BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-// - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://braintrustcanada.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20230101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240611T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240611T170000 DTSTAMP:20260429T000010 CREATED:20240503T172848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240610T025938Z UID:5219-1718092800-1718125200@braintrustcanada.com SUMMARY:2024 Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference DESCRIPTION:The Pushor Mitchell LLP West Coast Brain Injury Conference (WCBIC) 2024 will bring together inspiring change-makers and leading minds in the field of brain injury\, public health\, and politics for a full day of collaboration\, dialogue\, and learning. \nIn line with this year’s conference theme\, “Brain Injury Breakthroughs: Current Issues and Emerging Solutions”\, our focus is to explore the nexus of brain injury with crucial frameworks such as health\, governance\, and societal fairness and inclusion. Through insightful discussions\, we will examine the criminal justice and healthcare systems from a current perspective and provide understanding into the possibilities that can be enhanced through community partnerships and research informed strategies. \nBy participating as an attendee\, sponsor\, or exhibitor\, you’ll be actively supporting our endeavor to utilize the strength of community and collaboration to uplift individuals affected by brain injury who often face systemic challenges. \nWe invite you to join us for this significant and pioneering community gathering. Together\, we’re confident that we can foster a community that is fair\, compassionate\, and inclusive for everyone. \n \n \n \n Brain Injury Breakthroughs:\nCurrent Issues and Emerging Solutions\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n Tickets on sale\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sponsorship & Exhibitor Prospectus\n Download it here \n \n \n \n \n \n Questions?\n Contact us at marketing@braintrustcanada.com \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule at-a-glance\n Download it here. \n \n \n \n \n \n Conference Program\n Download it here. \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n Speakers\n \n \n\n\n\n \n Talks\n Traumatic Brain Injury: Addressing Inequities\nDr. Angela Colantonio \nThis presentation will focus on the highlights of a major research program focused on traumatic brain injury in underserved populations in Canada with a sex and gender lens. This will include findings from recently published systematic reviews on rehabilitation for individuals with brain injury relevant to the context of homelessness\, the criminal legal system and gender based violence. Resources for these populations will be discussed. The session provides a forum for knowledge exchange among participants with the goal of addressing inequities in underserved populations. \nIn the Heat of the Moment: Emotion Management Research to Reduce Anger after Brain Injury\nDr. Jade Witten \nUncontrollable anger is a common and serious consequence of acquired brain injury (ABI)\, affecting the individual and their loved ones. Dr. Jade Witten’s talk will discuss the complications and long-term impacts of ABI\, including changes to personality\, mental health\, and cognition. She will then describe evidence-based practical ways for people with ABI to manage daily situations of anger. Jade will also highlight the clinical implications of her research\, and make suggestions for future directions in the field. \nBeyond a Single Event: Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury as a Chronic Health Condition\nMichelle McDonald \nTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing health crisis\, impacting millions of Canadians with far-reaching implications on the physical\, cognitive\, emotional\, and socioeconomic well-being of individuals\, families\, and communities. Mounting evidence reveals that moderate to severe TBI can manifest as a persistent\, evolving health condition\, giving rise to enduring health challenges and psychosocial complications across the lifespan. This presentation will: review the intersectional nature of brain injury; provide the rationale and benefits for classifying moderate to severe TBI as a chronic condition within Canada’s healthcare system; outline global efforts for a chronic designation for TBI that will align Canadian health policy with emerging global standards and facilitate international collaboration in research\, policy development\, and public health initiatives; and\, most importantly highlight how this designation will lead to a future where the needs of individuals and families are acknowledged\, supported\, and integrated into comprehensive care frameworks. \nMeeting of the Minds: Uniting Efforts to Address Brain Injury Across Government Levels and Bill C-277\nJanelle Breese Biagioni\n \nJoin Janelle Breese Biagioni\, a longstanding brain injury advocate\, clinical counsellor\, and CEO of the CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses\, for