National Collaboration: ATCMA Meets with TCM Leaders Across Canada

ATCMA recently met with leaders of Traditional Chinese Medicine associations from across the country to discuss shared priorities and emerging challenges affecting our profession.

Participating in the discussion were:

• Gayle Macguire, AAATCMD (Alberta Association of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors)

• Heather Kenny, TCMO (Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario)

• Michele Joannette, Acupuncture Québec

• Dr. Melissa Carr, ATCMA 

The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen interprovincial collaboration and identify areas where our organizations can work together strategically and proactively.

Promoting TCM and Acupuncture Nationally

A key focus of the discussion was a joint effort to elevate public awareness of TCM and acupuncture across Canada. While each province operates within its own regulatory framework, we share common goals: protecting scope, strengthening professional recognition, and increasing public understanding of the unique value of TCM as a complete medical system.

Leaders discussed coordinated messaging opportunities and collaborative initiatives that would highlight the safety, effectiveness, and long-standing history of TCM. By aligning our communications where possible, we can amplify our collective voice nationally while respecting provincial differences.

Supporting Each Other’s Provincial Work

Another important theme was exploring practical ways to support one another’s advocacy efforts. Each province faces distinct regulatory and policy challenges, yet many issues overlap — including scope protection, integration within broader healthcare systems, insurance engagement, and government relations.

By sharing strategies, lessons learned, and policy developments, we strengthen each association’s ability to respond effectively within its own jurisdiction. National dialogue helps ensure we are not working in isolation but instead building a more coordinated and resilient profession across Canada.

Federal Student Grants and Private Educational Institutions

The group also discussed concerns surrounding proposed federal changes that may limit Canada Student Grant eligibility for students attending private educational institutions (https://atcma.org/blog/federal-government-cut-grants-to-students-attending-private-institutions). Given that many TCM programs in Canada are delivered through private institutions, the potential loss of federal student grant access could have significant implications for students, educational programs, and the long-term sustainability of the profession.

Association leaders exchanged information on developments within their respective provinces and discussed possible coordinated approaches to address this issue at the federal level.

Moving Forward Together

This national meeting reflects a growing commitment among provincial TCM organizations to collaborate more closely on matters of shared importance. While healthcare regulation remains provincial, many of the pressures affecting our profession — funding, education policy, product regulation, and public perception — extend beyond provincial borders.

ATCMA remains committed to ensuring that BC’s TCM community is both strongly represented provincially and actively engaged in national conversations that shape our future.

We will continue to keep members informed as collaborative initiatives develop.