ministry of Health
Re-imagining Community Pharmacy: Honouring Indigenous and Western Medicines
How can we re-imagine community pharmacy practice that honours Indigenous and western medicines? This panel discussion and presentation will share the results of an action research project aimed at bringing together Indigenous and western medicines under one space. The panelists will discuss barriers and facilitators to culturally safe pharmacy care, key considerations when re-defining team-based care to include Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and traditional medicines knowledge, and provide an example of a team-based practice model that brings together these two worldviews.
Speakers:
University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia
College of Pharmacists of BC: Update
The College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC) will share updates on the new Health Professions and Occupations Act, including highlights of what has changed as part of the new Act and what it means for regulation and licensees. The presentation will also highlight key initiatives including work related to the impact of business metrics on pharmacy practice and actions to address drug diversion. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of CPBC’s role as a regulator, how these initiatives support public safety, and what to expect moving forward.
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the key updates related to the Health Professions and Occupations Act and describe what they mean for licensed pharmacies and pharmacy professionals in British Columbia.
- Identify CPBC’s current regulatory initiatives, including work related to business metrics and drug diversion, and describe how these initiatives support public safety and CPBC’s role as the regulator.
Speaker:
