On May 6–7, 2025, over 100 attendees from across Canada gathered at The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto for the first fully in-person AWCBC All Committees Meeting since the pandemic. For more than 20 years, this annual event has brought together AWCBC’s committees to collaborate on annual work plans and share knowledge across the organization. While the past four years of virtual meetings allowed for continued engagement and broad participation, this return to an in-person format reenergized the event, offering the opportunity to reconnect, spark new ideas, and engage in dynamic discussions face to face.
The two-day meeting began with an inspiring keynote presentation by Leo Chan, Founder of Abound Innovation Inc. In his talk, titled “Unleashing the World of Possibilities,” Leo introduced the concept of the beginner’s mindset as a powerful tool for creativity and innovation. He encouraged attendees to recognize the limits of the expert mindset, which often narrows thinking, and instead embrace the openness and curiosity of a beginner’s perspective. Through insightful examples and practical strategies, Leo challenged participants to break away from habitual ways of problem-solving and unlock new possibilities through a mindset shift. His presentation set an energizing tone for the discussions that followed.
Building on that momentum, the morning continued with a facilitated session focused on committee restructuring, led by Donna Miller-Wallace, Director of Corporate Strategy and Planning at WorkSafeNB. Donna skillfully guided attendees through a collaborative process designed to evaluate and reimagine the structure of AWCBC’s committees. Her facilitation created space for open dialogue and thoughtful input, helping to ensure that future committee work is strategically aligned and effectively supported. The day concluded with a celebration reception, offering a valuable opportunity for colleagues from across jurisdictions to reconnect, network, and reflect on a productive and inspiring first day.
The second day of the meeting was dedicated to 2025 committee planning. With clear goals in mind and insights carried over from Day 1, each committee worked to define its priorities and direction for the year ahead. A special highlight on Day 2 was the presentation of the 2025 Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to AWCBC and the advancement of workers’ compensation in Canada. This year, two individuals were honoured for their exemplary leadership and service: Cheryl Tucker and Kirk Dieckmann. Their dedication reflects the values at the heart of AWCBC’s collaborative work and the ongoing commitment to excellence across jurisdictions.
The 2025 All Committees Meeting was a resounding success, reinforcing the unique value of in-person collaboration and setting a strong foundation for the year to come. AWCBC extends its sincere thanks to all who attended and contributed to the event’s success. We look forward to continuing this important work together throughout the year and building on the connections and momentum sparked in Toronto.