Looking Back at CLEAR's 2026 Regional Symposia Series

This spring, CLEAR's Regional Symposia Series brought regulators together in Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax to explore a shared theme: Regulating in a Political World. More than 220 regulators and regulatory stakeholders joined us across the three events, and while each region brought its own distinct context to the conversation, a common thread emerged across all three programs: regulators are being asked to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and remain grounded in public protection while operating in increasingly complex environments. 

Vancouver: Responding to System-Wide Change 

In British Columbia, the conversation centered on a regulatory landscape undergoing rapid transformation. Recent legislative reforms, increased government oversight, and amalgamations have fundamentally changed how many regulators operate. Discussions focused on adapting to new governance structures, building productive relationships with government, and maintaining public trust through periods of significant organizational change. The program also challenged attendees to think more broadly about public protection. Conversations around cultural safety, reconciliation, and equity emphasized that these are not separate from public protection; they are part of it. A key message emerged throughout the day: effective government relations require intention, trust, and credibility. As one speaker put it, regulators need to “have a plan, be helpful, and build trust.”  

Toronto: Navigating an Evolving Regulatory Environment 

Toronto explored how shifting government priorities, public expectations, and political pressures are increasingly influencing regulatory decision-making and operational realities. Sessions examined labour mobility reform, navigating government-regulator relationships, and professional speech, but the discussion consistently returned to a broader question: how can regulators remain responsive without losing sight of their core mandate? Rather than searching for definitive answers, speakers encouraged attendees to embrace complexity, strengthen relationships, and communicate clearly about the role regulation plays in serving the public interest. The practical examples and candid discussions reinforced that adaptability has become an essential regulatory competency. 

Halifax: Collaboration as Capacity 

Atlantic Canada brought a different perspective to the conversation. While regulators in the region are also experiencing significant legislative and organizational change and an end to the purest forms of self-regulation, the defining theme in Halifax was collaboration. Discussions focused on how strong regional relationships have enabled regulators to modernize registration processes, support workforce mobility, and share expertise while maintaining a steadfast commitment to public protection. Throughout the day, collaboration emerged not simply as a professional courtesy, but as a practical strategy for building capacity, responding to change, and ensuring smaller organizations are not tackling complex challenges alone. 

Different Conversations, Shared Lessons 

Although each symposium reflected its regional context, the conversations shared more in common than they differed. Again and again, participants returned to the importance of strong relationships: with governments, registrants, educators, employers, Indigenous communities, fellow regulators, and the public. Trust isn't built through a single decision or communication strategy; it's built over time through consistency, transparency, and a willingness to listen and adapt. 

Perhaps the clearest takeaway from the series is that more than ever, the communication and building strong, reciprocal relationships is key to regulating in a political world, especially when short-term political cycles and governmental priorities impact long-term regulatory goals. Whether forging new regulator-government relationships amid legislative reform in British Columbia, navigating changing expectations in Ontario, or leveraging collaboration with multiple system partners in Atlantic Canada, regulators are finding new ways to uphold public protection while adapting to an increasingly dynamic environment. 

Planning for the 2027 Regional Symposia Series is already underway. In addition to returning to Toronto and Halifax, CLEAR will host a US-based Regional Symposium for the first time since 2016 (Vancouver, we’ll see you in September for the 2027 Annual Educational Conference). Keep an eye on CLEAR’s Events Calendar for more information dates, locations, and next year’s symposia theme. 

We look forward to continuing these conversations in 2027.