In this month’s newsletter:

Happy New Year!

As we welcome 2026, CAPA President Linda Wilhelm reflects on our accomplishments in 2025, the challenges and joys of living with arthritis, and the work that continues to support our community. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our long-time Vice-President, Dawn Richards, who stepped down from her role with CAPA in November. Her dedication and contributions have meant so much to our community and to our personal lives.

 

What have we been up to?

CAPA hosted a Lived Experience Webinar, offered in French, on January 21, 2026, where a diverse panel discussed navigating treatment options while living with arthritis. The webinar featured Marie-Eve Veilleux (moderator), patient panelists Kelly-Maude Amaral and Marie-Eve Gauron, as well as rheumatologist Dr. Catherine Ivory and Dr. Karine Toupin April, an occupational therapist and researcher. The webinar recording is available on CAPA’s YouTube channel.

Your voice at the policy table

CAPA is advocating to ensure that people living with arthritis have a strong, visible voice. We’ve shared patient perspectives about the:

      • renewal of the Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health care
      • draft public drug plan listing for a medication for Giant cell arteritis
      • proposed Bill 2 in the province of Quebec
      • support to re-introducing legislation about health data interoperability.

CAPA director, Laurie Proulx, also spoke at a Quebec industry forum about accessing to medications for children and youth – you can read the speaking notes on the CAPA website.

New Book by CAPA board member!​

CAPA Board Member Lucy Kovalova-Woods has written a new e-book called “Stronger Than Barriers: Navigating Career Transition for People with Disabilities: Reinvent Yourself with Visible, Invisible or Dynamic Disability.” This practical guide supports individuals with disabilities as they navigate career changes – learn more by visiting the CAPA website. ​

Global Patient Charter Task Force
We are pleased to recognize Board member Therese Lane for her role on the Task Force that developed the Global Patient Charter on Social Participation. Therese represented CAPA and was the only Canadian member involved. Learn more about the charter on the CAPA website.
Chronic Pain Network meeting
CAPA’s President, Linda Wilhelm, and board members Jenny Lorca and Therese Lane attended a meeting with the Chronic Pain Network (CPN). Linda presented her work co-developing MPaCT, a new assessment tool for pain and Jenny and Therese are both on CPN committees. Learn more about their contributions on the CAPA website.
Getting a Diagnosis of Arthritis

 

On November 21st, we held a Lived Experience Webinar about Getting a Diagnosis of Arthritis featuring a wide range of excellent speakers. If you missed it, you can access the recording and infographic with key take-aways below and on our website.

Get Involved

Survey about living with Lupus
Do you live with Lupus? Lupus Ontario is inviting patients or caregivers to provide feedback on their experience living with lupus through its new 2025 survey. Please consider sharing your experiences by completing the survey.
Are you a patient partner in pain research? 
Do you live with chronic pain and have been involved in research as a patient partner? If so, consider taking part in a survey to share your experiences with researchers at the University of Western Ontario. 

Useful Resources

Guidelines on Monitoring Hydroxychloroquine​
Do you take hydroxychloroquine for your rheumatic condition? The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) has issued a position statement on hydroxychloroquine monitoring for retinal toxicity or potential damage to the retina (a light-sensing layer at the back of the eye). Learn more about their position statement on the CRA website. 
Breathing and Gentle Movement
Did you miss the physical activity session at our Annual General Meeting? No worries, you can do this gentle movement practice on your own whenever you’d like by accessing the recording on the CAPA website or YouTube channel. Don’t forget to check out the “Just One Move” website that provides helpful tips for moving while living with arthritis. 
Putting the Pieces Together Conference Recordings
Want to access some resources developed by and for people with pain? Look no further than the recordings from Putting the Pieces Together Conference which featured many CAPA community members, like Jenny Lorca, Alex Haagard, and Therese Lane! 
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