an enlightening presentation titled “Meeting of the Minds: Uniting Efforts to Address Brain Injury Across Government Levels and Bill C277.” \nDuring this session\, Janelle will highlight the critical intersections of brain injury and the necessity for collaboration among all levels of government to address the challenges faced by individuals affected by brain injury. Get ready for an exciting update as Janelle unveils the latest developments in the 125 Days to Say Yes! campaign and outlines plans for phase two of this advocacy tool\, set to unfold from September to December 2024. \nLearn how every individual in Canada can contribute to the development of a National Strategy on Brain Injury as she leads the discussion on uniting efforts to address brain injury across all levels of government. \nThe Road to Recovery Initiative: An Overview of Innovations in Substance Use Care Aimed at Supporting Patients with Brain Injuries\nDr. Brittany Dennis \nThis session will provide an overview of the Road to Recovery Initiative\, an innovate model of care being implemented within Providence Health Care\, which seeks to address two aspects of BC’s substance use crisis through 1) increasing access to on-demand addiction care; and 2) reorganizing existing clinical services to support patients at every phase of recovery. This session will go further to describe the unique ways the Road to Recovery Initiative seeks to address the needs of patients with brain injuries. This presentation will offer real-world examples that illustrate the tangible impact of the Road to Recovery in transforming lives through breaking down barriers and supporting patients with brain injuries to secure access to the appropriate and necessary recovery-based services. \nJacob’s Story\nShirley Wilson \nWilson was Mum to Jacob Wilson. He was the son of her family of two children\, with Maddison being her daughter. Both Maddi and Shirley and his father Paul\, have been left to grieve the loss of Jacob since November 11\, 2021. At the too-young age of 24\, Jacob lost his fight of addiction to overdose by fentanyl. \nJacob\, like many other young people\, had dabbled in drugs\, experimenting. In the early morning of August 31\, 2018\, Jacob was run over by a pickup truck. The police arrived at Mum’s door to tell her that he was not going to survive as he had severe damage to his body\, including his brain. She was to be taken to Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre to sign organ donation papers. By some miracle\, he lived. He was airlifted to Royal Columbian Hospital where the first of many doctors came to discuss brain surgery. However\, the brain bleeds (2) began to slow and doctors moved on to the other parts of his body in desperate need of repair. \nJacob survived and the family had their beautiful boy for another 3 ¼ years. Still not long enough. Eventually\, the mental anguish from his brain injury\, leading to increased opioid use\, lead to his death. \nThe family wants change. \nHope\nJules Delorme\n \nJules highlights the often misunderstood and complex nature of the brain injury. While recounting his journey of recovery over four years\, including a five-month coma and extensive rehabilitation at various facilities\, ultimately achieving independence. Putting emphasis on the importance of proper rehabilitation and support systems in allowing TBI survivors to reclaim their lives and roles\, particularly as parents. Despite challenges\, Jules find profound positive transformation in his outlook on life and relationships. Jules puts express gratitude to supportive organizations\, healthcare professionals\, and his family\, especially son\, whom Jules credits as his motivation. Jules advocates for greater awareness\, support\, and funding for TBI rehabilitation\, challenging misconceptions and highlighting the transformative potential of proper care. \nColin Edstrom \nBrain injuries can be difficult to manage in the workplace. Individuals want to return to work for the normalcy\, sense of identity\, and self-worth. Employers need individuals to perform work on their behalf. Sometimes there is a tension between these two objectives. This presentation will explore employee and employer rights when dealing with brain injuries in the workplace. \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Angela Colantonio\,\nPhD\, OT. Reg. (Ont.)\n Canada Research Chair in TBI in Underserved Populations\,\nProfessor and Director\, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute\,\nDepartment of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy\,\nTemerty Faculty of Medicine University of Toronto\,\nSenior Scientist\, KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network\,\nAdjunct Scientist\, ICES\n \n Dr. Angela Colantonio is the Director of the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute and Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is also senior scientist at the KITE Research Institute Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-UHN. