Program: Thursday, October 23

Beyond Diagnosis: How Spiritual Health Moves Moments of Distress into Mantles of Meaning

In the clinically focussed and stressful world of healthcare, attention is often solely focused on physical and emotional/mental health—but what about the state of our spiritual health?  This keynote explores the essential role of spiritual care in supporting patients and staff alike. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what spiritual health is, how it differs from mental health, and why it matters for everyone in the clinical environment.

Through engaging insights and real-world stories, this talk will highlight how spiritual care providers help patients navigate questions of meaning, purpose, and existential distress, while also supporting staff through the emotional and ethical challenges of caregiving and their own lives. Learn how spiritual health practitioners work with people of all faiths—or none—integrating with personal belief systems when appropriate and facilitating collaboration across the entire healthcare team.

Join Jeff to discover the power of spiritual care in enhancing well-being, fostering resilience, and improving outcomes for both patients and healthcare professionals. Walk away with a renewed appreciation for the spiritual dimension of health—and practical ideas for supporting it in your professional life.

Jeffrey Chant, B.A., M.Div., M.Ed., is a seasoned executive leader, keynote speaker, and counsellor with over 30 years of experience spanning nonprofit, corporate, and consulting sectors. Known for bridging organizational performance with human-centered leadership, he has led organizations through growth and renewal while fostering cultures of trust and inclusion. Jeff has served as CEO of Hospice Halifax, Vice President at Petrominerales Ltd., and founder of Arbinger Canada and Bermuda. With academic training in business, psychology, education, and theology, Jeff brings a systems-oriented perspective that helps organizations align people with purpose and thrive. He is a sought-after speaker recognized for integrating vision, empathy, and strategic insight.

Saying Goodbye: Preparing for Death

How can we talk about death? What is a good death? Does the body need help to die? What quality of life is enough for us? Where do we want to die? What is a conscious death? Could we have one?

Through stories from professionals who have spent their careers at the besides, Saying Goodbye opens the door to good conversations about what is possible as we pass from this life, and what that may look like for us and our loved ones.

Panel Speakers:

Dr. Lindsay Eggen, M.D., CCFP, Palliative Care Physician, Marysia Riverin, MA, RCC, CASC Certified Spiritual Health Practitioner and Certified Psychospiritual Therapist, Johanna Lunn, Award-winning producer, director, and writer

Experts in the film:

Rev. David Meginley, M.Div; Rev. Olivia Bareham; Dr. Ann Marie Chiasson, MD; Julie McFadden, RN; Dr. Penny Sartori, PhD; Dr. Peter Fenwick, MD; Sue Brayne, MA; Dr. Anthony Bossis, PhD; Dr. Andrew Holecek, DDS; Jill Schock, MTS; Dr. Laurie Mallery, MD; Dr. Paige Moorhouse, MD; William Peters, MA, MEd

Johanna J. Lunn Bio

Award-winning producer, director, and writer Johanna Lunn has contributed to many compelling, entertaining, and profoundly thought-provoking programs during her 35+ years in the business. In addition to film festival awards, her work has received eight Gemini (aka Canadian Screen Award) nominations and won three. She has also produced or directed films for the National Film Board of Canada, CTV, IFC Canada, Sky TV, BOS, Yle, Netflix, and the W Network. Her work has been shown around the world. Johanna is the co-founder of the When You Die Project, which includes a resource rich website – WhenYouDie.org – with podcasts, stories, and an award-winning documentary trilogy.