Dr. Yves De Koninck
Neuroscientist & Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience,
Université Laval
Director, CERVO Brain Research Centre
Dr. Tania Di Renna
Medical Director,
Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute
Dr. Gabrielle Pagé
Clinical Psychologist & Associate Professor,
Université de Montréal
On Friday, May 2nd, support and advocate for those who have chronic pain at the Canadian Pain Society’s Day of Mobilization.
From May 1st to 4th, the Canadian Pain Society (CPS) is hosting their 45th Annual Scientific Meeting at the University of Toronto. With over 500 in-person attendees and livestreamed to a global audience of over 35,000, it’s Canada’s largest pain-focused event.
At the conference, the scientific community shares groundbreaking research, builds networks, establishes global partnerships, and addresses worldwide challenges. Sessions aim to inspire collaboration and innovation for both professionals and trainees. This year’s international guest speakers are Dr. Anna Hood, who will cover inequity in pain care, and Dr. Tor Wager, who will talk about pain reprocessing theory and neuroimaging.
New to the event is the first ever Day of Mobilization. This landmark gathering for change is open to the public, giving everyone the chance to listen to, support, and celebrate those who live with chronic pain.
Advancing pain treatment
Canadians are leading the charge when it comes to the future of pain care. Coordinated care systems must be implemented for navigation, surveillance, and outcome monitoring. “We need to arm our health care system with the right tools to combat chronic pain at every level,” says Dr. Yves De Koninck, neuroscientist and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Université Laval and Director of the CERVO Brain Research Centre. “We need to spread awareness about the chronic pain epidemic, which is why this upcoming community event is so important. When society collectively decides to attack a problem, it’s quicker to find success.”
We need to spread awareness about the chronic pain epidemic, which is why this upcoming community event is so important. When society collectively decides to attack a problem, it’s quicker to find success.” – Dr. Yves De Koninck, neuroscientist and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Université Laval and Director of the CERVO Brain Research Centre
Dr. De Koninck works to understand the basic science behind chronic pain and the nervous system. “After an injury, the brain changes, causing the signal of pain to be misinterpreted,” he explains. “Thanks to research, we’ve proven that chronic pain isn’t just a side effect – it’s a disease in and of itself. This is a massive shift in perspective that debunks a lot of stigmatization.”
The need for specialized care
Chronic pain impacts one in five Canadians, costing the country an astronomical 40 billion dollars annually.* It also disproportionally affects minority populations. “Like any other women’s health issue, chronic pain in women is under-researched and underfunded,” says Dr. Tania Di Renna, Medical Director at the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute. “There is a huge need to improve care for women and BIPOC communities – especially when it comes to pelvic pain.” Dr. Di Renna’s pelvic pain program was the first of its kind, which she created to address this growing gap in care.
As President-elect of the CPS, she’s looking forward to the conference’s annual women’s pain symposium. “This issue should be on every political agenda because chronic pain levels are projected to rise. We must acknowledge that our health care system isn’t one size fits all and certain people’s needs are slipping through the cracks.”
Pain is a disease
Chronic pain is a cross-cutting issue that impacts surgical backlog, wait times, and emergency care. It’s also the leading cause of disability and significantly overlaps with mental health disorders. “Luckily, we’re shifting how to think about and measure chronic pain. It isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a disease,” Dr. Gabrielle Pagé mentions.
As a clinical psychologist, and associate professor at the Université de Montréal, Dr. Pagé’s research also focuses on stress and how it relates to pain. Her work earned her the CPS’s 2025 Early Career Award. “It takes a community of scientists, students, patients, and clinicians all working together to build research, and I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated team.”
To encourage public engagement, the Day of Mobilization includes the Canadian Parade for Pain and a BBQ with music and entertainment. “This is a chance for everyone to come together to help bring attention to this cause. Millions of Canadians have chronic pain, and they shouldn’t suffer in silence anymore.”
Sign up and buy tickets for Friday May 2nd Day of Mobilization at canadianpainsociety.ca/asm
