Ottawa, ON – October 28, 2025 – The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) is calling for the urgent need for equitable access to chiropractic care for all Canadians, with a particular focus on First Nations and Inuit peoples served through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and chronic pain disproportionately affect Indigenous peoples across Canada. In fact, according to the Canadian Journal of Pain (May 2025), approximately 38.4% report frequent pain, and 27.8% report pain that interferes with daily activities.
These disparities are shaped by historical, social, and systemic factors, including limited access to healthcare services, cultural barriers, and experiences of discrimination.
“For many First Nations and Inuit families, musculoskeletal pain affects every part of daily life, from work to school to caring for loved ones. Working in a remote community, I see first-hand how expanding NIHB coverage to include chiropractic care could give people the opportunity to access effective, non-pharmacological, culturally safe treatment, when they need it most. Expanding access to the NIHB is not just a policy issue, it is about people’s lives,” said Dr. Jennifer Ward, Co-Chair, CCA Indigenous Caucus.
Timely access to chiropractic care has been shown to reduce pain, improve mobility, decrease opioid dependence, and lower unnecessary imaging and surgeries, benefiting both patients and the broader healthcare system.
“Access to chiropractic care through the NIHB program is more than a health service — it’s about equity, community, quality of life, and reconciliation,” said Dr. David Peeace, Co-Chair, CCA Indigenous Caucus. “For too many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families, musculoskeletal pain limits participation in work, school, and community life. Including chiropractic care ensures people receive timely, culturally grounded, non-drug options to stay healthy, active, and engaged in their communities.”
This week, CCA members are in Ottawa to meet with Members of Parliament and federal officials to advocate for practical, evidence-based solutions that improve access to care for all Canadians.
CCA’s Key Priorities
- Expanding NIHB coverage to include chiropractic care for First Nations and Inuit communities.
- Extending student loan forgiveness to chiropractors to attract them to rural and underserved areas.
- Allowing chiropractors to certify the Disability Tax Credit, reducing delays for Canadians with disabilities.
- Improving access for Canadian Armed Forces members by removing referral requirements and treatment caps.
“We’re here to ensure that every Canadian — including those in First Nations and Inuit communities — has access to care that restores mobility, dignity, and quality of life,” said Dr. Russell Baron, CCA Board Chair. “This is not just a healthcare issue; it’s an issue of fairness and reconciliation. We’re ready to work with government and Indigenous leaders to make meaningful change.”
“The CCA is committed to ensuring all Canadians, regardless of where they live or their community, can access timely, evidence-based musculoskeletal care,” said Dr. Ayla Azad, CCA CEO. “Expanding NIHB coverage for chiropractic services is a critical step toward health equity, community well-being, reconciliation, and better outcomes for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.”
About the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA)
The Canadian Chiropractic Association represents over 8,000 Doctors of Chiropractic across Canada who treat and manage musculoskeletal conditions that impact the health of millions of Canadians. Every year, at least 4.7 million Canadians rely on chiropractors to help them manage the serious burden of musculoskeletal pain and disease. As one of Canada’s largest primary contact healthcare professions, chiropractors provide evidence-based, non-invasive, drug-free manual therapies.
Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus: Established under the CCA, the caucus supports Indigenous chiropractors and advocates for Indigenous patients’ rights to manual, non-pharmacological care. It focuses on addressing barriers to care and fostering cultural competency within the chiropractic profession.
-30-
Simone Lai, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, CCA
416-585-7902 X 247
Marla DiCandia, Senior Manager of Government Relations, CCA
416-585-7902 X 234