The Animal Health Canada Forum brings together senior leaders from government, animal agriculture, and across the animal health and welfare system to share experience, exchange knowledge, and learn from one another.
In 2026, the Forum will focus on:
Participants will leave with practical insights to support decision-making and action across Canada’s animal health and welfare system.
September 22–23, 2026
Infinity Convention Centre, Ottawa, ON
In-person and virtual
Subject to change as more speakers are confirmed
1:00 p.m. – Forum Opens
Featured Keynote
Managing Change in Animal Welfare: Trade-offs, Timelines and Courage
Dr. Nina von Keyserlingk, Professor NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Dairy Cattle Welfare and Officer of the Order of Canada
Global perspectives on animal welfare
Robert Hoste, senior pig production economist at Wageningen Economic Research, chairman of InterPIG, and member of Dutch Council of Experts for sustainable husbandry systems.
Extension and Adoption: Turning knowledge into practice
Dr. Claire Windeyer, ACER Consulting
Panel Discussion: Big picture view of farm animal welfare drivers, influences, and direction
Featuring Dr. Nina von Keyserlingk, Robert Hoste, and Dr. Claire Windeyer
5:00 p.m. – Day 1 Adjourns
5:30 to 7:30 pm - Animal Health Canada Awards Ceremony - Wine & Cheese
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discussions on food security, including:
Cybersecurity considerations for agriculture and livestock sectors
S. Whitney Bowman-Zatzkin, MPA, MSR, Co-Founder and Director of the BIO-ISAC
Biothreat reduction and preparedness, Trevor Smith, Global Affairs Canada
Misinformation and disinformation:
Economics of misinformation, Dr. Guillaume Lhermie, University of Calgary
Animal Health Canada’s Annual General Meeting and Division updates will take place the morning of September 22 (beginning at 10:30 a.m.)
With over 200 participants attending in person and virtually, the Forum offers direct access to key decision-makers and influencers, including federal and provincial governments, Chief Veterinary Officers, national producer organizations, and veterinary and industry leaders.
Sponsoring the Forum positions your organization at the centre of these conversations.
This is more than visibility—it’s an opportunity to be part of the collective effort shaping the future of animal health and welfare in Canada.