March 27, 2025

Dear friends,

It’s nearing that time of year again when the anticipation sets in for our upcoming annual Symposium! I remember when I became a Pedorthist in 2009 and attended my first-ever Symposium in beautiful Kelowna, BC. I met some new friends for the first time and had such a great experience! I knew right then and there that this was a welcoming profession, and I have loved attending Symposiums from that moment onward. I am excited to return to Kelowna for another highly anticipated, successful, and memorable event.

Symposiums are always a great time to learn new and exciting things in our industry, catch up with old and new friends, get away from everyday stresses, and take in a change of scenery for a few days. Is there any better scenery than a view of the Rocky Mountains and the Okanagan Valley?! 

The Symposium Committee, a sub-committee of the Professional Development Committee, has been planning some fun events, along with the Membership Engagement Committee. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign up for the Social Night, as you wouldn’t want to miss out on a good time. Or perhaps you may enjoy a walk along the boardwalk or a little wine tasting with friends.  

As always, thank you to all our hard-working volunteers for their tireless efforts and desire to move our profession forward. We have taken on a new direction. We are excited to share an overview of our plan to move the membership forward and grow the profession in the coming days, including enrollment numbers in the Western Program. More members equal more growth and recognition of our profession. This change of strategic focus is one we are excited about. We hope you feel the same. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we look forward to hopefully seeing you all at the Symposium in Kelowna. You may reach out to the Board at any time by emailing: board@pedorthic.ca.



Jodi Basha, BPE, C. Ped (C)

Board President, Pedorthic Association of Canada

Hi PAC Members,

Spring is here! It is nice to go to work and return home at the end of the day in daylight! To me, this is one of the signs that spring is coming to the prairies.

With spring comes more outdoor activities for Canadians from coast to coast. As you gear up for a busy spring season, be proud of the important role that you play in keeping Canadians active. Canadians have never been more patriotic than they are today, and this means more Canadians will be out and about exploring our country. Pedorthic services and treatments will keep Canadians on their feet.

As all Canadians feel national pride, it is a great time to be proud of being a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. Be sure to highlight your Canadian education, training, and certification in all your patient communication and marketing. This is a great time to boast of being certified with a Canadian certification.

In late spring, we will attend the annual claims and anti-fraud conference hosted by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA). At this conference, they will wave the flag and ensure their members understand and appreciate the value the Canadian Certified Pedorthists offer to their patients.

Our annual Symposium in Kelowna is now just a week away. With a great educational program, sold-out exhibit hall, and fun social events, I know it will be a great gathering for the profession. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Jonathan N. Strauss, CEO

Pedorthic Association of Canada

Upcoming Events

2025 PAC Symposium

Member Engagement Committee

Don't miss the Mentorship Breakfast at the 2025 PAC Symposium on April 4 at 7:30 am! Sign up now, and those who have registered will receive a survey to help us with mentor/mentee pairings. This is a fantastic opportunity for recent graduates to connect with seasoned professionals, build valuable relationships, and gain practical advice and fresh perspectives. We strongly encourage recent graduates to take advantage of this event.



We also have exciting news! BINGO is back for its second year at the Symposium with even bigger prizes – you could win up to a $200 gift card!

Chair: Kayla Lynch, C. Ped (C)

Research Grant Committee



The Research Grant Committee finalized the funding distribution for 2024 to Lauren Welte, PhD, a researcher at the University of Alberta. Dr. Welte has conducted research in biomechanics and mobility, with a focus on foot function and pregnancy.  

Dr. Welte’s proposal put forth to the committee is entitled “Custom Orthoses for Reducing Pregnancy-Related Foot Pain” and aims to evaluate the effectiveness of custom orthoses in reducing forefoot pressure and pain associated with pregnancy-related weight gain. This study will address a gap in the literature by focusing on pregnancy-related foot pain, a significant issue for which certified Pedorthists can provide meaningful solutions. 



The committee is keen to recruit members who want to propel Pedorthic research and are committed to the goals of the committee.

Chair: Kathleen Klement, C. Ped (C)

Professional Development Committee



The Professional Development Committee completed an OEE in November 2024 and a PedTalk Panel discussion in the last week of February 2025. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with fellow Pedorthists and earn continuing education credits.

Chair: Andrew Godwin, C. Ped (C)

Insurance & Government Relations Committee (IGR)

The Insurance & Government Relations Committee (IGR) is currently working on the Orthopaedic Footwear position statement and whether to advocate that C. Ped (C) provide a biomechanical exam/clinical findings when just claiming for orthopaedic footwear.

We continue to be in productive discussions with Manulife and Greenshield regarding their interest in our request.

Chair: Andrea Putre-Ondevilla, C. Ped (C)

Connect with the PAC Board



Looking to connect with PAC’s Board of Directors? We welcome your questions and feedback. Email the Board at board@pedorthic.ca



ICYMI: Social Media

Membership Benefits – Perkopolis

At Perkopolis, we love supporting and celebrating small businesses. We have created marketing that specifically highlights some of the perks on our platform from local businesses. 

If you have any questions, you can also contact Perkopolis customer service through live chat, phone, or email.

Reporting Professional Liability Claims

Reporting a claim under your Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) is a crucial step to ensure that you receive the necessary support and coverage. By following the checklist in this video, you can navigate the claims process effectively.

The complaints process can be stressful and it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Your insurance program partners are here to help. You can always contact a BMS broker at 1-855-318-6558 or pac.insurance@bmsgroup.com.

Don't forget about the handy Member Resources section on your PAC profile. You can find recordings from past events, webinars, updates and more!