Tri-Territorial Health & Social Professionals Conference: Full Schedule

Please note: Agenda Subject to Change

Disclosure of financial support: This conference has no external financial or in-kind supports
This conference has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to 16.5 Mainpro+ Certified Activity credits.

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7:30am PDT

Registration Opens

Tuesday April 15, 2025 7:30am - 8:45am PDT

Break and Registration

8:45am PDT

Welcome Remarks

Tuesday April 15, 2025 8:45am - 9:00am PDT

Gathering & Reflections

9:00am PDT

Integration of Nursing Retention Strategies in Territorial Health and Social Services Workforce Planning

Tuesday April 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Speakers

Dr. Leigh Chapman

Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Health Canada

Named in 2023 as one of Maclean’s top 10 health care innovators and as one of the 50 most influential Torontonians, Dr Leigh Chapman is a leader within the field of nursing and healthcare. Leigh is a registered nurse (RN) with over 20 years of experience. Over the course of her... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Plenary Session

10:00am PDT

Nutrition Break

Tuesday April 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am PDT

Break and Registration

10:30am PDT

Decolonizing and Indigenizing Substance Use Care, Education, and Research

Tuesday April 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am PDT

Provide a terminology check-in, connect previous and current Canadian government policies and practices to the current state of Indigenous Peoples’ health, summarize key learnings, wise practices, and examples of strategies to decolonize and Indigenize culturally safe and humble substance use care, education, and research.

Speakers

Dr. Jaris Swidrovich BSP PharmD PhD AAHIVP RPh

Assistant Professor | Indigenous Engagement Lead, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto

Dr. Jaris Swidrovich (he/they) is an Assistant Professor and Indigenous Engagement Lead in the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto and is the founder and chair of the Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada. He is a queer, Two Spirit, Saulteaux and Ukrainian... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am PDT

Plenary Session

11:45am PDT

Break for Lunch

Tuesday April 15, 2025 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT

Break and Registration

12:30pm PDT

Stepping Into the Future: Virtual Reality Simulation in Blended Nursing Education

Tuesday April 15, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm PDT

Discover how we’re transforming nursing education! This session offers a brief overview of our unique blended undergraduate nursing program and will describe how we are using virtual reality to provide revolutionary learning opportunities — allowing students to stay in their communities while gaining hands-on, immersive experience.

This is non-certified activity by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

Speakers

Hayley Wilson

Assistant Teaching Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick

Alisha Keough RN, MN, DUT

Teaching Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick

Claire Williams

Acting Associate Dean , Associate Teaching Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick

Tuesday April 15, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm PDT

Breakouts & Interactive Sessions

1:00pm PDT

Building Resilient Communities: Northern Approaches to Mental Health & Substance Use

Tuesday April 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

As the landscape of substance use and mental health continues to evolve, Northern communities are implementing innovative approaches to meet these challenges. This panel will bring together representatives from Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to share their experiences, successes, and the barriers they’ve encountered in creating impactful initiatives.

Discussion Points:

Emerging mental health and substance use trends in the North
Successful programs and initiatives across the territories
Key challenges in implementation and lessons learned
Strategies to overcome barriers and enable system-wide change

Speakers

Cameron Grandy

Director, Government of Yukon’s Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services Branch

Cameron Grandy is currently the Director for the Government of Yukon’s Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services branch. Cameron holds a Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology and has been in the mental health and substance use field, working as a counsellor, clinical supervisor... Read More →

Camilla Sehti

Community Mental Health Specialist, Territorial Mental Health & Addictions Division, Government of Nunavut

Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Camilla Sehti is a clinical social worker with over 14 years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her compassionate leadership and devotion for social justice and human rights.Camilla... Read More →

Sara Chorostkowski

Assistance Deputy Minister – Programs, Government of the Northwest Territories’ Department of Health and Social Services

Sara Chorostkowski is the Assistance Deputy Minister – Programs with the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Department of Health and Social Services. Sara has over 25 years of experience in the health and social services field, the majority of which has been in the field... Read More →

Dr. Derek Bryant

Clinical Lead - Referred Care Clinic and Opioid Treatment Services, President - Yukon Medical Association

Dr. Derek Bryant is a family physician with eight years of experience practicing addiction medicine in the Yukon. He serves as the clinical lead of the Referred Care Clinic and Opioid Treatment Services, and provides clinical support for other Mental Wellness and Substance Use services... Read More →

Bitsie Jefferd-Moore

Manager, Indigenous Health and Community Wellness, Government of NWT

Bitsie Jefferd-Moore (she/her) is a member of the Saagwii Gitanee of the Haida Gwaii Clan. She was born in Nanaimo, BC and raised in Inuvik, NT where she attended elementary and high school. Bitsie holds a BSW from VIU and MSW from the University of Calgary. Mental health and wellness... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Moderated Panel

2:00pm PDT

Creating Effective Partnership with Patients: The Art and Science of Chronic Disease Management

Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Health systems increasingly recognize the crucial role of patient collaboration, especially in managing chronic diseases. However, many healthcare providers lack the training to address the psychological aspects of chronic disease management effectively. In this presentation, Dr. Dayna offers science-backed strategies to enhance patient engagement and empower patients to take ownership of their health journey. Drawing from behavioral science and motivational interviewing, she will explore effective communication techniques to integrate patient perspectives into treatment plans for better adherence and outcomes. Finally, she will review the importance of supporting behavior change in healthcare providers themselves, who are being asked to transition from their traditional training as an expert into shared decision-making. Attendees will gain practical, science-based strategies they can use in their daily practice to foster meaningful partnerships with patients.

Speakers

Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Dr. Lee-Baggley & Associates

Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with training and expertise in clinical psychology, health psychology, and organizational psychology. She worked for almost 15 years in multidisciplinary teams on medical, surgical and cancer care hospital units with patients... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Plenary Session

3:00pm PDT

Nutrition Break

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:00pm - 3:15pm PDT

Break and Registration

3:15pm PDT

The Power of Partnership: Enhancing Patient Care Through Interprofessional Teams

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Interprofessional, team-based care is transforming healthcare delivery in the North. This session will explore what’s driving the move to more integrated care teams, how different territories are working toward implementing these models, anticipated outcomes and the successes and challenges along the way.

Discussion Points:

The case for team-based, interprofessional care in the North
How integration improves patient outcomes and provider well-being
Enablers and barriers to successful implementation
Innovative models and initiatives from each territory

Speakers

Jennifer Berry, BScN, MN, PHC-NP

ADM Health Operations, Government of Nunavut, Department of Health

Ms Jennifer Berry BScN, MN, PHC-NP currently holds the position of Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations for the Government of Nunavut, where she leads dynamic healthcare teams across Nunavut. She holds a master’s degree in nursing and also a Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner... Read More →

Mary Vanstone

Assistant Deputy Minister for Community and Primary Care, Yukon Government

Mary Vanstone is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience, specializing in improving health outcomes in diverse settings. Beginning her career as a mental health and addictions clinician, she has spent much of her time working in small and rural First Nation... Read More →

Dr. Sudit Ranade

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Yukon Territory

Dr. Sudit Ranade serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Yukon, bringing a wealth of expertise in both clinical and public health leadership. He is a certified specialist in Family Medicine as well as Public Health and Preventive Medicine, combining frontline medical... Read More →

Dr. Alex Kmet

Palliative Care Specialist and GP Oncologist, Chief of Medical Staff at Yukon Hospitals

Dr. Alex Kmet is a Métis physician in the Yukon working as a palliative care specialist and GP oncologist in addition to his history as an anaesthetist in the OR. His work abroad includes missions with Médecins Sans Frontières in both Central African Republic and Iraq. In addition... Read More →

Nina Larsson

Director, Community, Culture and Innovation, Government of the Northwest Territories

Nina Larsson (Gwich’in) is the Director, Community, Culture and Innovation with the Government of the Northwest Territories and serves Indigenous communities in Denendeh as a strategist, anti-racist facilitator and organizer. The lead for Primary Health Care Reform efforts, she... Read More →

