President's Message

Over the past year, it has become increasingly clear that emergency medicine in Canada is both under extraordinary strain and uniquely positioned to shape what comes next. Every day, in every community, emergency physicians are navigating the realities of a system under pressure — while continuing to provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients when they need it most. 

This year’s theme, Every Shift. Every Region. One Voice., reflects both the breadth of what we do and the growing strength of our collective voice. Across urban and rural settings, large academic centres and small community hospitals, emergency physicians bring diverse perspectives shaped by their communities and practice environments. One voice — grounded in these diverse perspectives, united in our commitment to our patients and to strengthening the systems they depend on. 

Over the past two years, CAEP has worked to bring that perspective forward more clearly and more consistently. The EM:POWER report provided a national blueprint — but more importantly, it created a shared language for emergency physicians across the country. Since then, we have seen that work begin to translate into meaningful engagement with policy-makers, health system leaders, and partners across the healthcare landscape. These conversations are increasingly focused not just on identifying problems, but on implementing solutions. 

At the same time, CAEP continues to evolve as an organization. We have grown not only in our reach, but in how we engage with our members — strengthening our role as a professional home across the career lifecycle. From students and residents to early-career physicians and those in later stages of their careers, we are working to ensure that CAEP reflects and supports the diversity of emergency medicine in Canada. 

This year has also required reflection. As an organization, we have been challenged to listen, to learn, and to respond thoughtfully when concerns have been raised by our members. That work is ongoing. It is part of building a stronger, more inclusive community — one where members feel heard, respected, and able to contribute meaningfully to the direction of the organization. 

We have also continued to advance key priorities that support both our members and our patients — including work in access block and accountability, workforce sustainability, safe virtual care integration, violence and harassment prevention, and care of the aging population. These efforts are foundational to ensuring that emergency medicine remains both resilient and responsive in the years ahead. 

Across all of this work, one thing has become increasingly clear: emergency medicine is no longer on the margins of system discussions — it is at the centre. The experiences of emergency physicians, across every region, are essential to understanding and addressing the challenges facing our healthcare system. As a national organization, CAEP has an important role to play in ensuring that these voices are brought forward — clearly, constructively, and collectively. 

None of this work happens without the commitment of our members. Your dedication, your resilience, and your willingness to engage — whether through clinical care, teaching, research, advocacy, or leadership — continue to define this profession. 

I would also like to acknowledge the CAEP Board, our Head Office team, and Executive Director Lynn Garrow for their leadership and support over the past year. The work of this organization reflects a shared commitment to advancing emergency care across Canada. 

As we look ahead, there is still much to do. But we are moving forward — together — with a clearer sense of who we are, what we contribute, and the role we play in shaping the future of healthcare in Canada. 

This AGM I complete my term as president, and I want to express my appreciation for this opportunity. It has been a privilege to be part of this work and to witness the continued growth of this organization and its members. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside you, and for the commitment you bring — every shift, in every region — to advancing care for our patients and our communities. 

With gratitude, 

Aimee Kernick, MD CCFP-EM 

President, Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians