2026 AGM highlights: CMA’s commitment to members, new president Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi

Press Release

June 3, 2026

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) reaffirmed its commitment to members and the communities they serve during its May 29 Annual General Meeting, with board chair Dr. André Bernard and CEO Alex Munter highlighting how the organization is supporting the profession in a complex and evolving health care system.

Hearing from physicians remains central to this commitment and to shaping the CMA’s advocacy. Over the past year, the CMA has expanded its engagement with the profession through the President’s Tour, regional forums and other channels, to ensure its work reflects members’ evolving priorities.

“Our credibility and influence as a national voice depend on being grounded in your lived experience. The stronger the connection to you, our members, the stronger our advocacy becomes.” — Dr. André Bernard, CMA board chair

Other new efforts include the creation of a professional practice department, reflecting a sharper focus on supporting physicians in their day-to-day work, alongside broader work to modernize the member experience and better demonstrate the value of CMA membership across career stages and practice settings.

As health care grows more complex, the CMA is working with partners to deliver on its Impact 2040 priorities in support of physicians — improving access to primary care, addressing physician burnout, tackling false health information, advancing Indigenous health, supporting planetary health and exploring the changing role of AI.

In closing, Dr. Bernard thanked members for their continued contributions and encouraged them to “help us keep pushing for what’s right.”

Incoming president Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi sets out vision for the year ahead

The AGM also marked the transition to incoming president Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a dermatologist from Newfoundland and Labrador, and the first Black physician to take on the role. In addition to his practice in St. John’s, he provides specialist care in rural Labrador — experience that has shaped his focus on equity and meeting patients where they are.

In his remarks, Dr. Ogunyemi underscored the enduring values that unite physicians: a shared commitment to patient care and a responsibility to continually improve how that care is delivered. Drawing on his work in both urban and rural settings, he emphasized the importance of connection in medicine — with patients, families and communities — and of strengthening community-based care.

He also reflected on health equity, speaking to the importance of representation in leadership, partnership and advancing more equitable care — emphasizing that each physician has a role to play in shaping a profession that reflects the communities it serves, and in building a more patient-centred future.

“A health system that’s meant to work for everyone must be shaped by and reflect people of all backgrounds,” he said.

In approving the  slate of nominees for CMA leadership roles, member delegates at the meeting confirmed Yellowknife emergency physician Dr. Courtney Howard as CMA president-elect. She will assume the presidency at the 2027 AGM on June 3, following Dr. Ogunyemi’s term.

Members highlight key issues and perspectives

Members raised a range of issues during the Q&A session, including the role of AI in practice, the need to ensure patient safety, ethical standards and appropriate oversight in its use and how the CMA can best support physicians in integrating these tools, as well as the role of grants and funding in advancing shared priorities.

Broader system challenges were also a key focus, including physician workforce shortages, access to care and pressures on emergency departments, as well as pathways for internationally trained physicians. In addition, members highlighted the importance of equity, culturally safe dialogue and continued engagement in shaping the CMA’s advocacy and priorities.

Bylaw updates anticipated as governance work continues

While no bylaw changes were brought forward at this year’s meeting, leadership noted that governance modernization is underway, with amendments expected to be presented at the 2027 AGM as part of the CMA’s efforts to better respond to member needs.

A member-submitted proposal for national election of the president-elect is also under consideration, with further updates to be shared.

IHT4