Celebrating 40 years of the Occupational Therapy program

Join us as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Occupational Therapy training program!
Oct 1, 2026 — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The University of Ottawa’s Occupational Therapy program is proudly celebrating 40 years of history, innovation and impact!

Established by Anne Lang Étienne, the program has trained generations of committed professionals able to provide occupational therapy services in French throughout Ontario and elsewhere in Canada. This anniversary event is an opportunity to get together, celebrate the journey and reflect on the future of the profession. 

This event is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and partners: the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS),Desjardins, and the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapy (OSOT). We gratefully acknowledge their contribution to celebrating 40 years of excellence in occupational therapy education.

Register now
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Event details

Forty years is more than an anniversary—it reflects generations of students, educators, clinicians and partners who have helped advance occupational therapy education and practice. This celebration is an opportunity to recognize this shared achievement, reconnect with the program community and look ahead to the future of the profession.

Who should attend
  • Students
  • Alumni 
  • Professors
  • Occupational therapy professionals
  • Clinical partners
  • Administrative personnel
What to expect
  • Panel discussion featuring members of the occupational therapy community
  • Reflections on 40 years of the Occupational Therapy program and its impact
  • A guided tour of the program facilities inaugurated in 2023
  • Networking opportunities and light refreshments

Limited spots available — register early.

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Pier-Luc Turcotte, PhD in occupational therapy

Moderator

An occupational therapist and professor, Pier-Luc Turcotte combines expertise in community health and a critical sociopolitical perspective to promote inclusive practices and reduce exclusion of marginalized groups.

View Pier-Luc Turcotte’s profile.
Christine Girard, OT (QC), OT Reg. (Ont.)

Christine Girard, OT (QC), OT Reg. (Ont.)

Panellist

Two-time Olympian and occupational therapist Christine Girard draws on her journey of resilience and integrity to provide personal guidance focusing on meaning, equity and participation in daily life.

View Christine Girard’s website.
Jacinthe Savard, PhD

Jacinthe Savard, PhD

Panellist

Emerita professor and occupational therapist Jacinthe Savard is a committed researcher whose work has advanced French-language services and health-care training in minority language settings.

View Jacinthe Savard’s profile.
Estelle Ethier, MEd, MBA

Estelle Ethier, MEd, MBA

Panellist

Trained in occupational therapy, Estelle Ethier is a renowned leader in health and education. She is committed to the Franco-Ontarian community and has held strategic positions, most notably as CEO of Montfort’s Institut du Savoir and vice-president of Montfort Hospital.

View Estelle Ethier’s LinkedIn profile.
Paulette Guitard, PhD

Paulette Guitard, PhD

Panellist

Occupational therapy professor Paulette Guitard is an influential leader in the profession. Her top-level academic career and longstanding commitment to furthering the profession and to occupational therapy training are exceptional.

View Paulette Guitard’s LinkedIn profile.
Accessibility
If you require accommodation, please contact the event host as soon as possible: [email protected]
Date and time
Oct 1, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Format and location
In person
200 Lees (LEE), room 142
Language
French
Audience
Graduate students, Faculty and staff, Alumni, Community partners
Organized by
School of Rehabilitation Sciences
Register now

Continue the celebration with the upcoming Anne Lang-Étienne Memorial Lecture

The Anne Lang-Étienne Memorial Lecture is held to honour Anne Lang-Étienne’s memory and her lasting contributions to the profession. Each year, a distinguished speaker shares expertise and perspectives on topics that advance knowledge, professional practice, and leadership in occupational therapy and rehabilitation.

Dr. Ana Marques will present this year’s commemorative lecture marking the 40th anniversary of the Occupational Therapy Program.

Date: October 23
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Format: in person
Location: University of Ottawa, 200 Lees Ave., Room 142

Learn more about the Anne Lang-Étienne lecture.