Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan 2026 Convention

Most Reverend Susai Jesu, OMI, Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas, will be our keynote presenter opening this year’s CHAS convention. Archbishop Susai brings a profound depth of pastoral experience, academic insight, and a heart for reconciliation to our gathering. He will set the tone for our time together with a foundational presentation on Mission, exploring how we can continue to strengthen and live out the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

Dr. James MacMillan

Physician lead for the SHA Palliative care Provincial Clinical Network Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan (Department of Family Medicine) Board Member of the Canadian Society of Palliative Medicine

Ryan Straschnitzki

Ryan Straschnitzki is a renowned keynote speaker, sharing his powerful story of survival and resilience after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Through his inspiring talks, Ryan motivates audiences by discussing mental toughness, overcoming adversity, and the importance of positivity in the face of life’s challenges.

As the founder of the Straz Strong Foundation and a Paralympic hopeful, Ryan’s mission is to use his platform to raise awareness about disabilities and inspire others to pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles.

Carrie Dornstauder, RN and Lecina Hicke, BA, CFRE

Carrie Dornstauder is a registered nurse with 27 years across urban, rural, and provincial healthcare. Now, she is Executive Director at St. Paul’s Hospital and Hospice at Glengarda. Carrie previously led Maternal and Children’s Provincial Programs for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, with a track record for building major projects like the Prince Albert NICU and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, plus doing trauma-informed work on child-apprehension prevention. Carrie is grounded in Catholic healthcare’s mission of dignity and community.

Lecina Hicke is the CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, leading a 14-person team and 15+ years at the intersection of philanthropy, healthcare, and governance. Lecina helped launch the Foundation’s new shared identity “Together, for Good” rooted in the Grey Nuns’ legacy, and drove two major campaigns.

Dr. Brian Chartier

Dr. Chartier is a clinical psychologist with over 40 years of experience in private practice, community service and postsecondary education at St. Thomas More College. He founded CASA Psychological Services in 1989, which has grown into a prominent group private practice in Saskatoon.

Dr. Christine G. Taylor, D. Min.

Dr. Christine Taylor oversees the Diocese of Prince Albert’s Pastoral Care and Mental Health Ministries, where she has served since 2020, equipping parishes to accompany the sick, the suffering, and those living with mental health challenges. She has also directed the Diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis since 2008, and since 2021 she has co-chaired the Diocese’s Synod implementation. She holds a D.Min. from St. Michael’s College, an M.Div. from Newman Theological College, and a B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan.

Breakout Sessions

Attendees can choose to either attend both breakout sessions or attend the Mount St. Joseph’s Tour.

Dr. Mary Heilman, PhD

Breakout Session: Constructing human centered health care in the age of Artificial Intelligence Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, participants will be invited to continue building on the ‘construction site’ of Catholic health care. This workshop aims to develop practical steps to ensure that AI is used to promote integral human development in our hospitals and care homes.

Michael MacFadden, NP

Breakout Session: What Makes a Good Last Chapter? This session will help us understand what matters most in end-of-life care. By exploring what dignity, comfort, faith, culture, family, and choice can look like near the end of life, participants will learn the importance of communication and relationships as the facilitators of compassionate, people-centred service.

Mont St. Joseph Home Tour

Discover Compassionate Care in Action: Mont St. Joseph Home Tour

Founded in response to a visionary request from Bishop Blais in 1953, Mont St. Joseph Home has grown from its original 1956 sanctuary into a recognized provincial leader in Dementia and Palliative Care. Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert, Mont St. Joseph stands as a beacon of compassionate care—anchored in Catholic ethics, Christian values, and a mission to serve the mind, body, and spirit.

On this special tour, you will step inside a vibrant community that puts personhood first. Discover how Mont St. Joseph weaves its faith-filled mission into everyday life through the Seven Domains of Well-Being: Identity, Growth, Autonomy, Security, Connectedness, Meaning & Joy.

Come see firsthand how history, faith, and forward-thinking care unite to create a place where residents don’t just reside—they truly thrive. Click here to view the virtual tour on their website.

Click Here to Visit Their Website

by Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan

Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan 2026 Convention

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