2026 CCA Awards Recipients
The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) Awards celebrate exceptional members whose passion, dedication, and hard work significantly advance the chiropractic profession. Aligned with the CCA’s purpose to support chiropractors for a healthier Canada, this biennial awards program recognizes outstanding members who are going above and beyond in their contributions nationwide.
This year, award recipients were celebrated amongst dedicated members and attendees at CCA’s National Convention & Tradeshow in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
With a record number of nominations across all award categories, the Awards and National Medal of Merit Committees had many deserving names to consider.
The CCA is pleased to recognize the following recipients, with excerpts from their nominations.
National Medal of Merit
The CCA’s highest honour, bestowed upon a chiropractor who has created a legacy within the profession and delivered long-term service to their patients and representative associations.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Judy Forrester
For more than four decades, Dr. Judy Forrester has made enduring contributions to the chiropractic profession through distinguished clinical practice, leadership, scholarship, and service. A graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and recipient of its President’s Graduate of the Year Award, she has built an exceptional career marked by unwavering dedication to patients, colleagues, and the advancement of chiropractic in Canada and internationally. Her extensive service includes leadership roles with the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors, the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation, and forthcoming service on the Board of the World Federation of Chiropractic. As founder of Synergea Family Health Centre, Dr. Forrester leads the way in delivering a collaborative, patient-centred model of care grounded in respect, inclusivity, and integrative health. Widely recognized as a leader in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic, she has contributed significantly to professional literature while serving as a trusted mentor and advocate for generations of chiropractors. Dr. Forrester’s enduring legacy is defined by clinical excellence, thoughtful governance, compassionate leadership, and a profound commitment to uplifting others – making her exceptionally deserving of the Canadian Chiropractic Association’s Medal of Merit.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honours a chiropractor who has dedicated a lifetime of service to the profession and patients, association affairs, and the advancement of chiropractic.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Reginald Gates
Dr. Gates’ career is distinguished by the breadth and depth of his contributions. He has served with equal dedication as a clinician, regulator, national examiner, professional leader, educator, mentor, and advocate. His impact extends well beyond individual patient care to the institutions, standards, and systems that underpin public trust in chiropractic. During this professional career, Dr Gates has served on the College of Chiropractors of Ontario, the Ontario Chiropractic Association and the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board.
Researcher of the Year
Honours an established chiropractic researcher, with at least 10 years of research experience, who has demonstrated outstanding research achievements and advancement of new knowledge in their field of expertise, ultimately improving the clinical treatment of chiropractic patients and helping to create a healthier Canada.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Carol Cancelliere
Dr. Cancelliere currently holds the Rinaldi Research Chair in AI and Rehabilitation at Ontario Tech University’s Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research, where she leads innovative research applying artificial intelligence and data-driven methods to improve diagnosis, personalize care, and advance rehabilitation for conditions such as concussion and back pain. Her appointment to this prestigious chair reflects her leadership in integrating advanced technology with clinical science to address high-burden musculoskeletal disorders.
Dr. Greg Kawchuk Emerging Researcher Award
Honours an emerging chiropractic researcher, with less than 9 years of research experience, whose goals align with Dr. Kawchuk’s vision for the Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership (CARL). Nominees must demonstrate interest in developing high-quality evidence regarding chiropractic, expanding the global research network, and producing a prolific range of tangible research outputs and products.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Nora Bakaa
Dr. Bakaa is a recipient of competitive Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) awards, recognizing the national significance and quality of her research. Her work focuses on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic pain, and health equity—areas central to contemporary chiropractic practice. By embedding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into rehabilitation research, Dr. Bakaa is helping to shape a profession that is evidence-informed, socially accountable, and responsive to the needs of diverse patient populations.
Opening Doors to Chiropractic Award
Honours a chiropractor who has improved access to chiropractic care for equity-seeking populations through advocacy and action and/or has gone above and beyond to bring a deeper understanding of chiropractic care to equity-seeking populations, at home or abroad.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Kara Haus
Dr. Haus’s approach goes well beyond inclusion as a gesture — it is grounded in clinical competence and patient safety. She has publicly emphasized why understanding gender identity, sex assigned at birth, hormone therapy status, and related factors is not only affirming but medically necessary for accurate assessment, diagnosis, and care planning. Her work has helped establish visible, safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ patients — from inclusive language on intake forms to proactive use of pronouns and culturally responsive clinical practices that build trust and reduce care-seeking barriers.
Distinguished Public Service Award
Honours a chiropractor who has demonstrated excellence in advancing the profession and the MSK health of Canadians through community contributions or leadership in advocacy efforts.
2026 Recipient: Dr. Chuck Dauphinee
In 2016, Dr. Dauphinee created a 2SLGBTQIA hockey group, that he continues to grow and run today, called the Halifax Mussel’s that gives a safe, welcoming space where members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies so they could learn and play hockey — without judgment, pressure, or gatekeeping. Dr. Chuck continues to coach, referee and provide his time with not only the Mussels Hockey group, but also Hockey Nova Scotia. Due to this initiative, Dr. Chuck’s was appointed to the Hockey Nova Scotia Diversity and Inclusion Task Force where he helps lead projects to change hockey culture for all, locally and nationally. In September 2023, the Mussels officially became a not-for-profit organization.
Excellence in Student Leadership Award
Honours a member of the Student Canadian Chiropractic Association (SCCA National) who has demonstrated leadership excellence throughout their chiropractic education.
2026 Recipient: Ahmad Sadek
Ahmad’s contributions extend into research and professional advocacy. As a co-author on a study examining public funding of chiropractic care in Manitoba, he has contributed to evidence-informed discussions surrounding health policy and the integration of chiropractic services into publicly funded healthcare systems. He maintains an active presence within the profession, including regular attendance at events such as the Ontario Chiropractic Association’s annual conference, where he engages with practitioners, leaders, and faculty to support professional unity and advancement.
The CCA would like to thank this year’s Awards and National Medal of Merit Committees for their time in reviewing the incredible nominations.
Chair of the Awards Committee and National Medal of Merit Committee
Dr. Clark Mills, 2nd Vice Chair, CCA
National Medal of Merit Committee
Dr. Richard Valade
Dr. Brian Seaman
Awards Committee
Dr. Ben Boudreau
Dr. Denise Perron
Dr. Jacqueline Boyd
Dr. Doug Pattison
Dr. Mark Perrett