Kyla Wright

Manager, Systemic Design and Integration, Government of NWT

Kyla Wright (she/her) is a health system strategist supporting primary healthcare reform efforts in the Northwest Territories. As the manager for Systemic Design and Integration, she works with multidisciplinary teams to co-design, implement, and evaluate change toward a culturally... Read More →

Tuesday April 15, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Moderated Panel

4:30pm PDT

Wrap-up

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Gathering & Reflections

4:45pm PDT

BREAKOUT TOUR: Yukon Hospital Corporation - Mental Wellness Unit

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:15pm PDT

Yukon Hospital Corporation - Mental Wellness Unit

Mental Health Services at Yukon Hospitals are being re-developed through the creation of a new Mental Wellness Unit which will provide a more appropriate space and programming conducive to healing and wellness. This new unit will be defined as a short-term psychiatric unit offering services to all patients admitted to Whitehorse General Hospital with a primary mental health diagnosis with an anticipated length of stay of less than 30 days. These patients will be in the acute phase of their psychiatric illness and otherwise medically stable. Patients will receive interdisciplinary assessment, intervention, and discharge planning. The physical changes made to the new unit will also create opportunity for new programs/therapy through the use of the common spaces for leisure and meals, exercise space, patient laundry and kitchen, and outdoor space.

Transportation: Provided from the conference venue

This is a non-certified activity by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:15pm PDT
Yukon Hospital Corporation - Mental Wellness Unit 5 Hospital Rd, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 3H7

Breakouts & Interactive Sessions

4:45pm PDT

BREAKOUT TOUR: Kwanlin Dün First Nations Health Centre FULL

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:30pm PDT

Kwanlin Dün First Nations Health Centre

The KDFN Health and Wellness department aims to be a culturally safe space designed to support individual, family and community wellness, land-based healing, and harm reduction. The Natsékhi Kų̀ Health Centre serves the KDFN community and other Yukoners through uniquely integrated programming that forms a continuous stream of wellness through all stages of life. Our holistic approach to well-being integrates traditional Indigenous healing practices with modern medical services. Through sharing circles, the inclusion of traditional medicines, our Healthy Babies Health Generations program, relationship-centred counselling, and Elder programming, we aim to support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The tour will provide a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives on health and the importance of trauma-informed culturally relevant care.

Transportation: Provided from the conference venue

This is a non-certified activity by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:30pm PDT
Kwanlin Dün First Nations Health Centre 53 McClimon Crescent, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2J6

Breakouts & Interactive Sessions

4:45pm PDT

BREAKOUT TOUR: Chronic Conditions Support Program LIMITED

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Chronic Conditions Support Program

Chronic Conditions Support Program (CCSP): CCSP is a client-centered, collaborative care team that offers individual and group support for people with chronic conditions. Team members include nurse educators, exercise specialists, dietitians, pharmacists, and administrative staff. CCSP aims to manage chronic conditions and empower clients to stay healthy and live well.
Both CCSP and Constellation provide support virtually for clients using the CloudDX platform. CloudDX enables clients to measure vital signs and monitor specific health indicators with real-time monitoring and follow-up support provided by assigned staff. Our experience has been that home health monitoring through CloudDX is most effective for use with people who have been diagnosed with heart failure and COPD, although it can also be used for other conditions.

Transportation: 5-minute walk

This is a non-certified activity by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Chronic Conditions Support Program 4201 4 Ave Unit 300, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5A1

Breakouts & Interactive Sessions

4:45pm PDT

BREAKOUT TOUR: Constellation Health Centre LIMITED

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Constellation Health Centre

Centre de Santé Constellation Health Centre (Constellation): Constellation is a client-centred collaborative care team that offers primary health care services in both French and English. Clients of the clinic have a designated primary care provider (a nurse practitioner or physician) and also have access to a range of different health and social care providers depending on their needs. As well, Constellation clients can access point-of-care services and some other services on site (e.g., blood draws, ECGs, foot care). Team members include physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, a social worker, and administrative staff.

