Rising to Responsibility: Educating the Nurses for the Future

2026 CASN Biennial Canadian Nursing Education Conference

The 2026 CASN Biennial Canadian Nursing Education Conference, held June 1–2, 2026, in Mississauga, Ontario, brought together over 500 nurse educators, students, researchers, Knowledge Holders, and health system leaders from across Canada to engage in critical dialogue and collaboration on the future of nursing education.

Centred on the theme Rising to Responsibility: Educating the Nurses for the Future, the conference challenged participants to advance accountability in nursing education through meaningful action—particularly in relation to Truth and Reconciliation, equity, accessibility, and social justice.

Over 2 days, attendees explored innovative practices, shared leading research, and strengthened partnerships aimed at preparing nurses to be equity‑driven change-makers in an evolving health care landscape. The conference fostered a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging participants to translate theory into practice and to collectively shape a more responsive and equitable health system.

The presence and leadership of Knowledge Holders and Indigenous leaders were central to the conference. Through ceremonies, reflections, and cultural care, they guided participants in learning, reflection, and respectful engagement. CASN extends deep gratitude to Councillor Leslie Maracle, Natasha Maracle, Mark Sault, Sal Nebenionquit‑Sault, Giniw Miigwan, and Agwanjin Miigwan for their invaluable contributions.

CASN also acknowledges the generous contributions of conference sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and planning committee members whose support ensured the success of the event. We express our appreciation to Visit Mississauga (Conference Sponsor), the University of Calgary (Platinum Sponsor), Laerdal (Gold Sponsor), and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (Silver Sponsor), as well as the 28 conference exhibitors. CASN extends our deepest respect and heartfelt thanks to all who played a part in making this conference an opportunity for positive transformation in nursing education.

Summary of Events

Sunday, May 31, 2026

• Early registration and a networking reception allowed attendees to reconnect and build new professional relationships.
• Exhibitor viewing provided opportunities to explore innovations in nursing education.
• The conference opened in a meaningful way with an Indigenous Water Ceremony, followed by a traditional Indigenous dance performed by the Youth Empowerment Group from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Monday, June 1, 2026 – Day 1

Opening Events

• Indigenous Sunrise Ceremony began the day in reflection and community.
• Welcome remarks and Indigenous opening remarks/song were led by Councillor Leslie Maracle and Natasha Maracle.

Keynote Address

• Leanne Poitras Kelly, RN, PhD
  • From Silence to Solidarity: Reflections on Two Decades of Decolonizing Nursing Education
    •  This keynote emphasized sustained efforts towards decolonization and the importance of moving from awareness to action in nursing education.

Concurrent Programming

• Multiple concurrent sessions (including panels, oral presentations, student presentations, and works in progress) explored diverse topics aligned with the conference theme.
• Poster session #1 showcased innovative research and educational approaches in nursing education.

Engagement Activities

• Exhibitor sessions and networking opportunities were integrated throughout the day.
• Interactive gamification activities encouraged participant engagement with exhibitors and sessions.

Day 1 Closing

• A Knowledge Holders reflection session provided space for collective learning, reflection, and cultural grounding.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 – Day 2

Opening Events

• Morning welcome and continuation of conference reflections began the day.

Keynote Address

• Jess Crawford (they/them), RN, MN
  
  • Nursing a Queer Identity, Together
• This keynote addressed inclusivity, identity, and the importance of affirming diverse experiences within nursing education and practice.

Concurrent Programming

• Poster session #2 and additional concurrent sessions continued to highlight innovation, scholarship, and collaboration across nursing education.

Closing Keynote and Events

• Anne‑Laurie Beaubrun, RN, BScN, MEd
  • Layers of Possibilities: Reimagining Nursing Education

• Final events:

• Indigenous closing remarks/song by Councillor Leslie Maracle and Natasha Maracle
• Announcement of best poster winners
• Announcement of gamification winners
• Official conference closing

Additional Resources Offered

• Cultural care: Cultural care was provided throughout the conference by Knowledge Holders, who offered guidance, support, and opportunities for reflection.
• Mental health support: On-site mental health services were available to support participant well-being during sessions that may have evoked emotional responses.
• Quiet room: A dedicated reflection and meditation space was available to support diverse participant needs.
• Technology and accessibility: The conference featured a mobile app for scheduling, networking, and accessing materials, as well as simultaneous AI translation to enhance accessibility.

Presentations

The conference featured a wide range of presentations, including keynote sessions, concurrent sessions, poster presentations, and e‑posters. Participants are encouraged to contact presenters directly for further information or copies of presentations.

Photo Gallery

Conference photography captured the energy and engagement of participants throughout the event. Attendees will be able to access conference photos via the photo gallery: https://photos.app.goo.gl/n6NMhwFCwBcyGbtL6

We Want a Review From You!

CASN is honoured that you joined us for the 2026 CASN Biennial Canadian Nursing Education Conference. 

To share your experience and thoughts with us about the conference and help us improve future conferences, please contact Roxanne Nizio, Events and Projects Coordinator, at rnizio@casn.ca.

Conclusion

The 2026 CASN Biennial Canadian Nursing Education Conference demonstrated a strong collective commitment to transformative, inclusive, and accountable nursing education. Through shared learning, reflection, and collaboration, participants advanced the conversation on how to prepare nurses to meet the complex health and social needs of the future.

CASN looks forward to continuing this important work with the nursing education community and to welcoming participants at future conference events. The CASN Council Meeting 2026 will be held on November 16–17, 2026, at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario (save the date). The 2028 CASN Biennial Canadian Nursing Education Conference is scheduled for May 28–30, 2028, in Fredericton, New Brunswick.