Leaders to Gather in Ottawa for CHFI Annual Summit, Advancing Proactive Health for Canada
NEWS RELEASE
Ottawa, Ontario | May 22, 2026
Leaders to Gather in Ottawa for CHFI Annual Summit, Advancing Proactive Health for Canada
Five connected components on May 25 and 26 will translate evidence into action under the theme “Proactive Health in Action: What Works, What Scales, What Canada Can Implement Now.”
(OTTAWA, May 22, 2026) — The Canadian Health and Fitness Institute (CHFI) will convene international and national leaders from health, sport, education, business, philanthropy, and government in Ottawa on May 25 and 26, 2026, for its Annual Summit, a non-partisan forum dedicated to helping Canada shift from reactive health systems toward prevention, participation, and proactive health.
Held under the theme “Proactive Health in Action: What Works, What Scales, What Canada Can Implement Now,” the Summit will translate evidence and insight into practical models that communities, institutions, and partners can put to work. The Summit Day on May 26 is approved for Professional Development Credits by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP).
“In a world of ascending complexity and uncertainty, we can’t control the events around us. But we can equip our citizens with the physical, mental, and spiritual health they need. The vigour and vitality of our nation depend on the flourishing of self-confident citizens who integrate physical activity into their lives. In doing so, we care for ourselves and our neighbours. CHFI is dedicated to working with like-minded leaders and individuals to achieve such a Canada,” said John Weston, Chair of CHFI, in remarks he will deliver at the Parliament Hill Reception and at the Summit.
Five Connected Components
The Summit unfolds across five connected components over the two days:
Advocacy Day on Parliament Hill (May 25). Meetings with Members of Parliament, Senators, and officials, focused on a small set of practical, non-partisan requests.
Parliament Hill Walk/Run Loop (May 25). An open 2 km walk or 5 km run on Parliament Hill, held in conjunction with MP Gabriel Hardy’s Power House Day initiative, which brings together leaders in sport, health, and public life.
Parliament Hill Reception (May 25). An evening reception opening the national Summit, focused on national positioning and relationship-building.
CHFI Annual Summit Day (May 26). A full day of programming at the RA Centre spanning global best practices, civil society, and federal and local policy, culminating in roundtable discussions on connected pathways.
Content Capture across both days (May 25 and 26). Award-winning filmmaker Karl André Talbot, producer of INactive and the recipient of more than 50 international awards, will help capture key moments from the Summit to carry its stories to a national audience.
Three Initiatives for a Healthier Canada
As part of Advocacy Day, CHFI is inviting parliamentarians and other leaders to take up three practical, cost-effective initiatives. Further details are available at www.chfi.fit.
Champion National Health and Fitness Day. Celebrating and encouraging physical activity in communities across the country.
Support a National Cycling Strategy. Building everyday active transportation into the fabric of Canadian life.
Activate Let’s Move Canada and the Community Hub. Driving year-round participation in communities across the country through CHFI’s national movement platform, the Let’s Move Canada Challenge, and the Community Hub.
About CHFI
The Canadian Health and Fitness Institute is a non-partisan national convenor working to help Canada shift from reactive health systems toward prevention, participation, and proactive health. Through its Annual Summit and year-round Let’s Move Canada platform, including the Community Hub, CHFI brings together leaders, partners, and communities to advance practical initiatives that increase physical activity, strengthen wellbeing, and reduce long-term pressure on health systems.
Media Contact
John Weston, Chair of the Board, CHFI
Rachel Renaud
Senior Advisor, CHFISummit@chfi.fit
514-973-9443