National Pain Organizations Collaborate Hi , Since 2016, we have seen significant changes in the ‘pain ecosystem’ in Canada, with the investment in CPN first as a research network to develop patient engagement in research, then as a knowledge mobilization network, and now looking to enter a long-term role for pain in Canada. There are five national pain entities- the Canadian Pain Society [in its fiftieth year], the CPN [now ten years old] and Pain Canada, just turned five! In addition, the NCE program gave us Solutions for Kids in Pain, now established at Dalhousie University and the Department of Veterans Affairs recognized the impact of pain on our veterans and established the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans. Each has accomplished significant goals and there is a great deal of positive energy especially with the active engagement of people with lived experience at all levels of knowledge mobilization and research. To ensure that resources are being put to best use, and efforts are not duplicated, CPN and CPS have committed to collaborate more closely together moving forward. This decision came about during discussions facilitated by Pain Canada to see how best to coordinate advocacy for pain research across the country. More details to come.
Dr. Norm Buckley
Nominated Principal Investigator | CPN's Delane Linkiewich and Linda Wilhelm took to the airwaves recently with the
Action on Pain podcast speaking about My Pain Assessment and Communication Tool, known as MPaCT. "We both enjoy the medium of podcasts, a little easier than presenting at a webinar as it truly feels more like a conversation among friends. Podcast hosts Keith Meldrum, Jennifer Daly-Cyr, and Virginia McIntyre make it so easy and fun. We enjoyed being able to speak about this patient-driven project, highlighting a communication and assessment tool that allows patients to communicate what is important about their pain experience. There was no problem filling the time, the conversation flowed and it was even mentioned that we could have done two episodes on MPaCT, so who knows, we might be back with part two!" | Join us on March 18th for a Community Dialogue on Chronic Pain and Primary Care March 18 at 6:00 p.m. MT
Online Registration is Required Join this interactive Café Scientifique exploring youth and family experiences of chronic pain and the essential role of primary and community care. Facilitated by Dr. Katie Birnie and Megan MacNeil (Chronic Pain Network), this dialogue brings research and lived experience into conversation to highlight how pain can occur across generations and how supportive care moments shape better outcomes. We invite youth and adults living with any type of chronic or persistent pain, caregivers, families, clinicians, researchers, students, and community members to share perspectives, ask questions, and take part in a meaningful discussion that helps guide more person-centred chronic pain care across our communities. Click here to register | | 46th Annual Scientific Meeting:
Shaping the Future of Pain Science
April 29 — May 2, 2026
Quebec City Save with early bird rates until March 8th. Register here. | | CIHR is now recruiting members for their Institute Advisory Boards (IAB)
The deadline to apply is April 24, 2026. CIHR is now recruiting members for their Institute Advisory Boards (IAB). These Boards include people with lived experience, researchers, representatives from the non-profit, public and private sectors. They help shape the plans and priorities of the 13 institutes. For more information and application process click here | | Call for Submissions:
PAIN Cover Art Contest
Deadline: May 1, 2026 Do you have lived experience with pain and a passion for creative expression? In collaboration with the Global Alliance of Partners for Pain Advocacy (GAPPA), PAIN invites artists to submit original artwork that reflects your personal experience of pain for a chance to be featured on the cover of our September 2026 issue, in conjunction with Pain Awareness Month. A shortlist of runners up will also be highlighted by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). Click here to submit your art | | THE Measuring Evidence Interpretation Survey (THEMES) Invitation
Deadline: March 6, 2026 McMaster University researchers are seeking health care providers, health researchers, and trainees for a survey study to better understand how clinicians and researchers interpret the results of randomized controlled trials. Click here to participate | | Improving Pain Research Through Knowledge Mobilization and Implementation Science An article collection in the Canadian Journal of Pain, led by Dr. Katie Birnie in partnership with the Chronic Pain Network (CPN) and Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) is seeking submissions. Make your submissions here. Submission Deadline Extended:
April 30, 2026 | | BRIC NS Primary Care Research Day
May 4, 2026 Plan to join us for a one-day conference at Dalhousie University. This interactive event will feature insightful keynote and oral presentations, a poster session, and invaluable networking opportunities, and will bring together primary care researchers, health professionals, decision-makers, students, and community partners. See here for more information | | Heath Data For All of Us Forum
April 21, 2026 Health Data Research Network Canada is once again hosting its annual Heath Data For All of Us Forum on April 21, 2026 in Ottawa. The theme of this year's Forum is Our Health Data Journey. The Forum is open to researchers, policy makers, patients, members of the public and community groups. It can be attended online or in person. Register Here | | Canada’s Drug Agency Symposium:
Evidence, Engagement, and Systems
April 22 - 24, 2026 One of Canada’s premier events on health care and health policy, Symposium 2026 will take place with both in-person and virtual attendance options. Join leading voices from across the health landscape for conversations on building future-ready systems amid uncertainty, innovation, and change. Click here for more information. | | Action on Pain Podcast The CPN is proud to support the Action On Pain podcast, which takes a closer look at the implementation of An Action Plan for Pain in Canada. Catch all the latest episodes today. | | Do you want to submit content to this newsletter? The Network Update newsletter is published monthly and is sent out to Chronic Pain Network members, supporters, and those interested in the topic of chronic pain. Send your content, including any photos and links to cpn@mcmaster.ca by the 28th of the month to be included in the following month's newsletter. | | | | |
