33rd ANNUAL
RESPIRATORY hEALTH sYMPOSIUM
Continuing education for respiratory health professionals & students.
Join healthcare professionals, respiratory therapists, patients, caregivers, students, and advocates from across Atlantic Canada for NB Lung’s 33rd Annual Respiratory Health Symposium. This annual event provides an opportunity to learn from leading experts in respiratory health while exploring the latest evidence, innovative programs, and emerging public health approaches that are improving lung health.
This year’s symposium will feature presentations on Smoke-Free Generation policy, the impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs in New Brunswick, the success of Prince Edward Island’s smoking cessation initiatives, and Cannabis Harm Reduction strategies to support informed conversations and reduce health risks.
These sessions will highlight practical, evidence-based approaches to prevention, treatment, and health promotion that can be applied across a variety of healthcare settings. Designed as a valuable continuing education opportunity, the symposium supports the professional development of respiratory care providers, nurses, physicians, allied health professionals, students, and others working in respiratory health. Eligible healthcare professionals may earn continuing education credits through their participation.
33rd Annual Respiratory Health Symposium, September 11th 2026
Chris Lam, President & CEO BC Lung Foundation
Smoke Free Generation Policy in Canada
Chris Lam has been with the BC Lung Foundation for nearly two decades and is recognized as a leading voice in lung health advocacy. An experienced health advocate, fundraiser, and non-profit leader, Chris has spent the last decade advancing innovative approaches to tobacco and vaping prevention, smoking cessation, and patient-centred lung health. He has played a key role in championing evidence-based tobacco control policies, including Smoke-Free Generation legislation, and is passionate about creating a future where the next generation can grow up free from commercial tobacco addiction.
Heather McIver, Manager of Health Promotion, PEI’s Chief Public Health Office
Tobacco Cessation in PEI
Heather McIver (she/her) is the Manager of Health Promotion in PEI’s Chief Public Health Office. This unit is responsible for upstream health promotion in physical activity, healthy eating, mental wellbeing, reducing harms from alcohol and cannabis, and prevention of commercial tobacco/nicotine use as well as cessation. Heather is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Applied Human Nutrition from Mount St. Vincent University and Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition from UPEI and has over a decade of experience in front line healthcare and 5 of those years also as a smoking cessation provider. Heather is passionate about health promotion and in her personal life can be found enjoying the food culture of PEI.
Lisa Curtis, RRT, CRE
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programming in New Brunswick
Lisa Curtis is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with 25 years’ experience in acute and chronic respiratory care. She has served as a Clinical Coordinator for the Student-Infused Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at NBCC since September of 2021. Her leadership and clinical experience plays a vital role in guiding students and advancing respiratory health outcomes.
Naida Keetch, BSc, RRT, CRE
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programming in New Brunswick
Naida Keetch is a Registered Respiratory Therapist with experience in both acute and chronic respiratory care since 2007. She joined New Brunswick Community College in September 2024 and now serves as Clinical Coordinator for the student‑infused Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. Naida’s work blends the delivery of respiratory care in a school‑based setting with mentoring students as they gain real‑world rehabilitation experience in a supportive environment.
NB Lung is a charity organization that runs on donations from generous patrons like you. If you would like to support NB Lung so that we can continue offering free services like this, please consider donating.
You can view a recording of the 2025 Symposium below.
NB Lung has been helping New Brunswickers breathe easier since 1933.
Thank you for your support!
Page Last Updated: 28/02/2023