• CAPA in the News
• What have we been up to?
• Get Involved!
• Useful Resources

CAPA in the News

CAPA’s new report, Medical Cannabis and Arthritis: Insights from the CAPA Project, shares patient-informed perspectives on accessing and using medical cannabis for arthritis care in Canada. Based on interviews conducted throughout 2025 with people living with different forms of arthritis, the report explores lived experiences related to benefits, barriers to access, costs, stigma, and challenges navigating the healthcare system. The report focuses on patient experiences and perspectives rather than clinical effectiveness.

What have we been up to?

Listen to our May 13 webinar on Understanding Drug Shortages and their impact on patients. The discussion featured Stephanie Di Trapani (Health Canada), Laurie Proulx and Linda Wilhelm (CAPA), and Araniy Santhireswaran as they explored the real-world impacts of medication shortages on people living with arthritis.

We have had many community members featured in the news including as part of the announcement of a national Arthritis Action Plan and our work around drug shortages. Listen to our President, Linda Wilhelm speak on CBC Moncton and NTV in Newfoundland about the nationwide Arthritis Acton Plan. Our report on drug shortages was also featured in the Pensions and Benefits Monitor, Pain News Network, and Canadian Healthcare Network.

Informed by CAPA’s community engagement and recent drug shortages report, we developed this patient-centred resource to help people prepare for and navigate medication shortages. Explore practical tips and insights shared by patients with lived experience.

CAPA is looking forward to participating in several key national meetings this spring including:

• European League of Associations of Rheumatology (EULAR) Congress where we will present our community-driven action plan on living independently with arthritis and patient partner training program
• Canadian Association of Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR) about patient engagement in health data stewardship to support patients accessing their own health data

We also presented at recent conferences about key areas important to people living with arthritis:

• Canadian Rheumatology Association annual meeting including presenting posters about Patient Support Programs and Life Hacks and Assistive Devices.
• Canadian Pain Society presentation about meaningful patient engagement.

You can learn about our involvement in past conferences by visiting the CAPA website.

Despite our best efforts and other organizations like the Canadian Medical Association, the federal government has implemented co-payments for refugees and immigrants to Canada. Learn more about current coverage and access on the Government of Canada website.

Get Involved!

What helps you stay connected to the activities, hobbies, and routines that matter most while living with arthritis? CAPA is looking to speak with people living with arthritis and caregivers about how they stay engaged in meaningful activities while navigating pain, fatigue, and other challenges. In partnership with McMaster occupational therapy students, this project will help develop practical, patient-informed resources grounded in lived experience. Participants will receive a $50 honorarium. All responses are confidential.👉 Sign up here.

How comfortable are you with sharing your health data for research and healthcare purposes? Researchers at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute are looking to better understand public perspectives on health data sharing through a short survey available in English. Complete the survey here.

CAPA is looking to speak with someone living with adult-onset Still’s Disease to inform a patient input submission to Canada’s Drug Agency. Individuals can share their experiences privately with CAPA Managing Director Laurie Proulx and will receive an honorarium in recognition of their time and expertise. Reach out to Laurie directly via e-mail.

People in Prince Edward Island are invited to share their perspectives as part of ongoing public consultations by the Department of Health and Wellness. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of  the province’s first Chronic Pain Strategy — a five-year plan to improve care, access, and support for people living with chronic pain. Learn about the dates of the consultation and how to get involved on their website! 

Useful Resources

Thinking about pregnancy and arthritis? Watch our webinar exploring medication decisions, planning for pregnancy, and navigating care before, during, and after pregnancy while living with arthritis. Hear insights from experts and people with lived experience. Watch the webinar here.

Stay connected with CAPA for the latest resources, events, and opportunities to get involved. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to keep up with what’s new — and feel free to share with others who may benefit.