

Our 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting
May 1 – 4, 2025
Victoria College, University of Toronto Campus
Individuals interested in pain from around the world, come together to share knowledge and expertise on the latest advancements in pain mechanisms, evaluation, and management.
*Registration Closes Midnight ET on April 24th, 2025

Our 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting
May 1 — 4, 2025 at Victoria College in Toronto.
Individuals interested in pain from around the world, come together to share knowledge and expertise on the latest advancements in pain mechanisms, evaluation, and management.

0730h
Registration and Check In
At Convocation Hall
0900h
Opening Remarks
Dr. Hance Clarke and Dr. Tania Di Renna
0910h
From Pain to Power: Healing in a System That Wasn’t Built for Me
Ms. Vina Mohabir
0935h
Health, Human Rights, and the Lived Experience of Pain
Ms. Kate Nicholson
1000h
It’s Not Just in Her Head: The Hidden Crisis of Women’s Health in Canada
Dr. Tania Di Renna
1025h
Prioritizing pain in kids: A necessary path to improve health for all people
Dr. Kate Birnie
1050h
Canada: a nation that can beat chronic pain: Lessons from science and a
call to action.
Dr. Yves De Konnick
1115h
Evolution of Research for Veteran Health and Well-Being in Canada:
Lessons for the Pain Community
General Walter Natynczyk
1145h
Break/Networking Time
Take this time to network and explore local eateries within the area. Visit our restaurant guide for inspiration!
1205h
Updates in Headache and Migraine Management
Speakers and Learning Objectives for lunch session forthcoming.
1345h
Welcome Back
At Convocation Hall for our afternoon sessions.
1350h
Healing Relations: Chronic Pain and Indigenous Peoples
Dr. Lisa Richardson
1415h
Psychedelics and Pain: Have we found the Answer
Dr. Karim Ladha
1440h
After the War on Drugs
Ethan Nadelmann
1505h
Entraining pain relief in the central nervous system: speed, scope and scale
Professor Beth Darnall
1530h
Cracking the Code of Pain: How Science is Transforming Treatment and Empowering Patients
Dr. Sean Mackey
1555h
Transformative Pain Care: Building an Integrated Ecosystem for Better Outcomes
Dr. Rachel Bosma
1620h
Treating Pain in Canada – The Next Steps
Dr. Hance Clarke and Mr. Graham Lord (PWLE)
1645h
Closing remarks
Day One Concludes
1700h
Canadian Pain Parade
Join us after the conference day for a powerful Chronic Pain Awareness Parade! Help us raise visibility and show support for those living with chronic pain.🕺🎶🚶♀️🚶🏻🚶
1700h
Canadian Pain Family BBQ
End our parade at the Victoria College Quad for with for a fun-filled Family BBQ! Enjoy great food, connect with others, and celebrate our community in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
*Please see footnote in our 'Beyond the Sessions' Section.
A Landmark Gathering for Change — Open to the Public!
A Ticket to all of Friday's Sessions
Full access to all Friday sessions! Industry leaders, policy-makers and people with lived experience offering their perspectives, practical solutions, and inspiring ideas to drive meaningful change.
Limited-Edition Event T-Shirt
More than just a shirt—this exclusive design brings the community together for our Canadian Pain Parade.
Canadian Pain Society Community Parade
The first-ever Canadian Parade for Pain, marching from Convocation Hall to Victoria College through downtown Toronto. We invite anyone to join us!
Canadian Pain Society Family BBQ
The parade will lead us to the Victoria College Quad, where we gather for a community celebration and family BBQ that includes food, music, entertainment and activities for kids.

Thursday, May 1st
Welcome Reception
The Registration Desk is your first stop! Pick up your badge and event materials before kicking off the conference with good company, great conversation, and a chance to mingle with fellow attendees.

Friday, May 2nd
Canadian Pain Society Community Parade
The first-ever Canadian Parade for Pain, marching from Convocation Hall to Victoria College through downtown Toronto. We invite anyone to join us in this historic march.

