Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan

10/08/2026

From Peter Oliver, Executive Director of CHAS:

"On Wednesday the Federal Justice Minister and the Minister of Health, announced the government's plans to indefinitely exclude euthanasia for people whose sole underlying condition is mental illness and its decision not to support Bill C-218.

The summary of Bill C-218 says, "This enactment amends the Criminal Code to provide that a mental disorder is not a grievous and irremediable medical condition for which a person could receive medical assistance in dying."

This announcement represents a small win for those who envision a future without euthanasia and a major win for those who are enthusiasts of medically administered death."

👉Read more about Peter's message and what the implications of this "small win" are for the future of MAiD in Canada.

Our latest bulletins can be found on our website:

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter if you’d like to receive it in your inbox each month! Subscribe Here You can find previous issues of our digital bulletins below, starting with the most…

09/30/2026

Meet our 2026 Convention Speakers!

Dr. Christine Taylor, D.Min., has led the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert's adult faith formation, catechist training, sacramental prep, and Pastoral Care and Mental Health Ministries.

She holds degrees from St. Michael’s College, Newman Theological College, and the University of Saskatchewan.

Nationally, she works with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on Synodality resources, chairs the 2028 Saskatchewan Catholic Connections Congress, and contributed to NFCYM’s Sacred Table initiative.

Her speech, Moved with Compassion: Taking the Convention Home, will call participants to reflect on and share the insights we have gained over these days—from caring with compassion and navigating grief to building resilience and celebrating the joy of our shared mission.

Learn more about Dr. Taylor, here: https://chassk.ca/dr-christine-taylor/
Learn more about the 2026 CHAS Convention, here: https://chassk.ca/annual-convention-2026/

09/29/2026

Palliative Care in a Changing World, the Annual Palliative Care Education and Research Conference by Covenant Health.

This conference brings together healthcare providers, researchers, community leaders and other palliative care experts to increase awareness of palliative care needs in our community, provide better understanding of ways to control symptoms of life-limiting disease, create a supportive environment for staff wellness, provide networking opportunities and more!

Learn more here: https://covenanthealth.ca/news-and-events/events/palliative-care-education-and-research-conference

Registration CLOSES on OCTOBER 5, 2026!

See the poster below for additional speaker information!

09/28/2026

Meet our 2026 Convention Speakers!

Dr. Brian Chartier is a clinical psychologist with over 40 years of experience in private practice, community service and postsecondary education at St. Thomas More College - University of Saskatchewan. He founded CASA Psychological Services in 1989, which has grown into a prominent group private practice in Saskatoon.

His speech, Pathways to Presence: Supporting Those Who Grieve, will explore pathways to being present for grieving individuals. It will feature interactive moments examining empathetic listening and the potential pitfalls that can arise when dealing with emotionally charged moments of grief. The presentation will also discuss preparation for such encounters, healing rituals, memory work, and discernment regarding ministering to grieving people.

Learn more about Dr. Chartier, here: https://chassk.ca/dr-brian-chartier/
Learn more about the 2026 CHAS Convention, here: https://chassk.ca/annual-convention-2026/

09/25/2026

Meet Our 2026 Convention Speakers!

Carrie Dornstauder is a registered nurse with 27 years across urban, rural, and provincial healthcare. Now, she is Executive Director at St. Paul’s Hospital and Hospice at Glengarda. Carrie previously led Maternal and Children’s Provincial Programs for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, with a track record for building major projects like the Prince Albert NICU and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, plus doing trauma-informed work on child-apprehension prevention. Carrie is grounded in Catholic healthcare’s mission of dignity and community.

Lecina Hicke is the CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, leading a 14-person team and 15+ years at the intersection of philanthropy, healthcare, and governance. Lecina helped launch the Foundation’s new shared identity “Together, for Good” rooted in the Grey Nuns’ legacy, and drove two major campaigns.

Their speech, Called to See and Respond: Social Medicine - a current approach to Healing Ministry, explores why unmet social needs are inseparable from St. Paul’s mission to serve with dignity. The presentation invites parishes, healthcare leaders and community partners to better understand this reality, examine barriers, and participate in practical responses that strengthen health, hope and belonging.

Join us for the 2026 CHAS Convention from October 29-30 in Prince Albert, SK.

Head to www.chassk.ca/annual-convention-2026 for more information!

St. Paul's Hospital & Foundation - Saskatoon

09/23/2026

Meet our 2026 Convention Speakers!

Meet Ryan Straschnitzki! Ryan is a renowned keynote speaker, sharing his powerful story of survival and resilience after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Through his inspiring talks, Ryan motivates audiences by discussing mental toughness, overcoming adversity, and the importance of positivity in the face of life’s challenges.

As the founder of the Straz Strong Foundation and a Paralympic hopeful, Ryan’s mission is to use his platform to raise awareness about disabilities and inspire others to pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles.

REMEMBER: Ryan's speech is open to the public beyond convention attendees. Thursday, October 29, 2026
Doors: 6:30 pm | Keynote: 7:00 PM
St. Joseph’s Parish - 260 25 St E, Prince Albert, SK
No Registration Required | Suggested Free Will Offering ($20) Appreciated

➡Learn more about Ryan's foundation, here: https://www.strazstrongfoundation.com/
➡Learn more about the 2026 CHAS Convention, here: https://chassk.ca/annual-convention-2026/

09/21/2026

Meet The Speakers for our 2026 Convention in October!

Dr. James MacMillan practices palliative medicine in Saskatoon and also serves as a palliative care consultant for Saskatchewan’s Integrated North. He is the physician lead for the SHA Palliative Care Provincial Clinical Network, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan (Department of Family Medicine), and serves on the board of the Canadian Society of Palliative Medicine.

His speech, Living Well and Dying Well – Palliative Care Stories and Opportunities, will help us feel better equipped to enter the sacred work of supporting those living with a life limiting illness.

Learn more about Dr. MacMillan, here: https://chassk.ca/dr-james-macmillan/
Learn more about CHAS' Annual Convention, here: https://chassk.ca/annual-convention-2026/

09/17/2026

Meet The Speakers for our 2026 Convention in October!

Most Reverend Susai Jesu, OMI, Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas, will be our keynote presenter opening this year’s CHAS convention. Archbishop Susai brings a profound depth of pastoral experience, academic insight, and a heart for reconciliation to our gathering.

He will set the tone for our time together with a foundational presentation on mission, entitled: Living the Ministry of Wholeness: From Cross-Cultural Roots to Committed Action. His speech will explore how we can continue to strengthen and live out the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

Youth Ministry - Archdiocese of Keewatin - Le Pas

09/14/2026

Mark your calendar! This year’s W.F. Mitchell Bioethics Seminar on November 3 will explore AI use in health care and ethical ways to reduce power imbalances and address other system challenges as technology continues to evolve. No registration required. In-person and online options available for attendance.

09/09/2026

The Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) invites applications for its Board of Directors. Guided by our vision of a Catholic community empowered to continue Christ’s healing ministry, CHAS is currently focused on strengthening palliative care and building stronger bridges between Catholic health care and our dioceses.

We are seeking individuals with expertise in Board Governance, Financial Management, Catholic Health Care, Ethics, or Advocacy. Facilitating board participation from all the dioceses in Saskatchewan is a priority that is supported by virtual meeting options.

☎️To learn more or submit an application, please visit chassk.ca or contact Peter Oliver, Executive Director at [email protected] or 306-955-2427.

📆Deadline: September 23, 2026.