The over 2.3 million Canadians living with osteoporosis are the driving force behind Osteoporosis Canada’s mission to realize our vision of a Canada without osteoporotic fractures.

 As fewer than 20% of fracture patients in Canada currently undergo diagnosis or adequate treatment for osteoporosis – our commitment to establishing more FLSs is resolute as it is the only intervention that has been proven to have a meaningful impact (i.e., with at least a two-fold improvement) on the post-fracture osteoporosis care gap.

 We celebrate the establishment of over 50 FLS locations in Canada, but there is much more work to be done.  There should be an FLS at every fracture clinic in the country, to ensure that all fragility fracture patients (outpatients and inpatients) receive the osteoporosis care they need to help prevent their imminent next fracture.

 Our clinicians and researchers – volunteer members of the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) diligently finalized their work on the upcoming release of the new Clinical Practice Guidelines while continuing to assist in participating in presentations, programming, podcasts and more.

 We recognize and celebrate the work of our guidelines authors as they diligently completed this arduous work while at the same time managing their clinical duties as we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Osteoporosis Canada 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines will provide up to date, evidence-based diagnosis, evaluation and management of osteoporosis and will guide optimal osteoporosis clinical care in Canada.

 As we move forward as an organization, development of a refreshed strategic plan is underway by the strategic planning committee comprised of members from the Board of Directors, Osteoporosis Canada Executive, SAC and COPN members. 

 The refreshed strategic plan will document what Osteoporosis Canada hopes to achieve over the next five years and how this can be undertaken.   The unprecedented transformation in the health care system – a transformation that will likely be driven by government policy to address funding shortages, accessibility, growing electronic health information that is shared between health professionals, and the need for a resilient healthcare workforce that provides high-quality, effective, and safe health care services will be considered and addressed within the refreshed strategic plan.  A thoughtful strategy implementation plan developed and executed by Osteoporosis Canada leadership will follow and be delivered over a five year period.  

 Osteoporosis Canada is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and is actively working to create a culture where these principles are fully embraced and practiced. Since mid-2020, with a global awakening to racial equality and social justice, Osteoporosis Canada has increased its efforts to create a culture of inclusion and belonging for those who are traditionally marginalized. In the first year of this important work, the focus was to inform and educate on anti–black racism and systemic bias with this past fiscal year focusing on 2SLGBTQ+ education, awareness, and sensitivity training.

 Lastly, our programs, support services and advocacy have been enthusiastically supported by partners, donors, volunteers, supporters and staff resulting in another fiscal year of successes and increased reach and significant impact across the country.

 The work of the organization focused on education, advocacy, outreach and the development of resources or tools would not be possible without the continued generosity and investment of donors, partners, funders and volunteers.

 You make it possible for us to do the work to support Canadians in their bone health and in managing osteoporosis and their risks of related fractures. We are deeply grateful for the continued support. Together, we will make Canadians unbreakable.

Thank you.