Friday, May 2nd
Canadian Pain Society Family BBQ
The parade will lead us to the Victoria College Quad, where we gather for a community celebration and family BBQ that includes food, music, entertainment and activities for kids.

Sunday, May 4th
Person with Lived Experience Lunch
University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain (UTCSP) is hosting a lunch at Hart House for people with lived experience to come together with trainees and share perspectives on what the future of pain care could look like.

Sunday, May 4th
Trainee Workshop
Following the People with Lived Experience Lunch, join this workshop to learn directly from those with firsthand experience.

Scheduled Sessions
Poster Presentations
Engage with researchers as they present their work and explore the latest advancements in pain research and care in Victoria College's Alumni Hall.

Always On
Exhibitor Hall
Stop by the Exhibitor Hall to connect with industry leaders, explore new products, and discover innovative solutions in pain management. Get to know our exhibitors here.

Always On
Take 5 Rooms
Step away from the conference buzz and head to dedicated Take 5 Rooms—your go-to spot for a quick reboost, relaxation, and moments of peace before your next session.
FOR THE BBQ All participants must have CPS identification and must be preregistered to attend. Soft drinks are included. Guest and family tickets are available and encouraged and can be purchased in advance from our website. No tickets are available onsite. A cash bar will be available.
Beyond the Sessions
Networking opportunities, community events, and wellness initiatives, helping you connect in meaningful ways. More details to come.
Thursday, May 2nd
Critical Approaches to Scholarship in Pain Research (CASPR)
Equity, social justice, and structural determinants of health as they pertain to (chronic) pain
Hosting a daylong conference in Emmanuel College, during the Canadian Pain Society’s Annual Scientific Meeting. Members of CASPRwill be sharing their work on issues related to equity, social justice, and structural determinants of health as they pertain to (chronic) pain. All disciplines are welcome! Learn More about the event and Register Here. For any questions please contact Laura Connoy, PEPR Research Manager.
May 2nd and 3rd
Canadian Interventional Pain Course (CIPC)
Ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided procedures
This comprehensive 2-day course features expert-led didactic sessions and a hands-on workshop that covers ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided procedures. Topics include spine interventions, nerve blocks, musculoskeletal injections, neuromodulation, radiofrequency ablation, and regenerative medicine. Please explore our Agenda and then contact Danielle Alvares for all registration information.
May 3rd
Canadian Pain Society – Canadian Chronic Pain Network (CPS-CPN) joint meeting
Improving Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials in Chronic Pain
Despite advances in our understanding and treatment of pain, quality and strength of research evidence in the field of chronic pain continues to be low. This is particularly evident in some areas and treatments. Improving the standards of research in pain management requires us to appreciate certain unique challenges and methodological considerations and adapting better designs and approach. In this session, we will discuss challenges in conducting trials in interventional pain management and areas of improvement and opportunities; (talk 1); methodological considerations and future improvements in the identification of chronic postsurgical pain for clinical trials of pain prevention (talk 2); and lastly explore well-designed observational studies and pragmatic trials, and opportunities to leverage with Canadian Chronic Pain Network (CPN) in our efforts to improve research quality (talk 3) *Attendance for this event is by invitation only.
Additional Educational Opportunities
A wave of educational events and pre-conference workshops alongside our annual meeting.

Professor Anna Hood
Professor
She is Anishinaabe (Mishi-Baawitigong First Nation, Treaty 5 Territory) and lives, works and plays on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples – the səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. She completed her medical degree and psychiatry specialty training at McMaster University. Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist, Dr. Wieman has more than 20 years and clinical experience, working with Indigenous people in both rural/reserve and urban settings. Dr. Wieman served as the President of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) from 2016 - 2022.

