On May 24–26, 2026, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) returned to the stunning Fairmont Chateau Whistler for its sold-out 49th Annual Conference. Titled Take Me Home, the highly anticipated event brought together delegates, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors from across the seniors living, wellness, and care sector. Attendees participated in a dynamic program of educational sessions and engaging networking opportunities.
BCCPA thanks our Title Sponsor, Arjo, and all our sponsors for their generous support of this year’s conference.
Conference Highlights
Upon arriving in Whistler, B.C., many attendees enjoyed a variety of pre-conference events, from the Tom Frame Memorial Golf Tournament (sponsored by MIP) to the Whistler Tasting Food Tour (sponsored by Maxwell Management Group Ltd.). The day wrapped up with the Sunday Welcome Reception (sponsored by Dynamic Specialty Vehicles) and some welcome bubbles thanks to PointClickCare, where delegates networked over food and drinks.
Take Me Home officially kicked off on Monday morning, with BCCPA President Marc Kinna welcoming attendees. In his opening remarks, Kinna encouraged participants to reflect on what it means to be a good Samaritan, delivering the services and care that B.C. seniors need and deserve, and to use our collective voice to drive meaningful change. He also introduced video messages from Premier David Eby and Minister of Health Hon. Josie Osborne.
Title Sponsor Arjo’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Jim Findlater, spoke to the growing challenge care providers face in having to doing more with less resources and that BCCPA commercial members can offer solutions. His remarks set the stage for BCCPA CEO Mary Polak’s address, in which she emphasized the need for government to include operators in responding to the seniors’ care crisis.
She also introduced BCCPA’s upcoming advocacy campaign, #HomesNotHospitals, highlighting the urgent need to improve access to seniors’ care, housing, and home supports across the province while advancing practical, sustainable solutions for the future.
Conference sessions began with a plenary panel titled Take Me Home: Redefining What Home Means in Senior Living and Care (sponsored by Silver Valet Dental Care), featuring BCCPA CEO Mary Polak, BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt, Park Retirement Living CEO Adena Waffle, Optima Co-Founder and Principal Karim Kassam, and Chartwell VP, Marketing & Communications, Sharon Ranalli.
Safety Den, SafeCare BC’s Dragons’ Den-inspired event, attracted a full room, with finalists pitching innovative ideas for a $2,000 healthcare grand prize and the Safety Innovation of the Year Award (commercial). Congratulations to Luther Court Society and MeepMeep on placing first in their respective categories! Watch a recap of the session here.
Other conference sessions featured a wide range of topics such as psychological safety leadership, technology adoption and sustainability, and more.
On Monday evening, delegates wore their cowboy hats and boots for a night of music and line dancing at the Haddon Hoedown, sponsored by Haddon. Attendees also enjoyed wine courtesy of Enterprise Paper and a photobooth sponsored by Trillium HR.
The conference concluded on Tuesday afternoon with a closing keynote from David Coletto (sponsored by WestCana Services | Pro Vita Care Management), followed by the announcement of winners for the photo scavenger hunt and best booth. Congratulations to the following winners:
- Karima Kassam, Rosewood Manor
- Veronica Lewis, Elements by Opal
- Kimberley Lardizabal, Rosewood Manor
- Scott Nichol, Country Squire Villa
- Marina Mario, Kinsmen Lodge
- Best Booth: Complete Purchasing Services
BCCPA is grateful for another successful conference and looks forward to celebrating its 50th Annual Conference next year June 6-8 in Victoria, B.C. Together, we can ensure that seniors across the province feel at home no matter where they lay their head.
Photo Albums
Conference Sessions | Sunday Welcome Reception | Tradeshow | Monday Night Dinner & Dance: Haddon Hoedown
BCCPA thanks its valued sponsors for their generous support in making this event possible!
