CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and drive meaningful change in the Canadian NOW industry.
Open to: CHFA Members and non-members
Online Registration Closes May 12, 2026
Title Sponsor:
Co-Sponsors:
MP Smoothie Connect Sponsor:
Fast Five Sponsors:
"The CHFA Regulatory Forum in Ottawa never disappoints."
"Nothing beats meeting brilliant regulatory minds face‑to‑face, diving into the hot topics, and having real conversations with Health Canada folks. It’s the rare event where you learn a ton, solve real issues, and still have a blast.”
- Monika Haefele, Bioforce
Hotel Information
Staying in Ottawa for the CHFA Regulatory Forum? CHFA offers you exclusive deals on accommodations, pending availability:
- The Westin Ottawa – Rates start at $349 CAD/night
The reservation cut-off date is Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Schedule
* Denotes sessions requiring advance registration. Space may be limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. A confirmation email will be sent if your registration is confirmed.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PMNatural Health Products (NHP) GMP Training Workshop
Separate Registration Required. Not Included in Conference Pass
Hosted at Gowling WLG, 160 Elgin St. Suite 2600
Prepare for Health Canada’s updated Natural Health Product (NHP) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements with this full-day, in-person training workshop led by regulatory expert Dr. Jon-Paul Powers of Gowling WLG. Designed for quality assurance, regulatory, and operations professionals across the NHP supply chain, the session provides practical, Health Canada-aligned guidance on GMP compliance, documentation best practices, and inspection readiness. Participants will gain actionable tools to strengthen their quality systems and receive a certificate of completion.
Discounts available for CHFA Members
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM5KM Scenic Canal Walk
- Meet in the Westin Hotel Lobby
Join CHFA team members Sonia Parmar & Wenjing Shan for a scenic 5KM walk along the Rideau Canal. Rain or shine, this is a great way to get some fresh air and connect with other conference delegates.
9:30 AM – 12:30 PMAdvanced Ride in Gatineau Park*
Advanced Registration Required
Meet outside the Westin Hotel Lobby, ready to ride.
Are you an advanced cyclist looking to start the day with an exciting challenge? Join CHFA team members Aaron Skelton and Jules Gorham for a longer, more technical ride through Gatineau Park. Rain or shine.
Bike rentals available at https://www.rentabike.ca/.
Helmets are mandatory. Please bring your own fuel and hydration.
11:00 AM – 12:15 PMSupreme Court Tour*
Advanced Registration Required
Meet in the Westin Hotel Lobby
Conference participants will have the opportunity to attend a guided tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, the country’s highest court and final court of appeal. Located just steps from Parliament Hill, this landmark building is home to some of the most significant legal decisions shaping Canada’s laws and regulatory landscape. During the tour, attendees will learn about the Court’s history, architecture, and role within Canada’s judicial system, while gaining insight into how landmark cases are heard and decided.
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Attendance will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PMRegulatory Roundtable Discussion*
Advanced Registration Required
Hosted at Gowling WLG, 160 Elgin St. Suite 2600
Join fellow CHFA members for an in-depth Regulatory Roundtable Discussion hosted at Gowling WLG’s Ottawa office. This session will provide an update on CHFA’s ongoing regulatory engagement with Health Canada, including the latest developments related to Red Tape Reduction and labelling. The discussion will offer members an opportunity to gain insight into current priorities, ask questions, and exchange perspectives with industry peers.
This session is open to CHFA members only.
4:30 PM – 6:30 PMMember of Parliament Smoothie Connect
The Westin Ottawa, Ontario Room, 3rd floor
Recharge after a busy day at this informal afternoon networking connect, bringing together conference delegates, Members of Parliament, political staff, and policy leaders. This relaxed gathering offers an opportunity to connect, exchange perspectives, and continue important conversations about the Canadian Natural Health Product industry.
7:30 PM – 9:00 PMOttawa River Boat Tour & Networking Event
Meet in the Westin Hotel Lobby
Officially kick off our CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum with an evening boat tour along the scenic Ottawa River. This networking event offers a relaxed setting to connect with fellow delegates while taking in views of Ottawa’s iconic landmarks from the water. Dinner will be provided on board. Rain or shine.
Shuttle transportation to and from The Westin will be available for attendees.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
5:45 AM – 7:00 AMCHFA Run Club
Meet in the Westin Hotel Lobby
Start the day with the CHFA Run Club, hosted by Jules Gorham & Aaron Skelton. This energizing 10KM run follows the scenic Rideau Canal pathway along the same route used for the Ottawa Marathon. It’s a great opportunity to get moving, enjoy Ottawa’s beautiful waterfront, and connect with fellow conference attendees in a relaxed, active setting. Rain or shine.
