October 20-21, 2025

Emera Innovation Exchange, Signal Hill Campus, Memorial University

St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Background

Long Covid Web and Memorial University of Newfoundland are pleased to announce the 2025 Canadian Symposium on Long COVID.

The Symposium will bring together people with lived experience of Long COVID, clinicians, trainees, allied health, researchers and others to discuss the latest innovations and scientific developments in Long COVID.

The overall learning objectives of the 3rd Canadian Symposium on Long COVID are:

Engage in sharing research, discussing challenges, and exploring solutions with clinicians, researchers, and persons with lived experience regarding Long COVID conditions.
Evaluate recent advancements in basic science and clinical studies related to Long COVID, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic targets.
Assess the significance of patient advocacy and partnership in driving impactful research and improved outcomes.

This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and approved by the Office of Professional & Educational Development, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University. You may claim a maximum of 10.75 hours (credits are automatically calculated).

Symposium Local Organizing Committee

Symposium Co-Chairs: Drs. Iram Anees and Mike Hall

LCW Operations Team: Dr. Caren Cao, Yalda Mehran, Vishaka Kumar, Nicholas Cagna, Farwa Naqvi

Scientific Committee: Drs. Jill Cameron, Gary Groot, Manali Mukherjee, Hiten Naik, Doug Gross

Family Physicians: Drs. Katherine Clarke, Andrea Vasquez Camargo, Rejina Kamrul

Indigenous Lead: Knowledge Keeper Beverly Hunter

Patient/Community Partners: Stacey Alexander, Beth Wood, Rebecca Lewkowicz

Trainees: Drs. Kieran Vasanthan, Anthony Duchenne, Selina Zhao, Sanampreet Gurm

*Note: Same-day in-person registration is not permitted. Virtual registration remains available.

*Note on Community Materials
We welcome Long COVID advocacy and support group resources at the Symposium. Since the event is accredited, all brochures, pamphlets, and other printed materials must be submitted in advance for review. Approved items will be placed on a designated table for attendees to browse.

Submit your materials here: Submission Form

Masking for Attendees
In line with our commitment to the health and safety of all participants, we highly recommend that all attendees wear masks during the Symposium. Masks will be provided at registration for those who need them. While masking is not currently mandated by provincial law for public events in Newfoundland & Labrador, this policy is part of our event safety measures. We also ask that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illness consider staying home if unwell. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment for all.

John Nychka - 2nd Canadian Symposium on Long COVID, 2024

Drs. Neeja Bakshi, Viet Vu, Marina Wasilewski, Lauren Singh, Grace Lam - 2nd Canadian Symposium on L

Dr. Angela Cheung - 2nd Canadian Symposium on Long COVID, 2024

John Nychka - 2nd Canadian Symposium on Long COVID, 2024

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Potential for Conflicts of Interest

The Scientific Planning Committee members have not received any payment or funding from the organizations supporting this program.
No committee member has any financial or commercial interest in any product or service being discussed during the program.
The supporting organizations had no influence on the selection of topics, speakers, or content of this program.

Dr. Michelle Lavoie (she/her) is a professional artist and curator, researcher, educator, and program developer. Her artmaking, curatorial practice, and arts-based, narrative, and community-based research is driven by her commitment to engage communities in creative, compelling and accessible ways to create dialogue and foster public understanding of complex issues. Her award-winning community art programs aim to support emerging artists and build resources and community resilience. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Queen’s) and Master of Fine Arts (Alberta), and Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies (Alberta). Michelle is a professional artist with 35+ years of international, national and regional exhibitions. Between 2015 and 2024, Michelle has curated several important public arts exhibitions to hold open safe, accessible, and engaging public spaces for previously silent stories to be seen and heard. A few significant exhibitions include: the Edmonton Queer History Project , Art Gallery of Alberta 2015: TREX Re-Imaging Normal for Alberta Foundation for the Arts that travelled to 22 venues (2018-20), viewership recorded at 51K; The 2SLGBTQ+ Intergenerational Art Project (2023-24), viewership estimated at 90K; Seeking Care: Imagining Alongside Youth Mental Health Stories (2024) viewership estimated at 60K. Michelle’s innovative work as a curator ties visual and narrative ways of thinking and knowing to mobilize community and research knowledge to support communities and educate publics.

Michelle Lavoie

Currator

James Sessford

This is my representation of how I see that the media, medical profession, and politicians/government have actively chosen to ignore COVID.

Living with LC- Episode 2: Coping with Anxiety, Fear, Loss, and Isolation

The experience of living with LC (and other chronic illnesses and disabilities) puts strains on one’s mental and emotional health as people navigate coping with anxiety (around health status, fear (of the unknown), loss (of self, occupation, identity, meaningful activity, purpose), and isolation (from previous relationships and community connections).

Brought to you by St. John's Rehab at Sunnybrook.

Living with LC- Episode 3: Navigating the (In)visibility of long COVID

LC has been conceptualized as an invisible disability due to its invisible symptoms and impairments (commonly, severe fatigue and brain fog) not visible to the eye. Like other invisible disabilities (e.g., anxiety, depression, chronic pain or fatigue, learning disabilities, etc.), people living with an invisible disability commonly experience perceived stigma that leads to discriminatory attitudes and practices across health and social care systems.

