2026 RHPAP Conference - Peace River, AB

The RHPAP Conference brings together healthcare providers, community and government leaders, learners, and rural health champions from across Alberta to explore how strong communities build a resilient and vibrant future for rural healthcare.

The Conference theme, Rooted in Community, reflects what rural Alberta knows best: that the most powerful solutions grow from the ground up—from local wisdom, shared experiences, strong partnerships, and the resilience that rural communities live every day.

This year’s featured keynote speakers and presenters include nationally recognized leaders in resilience, leadership, rural medicine, strategic planning, and integrated care.

Among the featured speakers is Jennifer Barroll, leadership strategist, speaker, and author of the upcoming book Make Work Better: Leading with the Human Edge. Her keynote session, The Generational Advantage: Leveraging Generational Strengths to Build Stronger Teams, will explore how organizations can build stronger workplace cultures and improve collaboration across generations.

Attendees will also hear from Jeremy Evans, widely known as “The Grizzly Dude,” whose remarkable story of surviving a near-fatal grizzly bear attack and receiving lifesaving care from rural healthcare heroes has inspired audiences across North America. His keynote, Picking Up the Pieces, focuses on resilience, mental fortitude, and perseverance through adversity.

In addition to conference programming, attendees will have opportunities to connect during unique offsite networking experiences hosted at Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village & Museum, Peace River Brewing, and the Peace River Art Hub.

This conference is for anyone invested in the future of rural healthcare and community wellbeing. If you have a passion for rural healthcare, you're invited to join us in Peace River!

Past attendees included:

• Rural or remote healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, paramedics, therapists, and other allied health professionals
• Municipal leaders and elected officials
• Members of rural Attraction, Integration, and Retention committees
• Community development or economic development professionals
• Medical, nursing, or health sciences students or trainees
• Health system administrators or policy professionals
• Educators, researchers, or academics focused on rural health
• Members of a community organization or non-profit working to support local wellbeing
• Rural champions who wants to learn, share, and collaborate