Shaping the future of lymphedema care in Canada. Your voice can help.
In May 2027, the Canadian lymphedema community will gather in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a landmark national assembly designed not only to share knowledge, but to shape the future of lymphedema care in Canada. Hosted by the Canadian Lymphedema Framework (CLF), this three-day event marks a pivotal moment for patients, clinicians, researchers, industry partners, and advocates to come together with a shared purpose: to collaboratively define priorities for the next decade.
This assembly represents a meaningful return to the CLF’s origins. In 2009, the organization itself was born from an inclusive, community-driven process using Open Space Technology (OST), a format that empowers participants to create the agenda and guide the conversations. At that founding gathering, diverse voices from across the country identified gaps, shared lived experiences, and articulated a collective vision for improving lymphedema care. The ideas generated through that process laid the foundation for the CLF’s work over the past 15+ years.
Since then, awareness and recognition of lymphedema have grown significantly. More health professionals are equipped to diagnose and manage the condition. Research efforts have expanded. Increasing numbers of Canadians living with chronic swelling are receiving diagnoses, gaining language for their experiences, and accessing information and support. Yet persistent challenges remain, particularly in ensuring timely access to knowledgeable care, equitable coverage, and consistent standards across provinces and territories.
In response to these complex and interdependent challenges, the 2027 conference will once again use Open Space Technology as its central framework. OST is particularly well suited to issues that require diverse perspectives, shared ownership, and innovative thinking. Rather than relying on a pre-set agenda, participants will identify the questions and priorities that matter most, fostering meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and action-oriented outcomes.
The conference will intentionally reflect the full landscape of lymphedema care in Canada, including individuals living with lymphedema and related disorders, caregivers, therapists, nurses, physicians, researchers, educators, garment fitters, industry partners, policy makers, funders, insurers, and professionals from intersecting disciplines such as oncology, wound care, vascular medicine, dermatology, and palliative care. Participation will be capped to maintain the integrity of the OST process, while striving for broad national representation.
The outcomes of this gathering will directly inform the CLF’s next 10-year strategic plan, influencing advocacy, research priorities, education initiatives, and system-level improvements. At its core, this conference is an open invitation to the community: every voice matters. By coming together with purpose and shared responsibility, participants will help chart a stronger, more coordinated future for lymphedema care across Canada.
How to cite: Baker, Bonnie. Pathways. 2026;15(2): 18-19.
- Read the full text of our Executive Director’s Pathways article introducing CLFA2027: https://isu.pub/FZEG0ly
- Learn more about Open Space Technology (OST) and how it works: https://isu.pub/ML3x3ZW
Interested in learning more and signing up for updates? Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/CLF2027-Interest
This article was published in Pathways, the quarterly print and online publication of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework. The most recent 8 issues of Pathways are available to subscribers only. SUBSCRIBE NOW AT THIS LINK TO READ.
Back-issues older than 8 issues can be read online here: https://www.canadalymph.ca/pathways/all-issues/
