ST. JOHN’S, NL -- The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is bringing people together from across the country for Forum 2026: The Changing World of Work. This two-day national event will take place on October 28 and 29 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Forum 2026 is more than a conference. It is an opportunity for leaders, safety professionals, workers, employers, and government representatives to come together and talk about how work is changing, and how that can impact health and safety in Canadian workplaces. 

"Workplaces today are changing faster than ever, but our responsibility to protect the people behind every job remains constant. Forum provides an opportunity for Canadians to come together to share knowledge and strengthen our collective commitment to safer, healthier and more supportive workplaces where everyone can thrive," Anne Tennier, president and chief executive officer, CCOHS.

Over two full days, experts from diverse backgrounds will share their stories and offer forward-thinking ideas that organizations can use in their workplace. Participants can look forward to thoughtful insights from the following speakers: 

Lee Jeyes, business futurist and Head of Innovation and Change at Waitrose & Partners, will challenge current thinking on innovation and share practical insights for moving ideas forward and driving change. Drawing on his extensive professional experience, Lee will offer strategies and tools to effectively execute ideas and navigate change in large and complex organizations.

Alan Doyle, musician, actor and best-selling author, will offer essential life lessons on how to be open to opportunities and cultivate a mindset for excellence. 

Mary Ann Baynton, psychological health and safety expert, will discuss what the evolution of psychosocial hazards from values-based conversations to operational risk management means for your workplace. 

Janet MacEachern, CEO of the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), will explore national injury trends and emerging risks, and how to support evidence-informed prevention discussions. 

Dr. Arif Jetha, Associate Scientific Director and Scientist, Institute for Work & Health (IWH), explores the future of work and health, anticipating what is on the horizon for occupational health and safety. Discussing findings from an international scan, Arif will highlight emerging risks to worker health and safety, prompting workplaces to consider proactive health and safety strategies for the future of work.

A highlight of the event will be the Innovation Showcase, featuring free programs, tools, and resources to help workplaces foster safer, healthier, and more supportive environments. It’s a hands-on opportunity for attendees to discover solutions they can bring back to their own organizations. 

Ninety-seven percent of Forum 2025 attendees were satisfied with the knowledge and enrichment gained from the event, 89 percent said they would apply what they learned to their workplace, and 94 percent would attend a future Forum event.

Forum 2026 promises to be an engaging, forward-looking event focused on practical solutions and meaningful change. As the world of work continues to evolve, this gathering will help shape a safer and healthier future for workers in Canada. 

More information about the program, speakers, and how to register is available at www.ccohs.ca/forum.