Professor Tor Wager
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College
The Diana L. Taylor Distinguished Professor in Neuroscience at Dartmouth College, and the Director of Dartmouth’s Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience laboratory, the Dartmouth Brain Imaging Center, and the Dartmouth Center for Cognitive Neuroscience. Professor Wager’s research centers on the neurophysiology of affective processes—pain, emotion, stress, and empathy—and how they are shaped by cognitive and social influences. One focus area is the impact of thoughts and beliefs on learning, brain function, and brain-body communication. Another focus is the development of brain biomarkers that track and predict affective experience, including pain and other clinical symptoms. A third focus is on statistical, machine learning, and computational techniques that provide a foundation for new models of the affective brain. Professor Wager’s laboratory conducts basic research in these focus areas and applies the resulting techniques and models to collaborative, translational research on clinical disorders and interventions. In support of these goals, Professor Wager and his group have developed several publicly available software toolboxes (see http://canlab.github.io). He also teaches courses and workshops on fMRI analysis and has co-authored a book, Principles of fMRI. More information about Dr. Wager and his lab’s activities, publications, and software can be found at http://canlab.science.
Distinguished Plenary
Speakers
Experience Toronto –Exclusive Discounts on Travel and Accommodation
A Quick Note! We realize an unforeseen conference events and time frames may change without notice and impact your travel plans. Although we will endeavour to avoid these changes, please note the Canadian Pain Society will not be responsible for any incurred costs due to these changes.
Getting Here
Via Rail
From April 28 to May 07, 2025 receive 10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper class* from all stations throughout the VIA system to Toronto and return.
Use Code 15743 with ViaRail
* Discount does not apply in any Escape fares and Prestige Class and applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking.
Check schedules and buy passes for the Union Train Station.
Check schedules and buy tickets for the Toronto Train Station.
GO Transit
Until May 04, 2025 receive 15% off the best available fare. Tickets are only valid for 7 days from the time of purchase.
Use Code CPS25 with Go Transit
UP Express
Until May 04, 2025 receive 25% off the best available fare. UP Express tickets can be purchased in advance and are good to be activated for a year from when they’re purchased.
Use Code CPS25 with UP Express
Our 2025 Annual Meeting is within the University of Toronto, St. George Campus. Please use this interactive map and available filters to locate parking locations and their rates throughout the St. George campus.
Bookings are to be made to Toronto, ON (YYZ) which is 30 KM from Victoria College. Discounted Travel period begins Thursday, April 24, 2025 and ends Sunday, May 11, 2025.
WestJet
5% off Econo and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada.*
2% off Econo, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Trans-border.*
Use Code 7N3Z7VE with Westjet Booking
* No discount will apply to Basic or Business class bookings.
Air Canada
Travel within North America applies a 5% discount on standard fares and 10% on flex fares & higher.
International Travel applies a 10% discount on standard fares & higher.
Use Code RDNF4TW1 with Air Canada
For more information about getting too and from the airport please visit Destination Toronto.

The Chelsea Hotel Toronto
SELLING OUT FAST
✓ Budget-Friendly ⭑ Newly Renovated
Conveniently located on the subway line, this hotel features newly updated accommodations for a comfortable stay — rooms are limited, please book by April 11.
You may also call the hotel call the hotel directly, toll-free at 1-800-CHELSEA (243-5732) or 416-595-1975 using the identifier PAI042925 or email reservations at cstor.reservation@chelseatoronto.com
$229 / night*
Stay in Comfort — Exclusive Hotel Deals for Attendees
* Plus applicable taxes and fees. Individual cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to the date of arrival.
The University of Toronto campus is committed to sustainability and is a plastic-free environment, including single use water bottles. The Campus is also entirely smoke free, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all attendees.
Guidelines set by the historic Convocation Hall require that all attendees have an access pass upon entry, which will provided in your check in package. Attendees should also plan accordingly as there is no food or drink allowed in the auditorium.
Become an Exhibitor

We are going to Toronto and we want you to join us. On May 1-4, 2025, we will be holding our Annual Scientific Meeting at Victoria College at the University of Toronto and will include national, provincial, and territorial stakeholders.
Your commitment and support of our Annual Scientific Meeting provides an opportunity for our attendees to learn more about your products and services, and how it can benefit the people they serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
