Canadian Public Health Association | Association Canadienne de Santé Publique
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Canadian Public Health Association

90-minute Sessions

Submission deadline: 23:59 PDT Thursday 16 October

We are prioritizing action-oriented sessions proposals. Our goal is to design a scientific program that gives participants clear, effective, and actionable solutions that they can take away from Public Health 2026 and apply in their local context.

Session Formats

Insight Forum – Knowledge sharing

A structured conversation where multiple experts share perspectives on a key research question or public health topic, with time for audience Q&A.

  • Maximum of four speakers plus one moderator 
  • Maximum presentation time of 65 - 70 minutes
  • 20 – 25 minutes of participant interaction and/or Q&A

Learning Workshop – Inspiring and engaging

An interactive format designed to build participant skills and knowledge through facilitated exercises, tools, and group dialogue.

  • Maximum three facilitators
  • Maximum presentation time of 25 minutes
  • Dedicate remaining time to participant interaction (group discussions and feedback, interactive tools.)

Applied Solutions Workshop – From practice to action

A participatory session where facilitators present actionable solutions to public health issues and guide attendees through hands-on applications.

  • Maximum three facilitators
  • Maximum presentation time of 25 minutes
  • Dedicate remaining time to participant interaction (group discussions, skills development, etc.)

Review Criteria

Each year, the scientific programme for CPHA’s annual conference is shaped by submissions that undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process to assess their quality and relevance. This process is fundamental to ensuring the scientific integrity and rigour of the conference.

Each submission is reviewed and scored using the following criteria:

  1. Background / Rationale – Is the need for this session clearly outlined?
  2. Applicability – Will participants be able to apply the information they learn in the session in their day-to-day research, policy or practice setting?
  3. Innovation - Description reflects an emerging or new perspective on public health.  
  4. Learning objectives – Objectives are clearly described and articulate what participants are expected to demonstrate because of attending the session.
  5. Interaction – The agenda demonstrates how the proposed presenters will actively engage participants throughout the session.
  6. Overall quality – Is the submission relevant and does it meet the proposed format parameters:

Conflict of interest

The Canadian Public Health Association supports the Canadian Medical Association's Policy on Guidelines for Physicians in Interactions with Industry. A conflict of interest may exist if a presenter is affiliated with, or has financial interest in a commercial organization that may have a direct or indirect interest in the subject matter of his/her topic presentation. This policy is not intended to prevent a presentation and the information you disclose will not influence the review of your abstract.  

As the conference will be seeking accreditation by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), all symposia and workshops must include three learning objectives that meet their guidelines. Learning objectives should be concise, specific and identify the outcomes or actions that participants can expect to demonstrate as a result of attending the session.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions must meet the following criteria otherwise they will not be accepted for peer review:

  • Submissions must be completed using the templates provided and be submitted electronically.
  • The template CANNOT be changed to include additional sections. 
  • Submissions must not exceed two pages.
  • A maximum of two (2) submissions may be submitted as the presenting author.
Download the 90-minute session template

Submission Acceptance

  • Submitters will be notified of the outcome by Wednesday 17 December.
  • An LCD data projector, microphone, computer (PC), screen and an audio-video connection are included as part of the standard audio visual package in each session room. 
  • All speakers who present must be registered for at least one day of the conference by Wednesday 11 February in order to be included in the program. 
  • No financial assistance is available for registration, travel, or accommodation fees. 
  • Exhibitor and sponsor passes CANNOT be used by presenters.

Submit a Proposal

Have questions?

Read through our Frequently Asked Questions.