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences\, the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine\, and the American College of Epidemiology. She received her PhD in epidemiology and public health from Yale University and has a MHSc in Community Health and BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. \nDr. Colantonio holds a Canada Research Chair in Traumatic Brain Injury in Underserved Populations. She currently co-leads an internationally recognized program of research on acquired brain injury (www.abiresearch.utoronto.ca) with diverse foci on women\, sex and gender considerations\, work-related traumatic brain injury\, and brain injuries in underserved populations\, such as women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV)\, individuals who intersect with the criminal legal system and persons who are vulnerably housed/homeless. \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jade Witten\,\nPhD\n Postdoctoral Research Fellow\,\nDepartment of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy | Faculty of Medicine | University of British Columbia\,\nGF Strong Rehabilitation Research Program\n \n Dr. Jade Witten is a postdoctoral research fellow in the CEDAR Lab (Collaborative Evidence: Developing Awareness and Research for Brain Injury) at the University of British Columbia and in the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. She is a neuropsychologist by background (registered in South Africa)\, and completed her PhD in Psychology at Bangor University in the UK. Jade’s PhD research implemented emotion management tools to reduce frustration and anger for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) living in the community. Jade is committed to neurorehabilitation research that aims to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people with ABI and their families. \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Michelle McDonald\n CEO\, Brain Injury Canada\n \n Michelle is an accomplished non-profit professional with over two decades of experience working in the sector in both Toronto and Ottawa. She brings a wealth of knowledge to any role she undertakes and has a proven record of growth in both revenue and reach for small organizations. As Chief Executive Officer of Brain Injury Canada\, she has led the organization in a new strategic direction solidifying its position as a credible information source\, knowledge mobilizer and ally for those with lived experience\, families\, the healthcare/service provider community\, as well as the medical and research community. In addition to managing day-to-day operations\, she also oversees the development of all Brain Injury Canada’s education and awareness programs\, as well as advocacy initiatives. Her demonstrated focus on collaboration and partnerships gives her the ability to look at the big picture\, but also all the moving parts and how they fit together effectively and efficiently. She currently sits on the Executive Committee for the Canadian Traumatic Brain Injury Research Consortium\, the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the Canadian Transportation Safety Agency\, the Executive Committee for the Canadian Concussion Network and is Co-Chair of the Governing Council for Neurological Health Charities Canada. Past roles include Executive Director at the Brain Injury Society of Toronto and in Health Promotion at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Past committee involvement includes Toronto ABI Network Planning Advisory Committee\, Toronto ABI Network Concussion Task Force and Ontario Advisory Council (OAC) for the Ontario Acquired Brain Injury Community Associations. \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Janelle Breese Biagioni\n CEO & Founder\, CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses\n \n With over three decades of dedicated experience in trauma and brain injury advocacy\, Janelle Breese Biagioni brings a wealth of personal and professional insight to her work. As the CEO of the CGB Centre for Traumatic Life Losses and a clinical counsellor\, she spearheads initiatives aimed at providing support to individuals affected by trauma and loss\, particularly survivors and their families grappling with the repercussions of brain injury. \nIn her advocacy role\, Janelle serves as the Community Lead for the BC Consensus on Brain Injury\, Mental Health\, and Addiction. Notably\, she played a pivotal role in shaping Bill C-277\, advocating for the establishment of a National Strategy on Brain Injury Act at the federal level. \nDriven by her extensive experience and unwavering dedication\, Janelle is deeply committed to effecting positive change and raising awareness for those impacted by brain injury and associated challenges. \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Brittany Dennis\,\nMD\, PhD\, FRCPC\n Assistant Professor\, Department of Medicine\, University of British Columbia\,\nClinician Scientist\, British Columbia Centre on Substance Use\,\nAddiction Medicine Physician\, St. Paul’s Hospital\, Providence Health Care \n \n Dr. Brittany Dennis MBBS\, PhD is a clinician scientist with training in general internal medicine and an area