Food is a universal and powerful force. Every day, at every meal, it shapes our health, our communities, and the world we share.

The Canadian Plant-Based Nutrition & Health Conference brings together health professionals, researchers, and individuals to explore how plant-based nutrition can improve health outcomes while supporting people and planet.

Grounded in evidence. Designed for real-world living.

Open to all.

May 30, 2025 | Hybrid – Toronto + Online

Each year, the Conference serves as a national gathering point for learning, collaboration, and community building — translating research into practice and building momentum for sustainable health.

Impact highlights

• Bridges nutrition science, clinical practice, and lived experience

• Supports healthcare professionals with practical, evidence-based education

• Equips individuals with knowledge and confidence to support their health

• Connects personal health with planetary sustainability

• Fuels Plant-Based Canada’s year-round education, resource development, community collaboration.

For Health Professionals

Designed for physicians, dietitians, nurses, and allied health professionals seeking practical, evidence-based education they can apply immediately in practice.

• Patient-centred, clinically relevant content

• Applicable across disciplines and care settings

• Supports prevention-focused, lifestyle-informed care

For Individuals (non-health professionals)

Welcoming individuals interested in plant-based living, their health options, community support, and understanding how everyday choices impact personal and planetary health.

• Clear, evidence-informed learning

• Practical and accessible — not extreme or prescriptive

• Builds confidence in conversations with healthcare providers

For Not-for-Profit Organizations & Community Leaders

Connecting the conversation to our daily lives, communities and wider world with not-for-profit organizations and community leaders participating.

• Explore how plant-based nutrition intersects with community health, equity, and sustainability

• Learn from healthcare, policy, and community perspectives working toward shared goals

• Share your experience with a national network of organizations and leaders advancing sustainable health

Continuing Education Credits

The Conference is approved for Maintenance of Certification (MOC) from the American and International Boards of Lifestyle Medicine (ABLM/IBLM).

Program & Topics

Each year’s program reflects emerging research, clinical experience, and practical implementation. Program themes include:

• Plant-based nutrition in chronic disease prevention

• Translating evidence into patient-centred care

• Sustainable food systems and planetary health

• Addressing barriers, equity, and access in nutrition care

Conference Speakers

The Conference features a diverse range of speakers — including physicians, dietitians, researchers, educators, and community leaders — united by a commitment to evidence-based practice and practical solutions.

·       Dr Subhas Ganguli, MD – is a Gastroenterologistand an Associate Professor in Gastroenterology at McMaster University, certified in Lifestyle Medicine, and has a Plant-based Nutrition Certificate from the University of Cornell.

·       Dr Amar Laila, PhD – a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. He is a social scientist with a background in behavioural nutrition and food systems justice and transformation, and fellow on the EAT-Lancet 2.0 Commission on food system justice and sustainability.

·       Dr Becky Lee, ND – is a Naturopathic Doctor and Cancer Coach in Ontario with a special focus in cancer support during treatments, cancer prevention and women's health, and to have served on the Medical Advisory Board for the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada.

·       Dr Aleksandra Pikula, MD – is a vascular neurologist and lifestyle medicine physician whose work focuses on brain health, stroke prevention, and women’s brain health across the lifespan, also board‑certified in Internal Medicine and Neurology.

·       Dr Scott Stoll, MD – is an international thought leader in lifestyle medicine and board-certified physician specializing in sports and regenerative musculoskeletal medicine, who is co-founder of the Plantrician Project.

·       Riana Topan - is a program director with Humane World for Animals Canada and oversees Forward Food program, helping organizations across Canada to increase their offerings of plant-based options that are better for animals, the environment, and human health.

·       Dr Susan Wnuk, PhD – is a psychologist licensed to work with adults and a clinician in the University Health Network’s Bariatric Surgery Program, and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.

·       Rowena Leung, RD – is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and instructor at McMaster University Continuing Education. Rowena focuses on providing nutrition recommendations for oncology patients and patients who are managing weight through the use of GLP1s.

·       Amy Ford – Amy Ford is the Director of Planetary Health at Nourish, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming how food is served in healthcare settings, with a career focused in sustainable in-patient food services.

·       Fiona Parascandalo – holds an M.A. in Cultural Analysis and Social Theory and an M.Sc. in Environmental Practice, is the Research Coordinator and co-chairs the  Health Ontario Sustainable Food Services Committee at PEACH (Partnerships for Environmental Action by Communities within Healthcare systems).

·       Dr. Myles Sergeant, MD – Family Physician, Assistant Professor, McMaster University; Executive Director, Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care; Co-Founder, PEACH

·       Liza Zvereva, PhD(c) – Research & Project Manager, Green Initiative

·       Wendy Smith - Sourcing Manager, Mohawk Medbuy Corporation

Join us to learn, connect, and help shape a healthier future for people and planet.

Sustainable health is possible — and progress doesn’t require perfection.

FAQ