Transportation: 5-minute walk

This is a non-certified activity by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Constellation Health Centre 9010 Quartz Rd, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2Z5

Breakouts & Interactive Sessions

4:45pm PDT

BREAKOUT TOUR: Referred Care Clinic FULL

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Referred Care Clinic

The Referred Care Clinic (RCC) specializes in serving individuals with unstable mental and/or problematic substance use who do not have a primary care provider and rely upon outreach services to successfully receive care. The RCC is a multidisciplinary team composed of outreach support workers, outreach licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, social workers, nurse practitioners, physicians, medical office assistants, and addictions medicine specialty psychiatry access. A referral from a recognized referral source is required before a patient being accepted as a patient of the RCC.

The clinic also houses a separate low-barrier program - Opioid Treatment Services (OTS). Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment for people who use opioid drugs such as heroin, oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl and Percocet. The therapy may involve taking opioid agonists such as methadone, Kadian, buprenorphine, or Sublocade. There is no referral required for OTS, and most clients are seen the same day. Access to the Safer Supply program is through OTS.

The RCC/OTS also provides outreach clinics at the 405 Alexander shelter 2 days per week to help improve access to services and meet people where they are at.

Branch/Agency: Mental Wellness Substance Use Services (MWSU)
Transportation: 5-10 minute walk

This is a non-certified activity by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Referred Care Clinic 210 Elliott St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2J6

Breakouts & Interactive Sessions

4:45pm PDT

BREAKOUT TOUR: Sarah Steele - Withdrawal Management & Intensive Treatment FULL

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Sarah Steele Building

Withdrawal Management
This program provides medically supported services to help people through substance use withdrawal and often being their treatment journey. Withdrawal management services can offer a connection to supports when people want to make a change in their lives. Services include 24 / 7, 365 days a year medically assisted substance withdrawal support ( 14 adult beds, 4 youth beds ), social work support, prescriber services, counselling and out reach servi ces.

Intensive Treatment
Provides live-in substance use treatment services for people looking to change their relationship with substances. Services include 24/7 treatment support workers, counsellors, prescriber and nursing services, cultural activities and psycho-social interventions to support a change in substance use patterns. Clients stay for up to 60 days, with a continuous intake program.

Branch/Agency: Mental Wellness Substance Use Services (MWSU)
Transportation: 15-minute walk
Note: Detox tour not available during this time period as dinner will be served and it would disrupt clients. Will tour other parts of building and then retreat to boardroom for discussion.

This is a non-certified activity by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Sarah Steele Building 609 Steele St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0N8

Breakouts & Interactive Sessions

4:45pm PDT

BREAKOUT TOUR: Whistlebend Place FILLING

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Whistlebend Place

This tour will take you around the Whistlebend Place care home, Yukon’s newest care home and one of 4 in Yukon, to review the various services offered in Long-Term Care. This care home uses a resident “house” model with “neighbourhoods” to describe adjacent units within the facility. It will include a segment about the healing room and the First Nations Services and Relations program. It will also include information about the Yukon Palliative Care program and a brief visit of the Wind River Hospice House.
https://yukon.ca/en/news/wind-river-hospice-house-now-open
Continuing Care (CC) operates LTC homes that provide a range of levels of care. Eligible applicants are offered placement in the LTC home that is best able to meet their assessed needs. Continuing Care complies with Accreditation Canada’s standards for long-term care services and supports the following levels of care:
• Extended care
• Intermediate care;
• Dementia care;
• Reablement care;
• Respite care;
• Hospice care; and
• Hospice respite care

Transportation: Provided from the conference venue

This is a non-certified activity by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Whistlebend Place 90 Olive May Wy, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0R4

Breakouts & Interactive Sessions

4:45pm PDT

BREAKOUT with UNB - Ready, Nurse One: A Virtual Reality Simulation Demo LIMITED

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Join us for an immersive virtual reality hospital experience and see firsthand what our nursing students encounter in a virtual reality simulation. Don’t miss this chance to explore cutting-edge learning in action!

This is a non-certified activity by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

Tuesday April 15, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre 1171 Front St, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0G9

Breakouts & Interactive Sessions

Tri-Territorial Health & Social Professionals Conference

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