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Animal Health Canada (AHC) today concluded its 16th annual Forum following two days of learning, discussion, and knowledge exchange among leaders from government, animal agriculture, veterinary medicine, academia and across Canada’s animal health and welfare system.
Under the theme Turning insight into action for Canada’s animal health and welfare system, Forum 2026 focused on current and emerging issues affecting animal health and welfare in Canada, with discussions on animal welfare expectations, biosecurity, cybersecurity and biothreat preparedness, and misinformation and public trust.
“Forum gives people working across Canada’s animal health and welfare system an opportunity to learn from one another and discuss the issues affecting our sector,” said Dr. Cassidy Klima, Executive Director of Animal Health Canada. “Thank you to our speakers, participants, sponsors and partners for contributing their time, experience, and expertise to this year’s discussions.”
Four conversations shaping the future
Rising animal welfare expectations:
Dr. Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk, University of British Columbia; Robert Hoste, Wageningen Economic Research; and Dr. Claire Windeyer, ACER Consulting Ltd., joined moderator Katerina Kolemishevska, Canadian Pork Council, to examine changing animal welfare expectations, international approaches and the realities of influencing meaningful change on farm.
Evolving Canada’s biosecurity strategy:
Dr. Beth Cookson, Chief Veterinary Officer of Australia, and Dr. Samantha Allan, Animal Health Australia, shared international experience in building national alignment and moving biosecurity priorities into coordinated action.
Cybersecurity and biothreat preparedness:
Whitney Bowman-Zatzkin, BIO-ISAC, and Trevor Smith, Global Affairs Canada, explored emerging cyber and biological threats and what they mean for preparedness across animal agriculture.
Misinformation, disinformation and trust:
Timothy Caulfield, University of Alberta, and Dr. Guillaume Lhermie, University of Calgary, examined the changing information environment and its implications for animal health, economics, policy and public trust. André Picard, The Globe and Mail, moderated a discussion on rebuilding trust with Tom Rosser, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Timothy Caulfield; and Dr. Lhermie, followed by an interactive discussion focused on practical tools for addressing misinformation.
Celebrating leadership in Canadian animal health and welfare
Forum 2026 also included the 2026 Animal Health Canada Awards Ceremony, recognizing four individuals for their contributions to farmed animal health and welfare in Canada.
The Emerging Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Charlotte Winder: Recognized for emerging leadership spanning applied research, veterinary practice, animal welfare, producer engagement, education and knowledge translation, including work that has helped translate research into practical improvements in farmed animal health and welfare.
The Farm Animal Welfare Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Nina von Keyserlingk: Recognized for her internationally respected leadership in farm animal welfare research, knowledge transfer and collaboration, and for advancing animal-care practices and standards through science, engagement and a career-long commitment to improving animal welfare.
The Carl Block Award was presented to Dr. Joyce Van Donkersgoed: Recognized for more than 40 years of contributions that have advanced Canadian cattle production, animal health and welfare, food safety, surveillance, trade policy, veterinary practice and producer practices.
The Leadership in Collaboration Award was presented to Dr. Egan Brockhoff: Recognized for his sustained leadership in bringing together producers, veterinarians, industry, government and researchers, including his national contributions to African swine fever preparedness, biosecurity, emergency preparedness, animal welfare and animal health policy.
From insight to action
Over two days, Forum 2026 provided an opportunity for participants from across Canada’s animal health and welfare system to hear from experts, ask questions and discuss issues that affect their organizations and sectors.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Ottawa and contributed to Forum 2026. We encourage participants to continue the discussions within their organizations and networks and to share what they learned with colleagues across the animal health and welfare system.
Learn more about Animal Health Canada Forum 2026.
September 23, 2026 - Animal Health Canada
