Regional Health Governance Study (RHGS) Research Program

An Interdisciplinary Research Workshop on Equity and Pandemic Governance

A collaborative research workshop convening scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to examine Canada’s contribution to equity-driven governance and pandemic preparedness across the Inter-American system.

Overview of the Symposium

Building on the success of the 2nd RHGS Research Symposium (April 29–30, 2024, TMU), this year’s event extends the conversation on how regional frameworks for health governance can strengthen equitable pandemic management, complement global health architectures, and advance the decolonization of global health law and policy.

Objectives of the 2026 Workshop

• Facilitate evidence-informed dialogue on Canada’s role in the Inter-American system
• Reflect on findings from the RHGS scoping review (2005–2025)
• Identify conceptual and methodological gaps in regional health governance
• Develop next-step pathways for RHGS research
• Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration among scholars and practitioners

Guiding Research Questions (RQ1 & RQ2)

RQ1: Between 2005–2025, has equity been deployed in regional and sub-regional governance frameworks?
RQ2: What is the extent, range, and nature of this deployment?

Central Themes of Discussion

• Canada’s role in equitable access to vaccines and health products (medicines, PPE) domestically;
• Canada’s role in equitable access to vaccines and health products internationally, with particular attention to the Inter-American system;
• Canada’s role in advancing norm formation for equitable pandemic management domestically, regionally, and globally.

Each discussion table will be supported by background materials, including excerpts from RHGS research outputs and relevant policy reports. Participants will deliberate on research findings, identify conceptual and methodological gaps, and explore actionable pathways for strengthening equitable regional health governance. Please see attached the draft program schedule for the symposium here.

Highlights from the 2026 RHGS Symposium