BCPhA Conference Speakers: May 2, 2026

Conference venue: The Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver

The BC Pharmacy Association returns to downtown Vancouver for our 2026 Annual Conference at the Westin Bayshore overlooking Coal Harbour and Stanley Park. The event will be a multi-day event with two days of speakers on Friday and Saturday along with a tradeshow and our annual Excellence in Pharmacy Awards gala.

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More speakers will be announced soon.
The conference will be submitted to the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP) for accreditation.
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens
8:00–9:00 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
9:00–9:15 a.m. Opening Remarks
9:15–10:15 a.m. 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.

Chief Executive Officer
Global Gene
10:15–11:15 a.m. 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.

Elders Program Coordinator
Lu’ma Medical Centre
Medical Director, Family Physician
Lu’ma Medical Centre
Associate Professor of Teaching
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of British Columbia
Associate Professor of Teaching
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
University of British Columbia
11:15–11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 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.
Registrar and CEO
College of Pharmacists of British Columbia
12:30–1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30–2:30 p.m. Clinical Session – TBA
2:30–3:30 p.m. Clinical Session – TBA
3:30–3:45 p.m. Break
3:45–4:45 p.m. Clinical Session – TBA
4:45–6:00 p.m. BCPhA Awards Reception
6:00–8:30 p.m. BCPhA Awards Dinner