Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day

Read our 2025 press release here.

Celebrating Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day 2025: Bridging Generations in Orthopaedic Care

Wednesday, March 26, 2025, marks a significant event in the Canadian healthcare calendar — the Fourth Annual Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day.

This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Generations in Orthopaedic Care,’ emphasizes the importance of mentorship between senior surgeons and early-career surgeons to address the challenges of an aging population. Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day was created to be a beacon of raising awareness on current situations in orthopaedic care to those who practice it, health authorities and policy makers.

This year, we emphasize ‘Bridging Generations in Orthopaedic Care,’ encouraging collaboration between experienced surgeons and the newer generation to enhance patient outcomes across Canada.

We’re encouraging engagement in a multifaceted campaign designed to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and inspire action:

  • Online Advocacy: Share your support and insights on social media using the hashtags #CdnOrthoDay and #OrthoCareCanada.
  • Government Engagement: Reach out to your local federal and provincial representatives. Invite them to visit your institutions, offering them a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities in orthopaedic care within your community.

As Canada’s population ages, the demand for orthopaedic care is rising. As of July 1, 2024, 7.8 million Canadians were 65 or older, and by 2036, seniors could make up a quarter of the population. Mobility disabilities are a growing concern, with 10.6% of Canadians aged 15+—over 3.1 million people—reporting mobility challenges, and 63% of seniors experiencing mobility issues. Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions remain a leading cause of disability, affecting pain, mobility, and flexibility in older adults.

Fast Facts About Orthopaedic Care Today

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The Urgent Need for Dialogue: A Statistical Overview

Without investments in orthopaedic care, mentorship for early-career surgeons, and collaboration with allied health professionals, Canada risks longer wait times, increased disability rates, and reduced quality of life for seniors.

Mobility disabilities are a growing concern

  • In 2022, 10.6% of Canadians aged 15 and over—over 3.1 million people—reported a mobility-related disability. Among seniors aged 65+, 63% experience mobility disabilities.

Canada’s aging population is rapidly increasing

  • As of July 1, 2024, 7.8 million Canadians were 65 years or older. By 2036, seniors could represent up to 25% of the total population.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions remain a leading cause of disability

  • Pain, mobility restrictions, and flexibility impairments are among the most reported disabilities among older adults.

Demand for orthopaedic care is rising

  • As the population ages and mobility challenges increase, access to timely orthopaedic care will be critical to maintaining quality of life, independence, and mobility for millions of Canadians.