8:00 AM – 8:30 AMBreakfast
Start your day with a nourishing buffet-style breakfast featuring a variety of healthy options designed to energize and prepare you for a full day of conference sessions, networking, and discussion.
8:30 AM – 8:35 AMOpening Words
Speakers: Aaron Skelton & Jules Gorham
Kick off the conference with opening remarks from Aaron Skelton, President & CEO of CHFA, and Jules Gorham, Senior Director Government Relations and Quebec Affairs. They will welcome delegates, set the stage for the day ahead, and highlight key priorities and opportunities for Canada’s Natural Health Products Industry.
8:35 AM – 8:50 AMIntroduction to Traditional Medicines and Traditionally Used Natural Health Products in Canada
Speaker: Pierre Haddad
Details coming soon.
8:55 AM – 9:05 AMGowlings WLG
A quick word from our conference sponsor.
9:05 AM – 9:35 AMSustainability in the Workplace
Speaker: Jennifer De Vera, Dawson College
Sustainability is no longer confined to packaging and sourcing. This session will reframe sustainability through an institutional and systems lens — inviting sustainable practices into our workplaces for sustainable happiness, health and productivity.
9:40 AM – 10:10 AMGMP & Site License Updates
Speakers: JP Powers, Gowlings, Viviane Bergevin, ROEB
Recent inspection trends, compliance priorities, and operational insights every NHP executive should understand.
10:10 AM – 10:20 AMNetworking Break
10:20 AM – 11:05 AMHow Low-Risk Are NHPs?
Speaker: Rick Kingston, SafetyCall International
This evidence-based session will explore how NHP safety outcomes compare internationally and what the data reveals about product risk, regulatory oversight, and enforcement approaches. Attendees will gain valuable insight into how safety evidence can inform risk classification, regulatory proportionality, and future policy discussions impacting the natural health product sector.
11:05 AM – 11:50 AMRed Tape Reduction: An Interactive Dialogue
Speaker: Stephen Norman, NNHPD
An inside look at current efforts to reduce red tape— and where industry input is still needed.
This is a critical opportunity to hear directly from NNHPD on modernization efforts and practical improvements underway.
11:50 AM – 11:55 AMFast Five: St. Francis Herb Farm
Details coming soon.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PMLunch Break
Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch while connecting with fellow delegates. This is a great opportunity to continue conversations from the morning sessions, share and share perspectives with industry peers.
1:00 PM – 1:05 PMIt Takes a Village
Speaker: Mat Holtmann, Chair, CHFA Board of Directors
Mat Holtmann, Chair of the CHFA Board of Directors, will share brief remarks on the importance of industry advocacy and the collective role CHFA members play in advancing the priorities of Canada’s natural, organic, and wellness sector.
1:05 PM – 1:25 PMThe NOW Industry: 2026 Economic Outlook
Speaker: MNP
What is the true economic contribution of Canada’s natural, organic, and wellness (NOW) sector? CHFA engaged MNP to conduct a comprehensive economic impact assessment focused on Natural Health Products (NHPs) and natural and organic health foods. In this session, we’ll share key insights into the sector’s market performance, economic footprint, and the role it plays in supporting Canada’s health and wellness economy.
1:30 PM – 1:35 PMFast Five: Introduction to Reena Group
Speaker: Christian Sood
Details coming soon.
1:35 PM – 2:25 PMNova Institute for Health
Speaker: Dave Nelson, Nova Institute for Health
We can be pioneers again; how science and tech can meet Canadians where they are.
2:25 PM – 2:35 PMA Policy Lens on Industry Research — A Hot Take!
Speaker: Sonia Parmar, VP Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, CHFA
CHFA’s research and member data are powerful tools that extend well beyond marketing. This Hot Take! session explores how industry insights directly support policy and advocacy efforts, and how members can contribute data and perspectives that strengthen the collective voice of Canada’s natural, organic, and wellness sector.
2:35 PM – 3:10 PMGlobal & Interprovincial Trade: Barriers and Breakthroughs
Speaker: Ann Penner, Wellington Advocacy
From Canada’s persistent interprovincial trade restrictions to emerging global regulatory and geopolitical pressures, this discussion will unpack where the real barriers lie — and where meaningful breakthroughs may be possible. Attendees will gain insights into how policy, advocacy, and strategic alignment can help unlock market access and strengthen the competitiveness of Canadian natural health product companies at home and abroad.
3:10 PM – 3:15 PMFast Five: Salix Sciences
Details coming soon.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PMWhat Should a RegTech AI Actually Be
Speaker: Dr. Thomas Conway
An introduction to ParadigmForge’s NHP Pro module, that draws on over 1.4 million citation-linked data points across the NHPD framework, LNHPD licensing records, and Health Canada guidance — because natural health product questions don’t stay in one lane. They cross into food safety classification, DIN/NPN boundary determinations, pharmaceutical GMP, and international equivalency.