Brought to you by St. John's Rehab at Sunnybrook.

Living with LC- Episode 4: The Caregiving Experience

It is not just the person living with LC that experiences disruptions to their activities of daily living, occupational roles, leisure activities, social relationships, mental and emotional health, but also informal family caregivers who are often put into positions to support and care for their loved ones.

Brought to you by St. John's Rehab at Sunnybrook.

Living with LC- Episode 5: Finding Hope for the Future

People with LC and caregivers are in need of nurturing supportive healing spaces and practices as they navigate the unknowns and complexities of their LC care provisions. We hope this docuseries can inspire hope for a future that better acknowledges, supports, and cares for the LC community broadly.

Brought to you by St. John's Rehab at Sunnybrook.

2024 Art Gallery

Atlantic MeetUp

As part of this year’s 3rd Annual Symposium on Long COVID, we’re excited to host a dedicated Atlantic MeetUp in St. John’s, NL on October 21, 2025. We’re calling on health professionals, researchers, Long COVID Web members, public health workers, policy makers, caregivers, and people with lived experience from across Atlantic Canada—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador—to join us.

Whether you are involved in clinical care, research, policy, advocacy, or navigating Long COVID firsthand, this is your space to connect, share, and collaborate with others in the region.

All attendees, whether joining in person or virtually, must register for the MeetUp. This is a free session, though in-person space is limited.

Complete your registration here.

Venue

The Symposium is held at the Emera Innovation Exchange (EIX).

Address: 100 Signal Hill Rd, St. John's, NL A1A 1B1

Available Travel Discounts

Air Canada
Promo code: V4RPUWJ1 for a discount of 5%-10% on eligible fares

Valid for travel between October 13–28, 2025.

WestJet

Promo code: 6B8F0GP for a discount of 2%-10% on eligible fares

Valid for travel between October 14–28, 2025.

Porter

Promo code: CSLC25 for a discount 10% on eligible fares

Valid for travel between October 17–24, 2025.

Hotel Information
Please note: The deadline to access the discounted hotel rate has now passed. Standard booking rates may still be available directly through the hotel.

If you require accommodation during the conference, we've partnered with the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Free parking is available to all hotel guests.

To learn more about the hotel's amenities and location, visit the official website:

DoubleTree by Hilton Website

Things to Do Around the Hotel and Venue

Make the most of your time at the Symposium by exploring the vibrant surroundings! Whether you're looking to unwind after sessions or extend your stay for a bit of sightseeing, here are some attractions, restaurants, and activities within walking distance or a short ride from the hotel and venue:

We encourage you to take some time to explore and enjoy the local culture while you're here!

Free / Low-Cost Places to Visit in St. John's, Newfoundland

Signal Hill National Historic Site: Views of the city and harbor. Entry to the hill and trails is free, but there may be a fee for visitor centers.
The Rooms: Provincial museum and art gallery. Entry is free on Wednesdays from 6–9 PM.
George Street: Famous for nighttime socializing, but free to stroll and soak in the local vibe.
Quidi Vidi Village: A nice historic fishing village; free to walk around, with local art shops and a brewery.
Harbourside Park: A waterfront and watch boats; often features free events in summer.
Bowring Park: Large public park with walking trails, ponds, and sculptures. Good for picnics and nature walks.
East Coast Trail: Scenic hiking trails along the coast; free and suitable for various levels.
Johnson Geo Centre (Exhibit Gardens): Entry inside has a fee, but can explore the outdoor gardens for free.
Bannerman Park: A central park with splash pads and picnic areas often hosts free public events.
St. John's Farmers’ Market: Free to walk around and browse local crafts and foods on weekends.

Budget-Friendly Eats in St. John’s, Newfoundland

Breakfast:

Jungle Jim’s Eatery (Topsail Rd): Classic Newfie breakfast (toast, eggs & meat) from $4.99, full plates under $10.
Rocket Bakery & Fresh Food: French-style bakery/café on Water St. — bagels, fish-cake sandwiches, pastries, soups & wraps for around $5–$12.
Toslow (Duckworth St.): breakfast & lunch (homemade danishes, tofu rib subs, “banh mi‑style” egg sandwiches) $8–$15.
Fabulous Foods (Merrymeeting Rd.): turkey rolls, turkey pie, fish & chips, Newfie steak dinner; hearty meals under $15–20.
RJ Pinoy Yum (Ropewalk Lane): Filipino cuisine: lumpia, rice bowls, etc., all very affordable.

International + Takeout:

3 Sisters Vietnamese Subs: Banh mi-style subs noted for quality and value by locals.
Sushi Island: Combination sushi combos around $28, shareable between two people.

Registration is now open for the 3rd Canadian Symposium on Long COVID, taking place in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Only a few spots remain, so be sure to sign up soon through our dedicated Whova registration page. Once registered, you’ll be able to access event details, view the agenda, and connect with other attendees.

In-person tickets will be available until October 19, 20225. Virtual tickets will be available until the end of the Symposium.

1er Symposium canadien sur la COVID LONGUE

October 20-21, 2025