of focused competency in addiction medicine. She currently holds academic appointments as a full-time Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Social Medicine at the University of British Columbia and part-time Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine – Adjunct at McMaster University. She joins the British Columbia Center on Substance Use as a Clinician Scientist\, with protected time from her role as an attending physician in Providence Health Care’s (PHC) Division of Addiction. Dr. Dennis has been awarded the 2023 Michael Smith Health Research BC/BCCSU Partnered Scholar award to support her leadership role on the research evaluation of the Road to Recovery Initiative. Dr. Dennis’ program of research within the BCCSU includes a collection of studies investigating emerging treatments and novel models of substance use care. \nPrior to her undergraduate medical training at the University of London (MBBS)\, she completed a PhD in health research methodology at McMaster University. To establish capacity in large-data base analytics she received post-doctoral training at Stanford University\, the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES)\, and through the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Research in Addiction Medicine Scholars Program (Boston and Yale University). Dr. Dennis has been an important contributor to 100 peer-reviewed publications\, 20 national and international presentations\, an expert panel for Canada’s 2023 national guidance on opioids for chronic non-cancer pain\, and a textbook chapter on opioid use disorder. \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jules Delorme\n Brain Injury Survivor\n \n Jules is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit\, having overcome immense challenges as a brain injury survivor. After enduring a grueling five-month coma and undergoing three surgeries\, he embarked on a remarkable journey of rehabilitation\, relearning to walk and talk with unwavering determination. Despite the odds\, Jules has not only recovered but has also achieved the pinnacle of physical fitness\, believing fervently that brain injuries are not permanent obstacles but rather challenges to be conquered on the path to healing and renewal. \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shirley Wilson\n Abbotsford Board of Education\, Board Chair\n \n Shirley Wilson is a long-serving trustee in the Abbotsford\, BC school district\, serving 20\,000 students in a fast-growing city of 150\,000+ residents. In her 19th year of elected service and much longer in community non-profit and charitable work\, Wilson has committed to improving the lives of children\, youth\, and families with every role she has pursued. \nWilson was Mum to Jacob Wilson. He was the son of her family of two children\, with Maddison being her daughter. Both Maddi and Shirley and his father Paul\, have been left to grieve the loss of Jacob since November 11\, 2021. At the too-young age of 24\, Jacob lost his fight of addiction to overdose by fentanyl. \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Colin Edstrom\n Pushor Mitchell LLP\nCommercial Litigation\, Employment Law\, \nLitigation \n \n Colin’s practice focuses on labour and employment law\, workers’ compensation\, occupational health and safety\, privacy law and human rights. He is a trusted advisor and counsel to workplaces of all sizes\, and takes pride in providing responsive\, methodical and common-sense legal advice. \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n Venue\n Delta Grand Okanagan Resort –\nConference Centre\n Kelowna\, BC \nAddress:\nDelta Grand Okanagan Resort\n1310 Water Street\nKelowna\, BC V1Y 9P3 \n Map\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n Sponsors\n \n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n Exhibitors & Partners\n \n \n \n\n\n\nAbout the Area\n\n\n\n \n \n >\n \n \n \n \n \n Okanagan\n WCBIC 2024 takes place in Kelowna\, BC – the entry point to the breathtaking Okanagan Valley. Nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia\, this area is renowned for its vineyards and fruit farms. Kelowna\, the primary urban center\, graces the picturesque shores of Okanagan Lake. \n \n Tourism Kelowna\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Restaurants\n Discover the charm of Kelowna by indulging in its thriving culinary landscape. Embark on an adventure with a food or winery tour\, or consult Tourism Kelowna’s guide for suggestions on some of our preferred dining establishments. \n \n Restaurants\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attractions\n Kelowna is synonymous with year-round excitement! Whether you’re immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the valley or seeking indoor adventures\, there’s an abundance of activities to suit every taste! \n \n Attractions URL:https://braintrustcanada.com/events/wcbic2024/ LOCATION:BC CATEGORIES:In Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://braintrustcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Website-Header-Images.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR