Starting late November, the CPA will be undertaking its final activity for 2026 as relates to the Future of Psychology theme – this activity will be a national dialogue (described below) on the challenges and opportunities facing the future of psychological science, practice, and education, with a particular focus on the future of professional psychology training. In advance of this dialogue, we have conducted a member survey, held sessions at the CPA’s Annual National Convention, dedicated an issue of Psynopsis to the subject, and engaged in discussions and activities with other psychology associations (e.g., the provincial and territorial [P/T] psychological associations, the P/T psychological regulatory bodies) and external stakeholders (e.g., government, leaders of other health associations).
As part of the national dialogue, the CPA will hold at least 21 virtual sessions, which will include both closed sessions with targeted stakeholders and open sessions with the CPA’s membership (full members and students). The closed sessions will involve groups such as the Council of Canadian Departments of Psychology (CCDP), the Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs (CCPPP), the Council of Professional Associations of Psychologists (CPAP), the Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science (CSBBCS), the Association of Canadian Psychology Regulatory Organizations (ACPRO), CPA Section Chairs, and other psychology-related national associations – just to name a few.
The sessions will take place between November 24th and December 4th. They will be 90 minutes long and facilitated by a bilingual third-party moderator. Recognizing that the timing of sessions may not work for all individuals who wish to participate or that some individuals may prefer to share their input in writing, the CPA will also develop and distribute a survey to provide an additional opportunity to contribute. Another set of conversations may be held early in 2027, if needed.
Findings from the dialogue will be shared with the CPA’s Board, dialogue participants, and the CPA’s membership, and will inform the CPA’s advocacy efforts as relates to education and training, functional and foundational competencies, professional standards, labour mobility, public protection, and the future of the profession and discipline itself.
Check back here regularly for updates on the dialogue and to find out how you can participate.