3:30 PM – 3:45 PMNetworking Break
3:50 PM – 3:55 PMFast Five: Purity Life
Details coming soon.
3:55 PM – 4:35 PMPanel Discussion: Leading Through Uncertain Times
Speakers:
- Aaron Skelton, President & CEO, CHFA
- Bob Oommen, A.Vogel/Bioforce
- Caitlin Rivett-Carnac, St. Francis Herb Farm
- Christian Sood, Reena Group
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, industry leaders must navigate complexity while staying true to their mission. This candid leadership panel brings together experienced voices from across the natural, organic, and wellness sector to discuss how they are managing shifting supply chains, responding to regulatory volatility, and leading organizations through uncertainty.
Panelists will also explore the capabilities modern leaders need to build resilient organizations and sustain growth in challenging environments. This session is designed for founders, executives, and emerging leaders committed to strengthening their leadership approach in a time of constant change.
4:35 PM – 4:50 PMWhere We Stand & What Comes Next: Industry & Government Relations Update
Speakers:
- Aaron Skelton, President & CEO, CHFA
- Sonia Parmar, VP Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, CHFA
- Jules Gorham, Sr. Director Government Relations and Quebec Affairs, CHFA
Join Aaron Skelton, Sonia Parmar, and Jules Gorham for a timely update on CHFA’s current government relations and regulatory advocacy efforts. This briefing will provide insight into CHFA’s ongoing engagement, key regulatory priorities, and upcoming policy milestones that could impact the natural health product sector.
4:50 PM – 5:00 PMClosing Remarks
Let’s wrap up another great year at CHFA’s Ottawa Regulatory Forum. Attendees will come together to close out the Regulatory Forum, reflecting on takeaways and next steps.
Translations in French and Other Languages Available!
Scan the Wordly QR Code onsite through your mobile device to access real-time translations in audio or text. For the best audio experience, please bring your headphones.
FAQs
Why did you move the CHFA Regulatory Forum to Ottawa?
Starting in 2025, we’ve decided to host our CHFA Regulatory Forum yearly, separate from our CHFA NOW trade shows.
Hosting the CHFA Regulatory Forum in Ottawa gives delegates enhanced access to government officials and policymakers. This move allows us to deepen the impact of our regulatory and advocacy efforts by bringing these discussions to the heart of where we shape policies at a federal level.
The design of our new Ottawa event is to offer an enriched experience for those who seek a deeper dive into regulatory and advocacy issues, providing the information and education needed to navigate the evolving landscape of our industry.
This change will better serve our members by offering more focused opportunities for engagement and influence, ensuring that your voice is heard where it matters most.
Will there still be a CHFA Regulatory Forum at CHFA NOW?
We understand that access to regulatory updates and education is a core offering of our CHFA NOW events. We want to reassure our community that regulatory content will be accessible through our Friday conference sessions at CHFA NOW Toronto and Vancouver conferences and throughout the year through our robust educational resources, including webinars, regulatory reports, and more.
Who can attend the CHFA Regulatory Forum?
We are pleased to welcome CHFA members and non-members involved in the natural, organic and wellness industry to our Ottawa event.
When is the registration cut-off?
Online registration for the CHFA Regulatory Forum will be open until May 12, 2026. Onsite registration is available Tuesday, May 26 to Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at The Westin Ottawa located at 11 Colonel By Dr. Ottawa, ON.
When and where is the CHFA Regulatory Forum taking place?
The CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum is taking place at The Westin Ottawa located at 11 Colonel By Dr. Ottawa, ON.
Networking Events: May 26, 2026 (details coming soon)
Conference Day: May 27, 2026
Is the CHFA Regulatory Forum going to be live streamed or recorded?
No, the CHFA Regulatory Forum will not be recorded or streamed and will be held in-person only at The Westin Ottawa. We hope you can join us!
Registration Fees
| Advanced Pricing (Jan 1, 2026 - May 12, 2026) | Onsite Pricing (May 26 - 27, 2026) | Group Discount Available for 5+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHFA Member | $799 | $1,299 | 10% discount available for teams bigger than five. Email us at events@chfa.ca for more information. |
| Non-Member | $999 | $1,299 |
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Sponsorship Opportunities
To view the sponsorship opportunities brochure, click here.
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CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum 2026 – Health & Wellness Activity Sponsor
$1,500.003 in stock -
CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum 2026 – MP Smoothie Reception Sponsor
$3,000.00Out of stock -
CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum 2026 – Boat Cruise Networking Sponsor
$3,000.001 in stock -
CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum 2026 – Conference Title Sponsor
$9,000.00Out of stock -
CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum 2026 – Co-Sponsor
$3,000.00Out of stock -
CHFA Ottawa Regulatory Forum 2026 – Fast Five – Mini Session Sponsor
$3,000.00Out of stock