The Centre for Community Research, Learning and Action (CCRLA) is an interdisciplinary research centre located in Laurier’s Faculty of Science. Our work is focused on developing community partnerships and producing research, learning and action that advances community well-being and social justice. CCRLA facilitates community-based research by brokering linkages between community partners, and Laurier student and faculty researchers. 

CCRLA provides an activity centre for community-focused and engaged research, social policy development and community action. We bring together researchers, students and community members to advance knowledge, inform practice, and promote community well-being and social change. The defining feature of the centre is its commitment to collaborative processes between university, community, industry and policy partners that honour the unique wisdom and skills of the non-academic community.

The Centre for Community Research, Learning and Action (CCRLA) acknowledges and appreciates the partial financial support of the Faculty of Science.

May 12, 2026
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Conference Highlights 

Laurier Hosts the 2026 Canadian Community Psychology Conference and Celebrates 50 Years of the Discipline

By: Erin Dekker and Ciann L. Wilson

Over 180 people gathered on Laurier’s Waterloo campus for the three‑day 2026 Canadian Community Psychology Conference. This was the first Canadian community psychology conference hosted by Laurier in a decade, and it marked the 50th anniversary of Laurier’s Community Psychology program, the largest English‑language program of its kind in Canada.

The conference theme, Community‑Based Research and Practice in Canada and Beyond: Hope in the Times of Polycrisis, framed the gathering as a celebration and gathering space to tackle some of the world’s most pressing and intersecting issues. More than 90 presenters from across North America, the Caribbean, and continental Africa shared their interdisciplinary research and practice from fields such as social work, child and youth studies, psychology, urban health, etc. The conference served as a space for connection among community‑based leaders, practitioners, student trainees and community partners, with a clear goal: to reinvigorate a Canadian Community Psychology network and strengthen interdisciplinary scholarship, practice and community work across Canada and beyond.

Over three days, attendees participated in workshops, attended presentations, and engaged with community organizations. Program features included an evening gala with musical entertainment provided by the KW Sentro choir and DJ Ketan (Shankardass), community partner site visits, a local vendor market, and a mix of panel, lightning, artistic and poster presentations.

A memorial address was given for the late Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky. Keynote discussions included a panel of founding leaders in community psychology from Laurier and other Canadian universities, reflecting on the history of the field and sharing advice for emerging community psychologists. An alumni panel highlighted the impact of community psychology graduates in their communities and workplaces. Two town‑hall collaborative sessions invited participants to discuss strategies and next steps for reinvigorating a Canadian Community Psychology network.

Accessibility was an important aspect of the program, with microphones in presentations, captioning support, low-stimulation sensory rooms, and accessible and all‑gender washrooms were clearly labelled. A medicines space in a courtyard offered participants a place to engage with healing practices.

The conference was made possible through the support of graduate and undergraduate students, as well as support from partner universities: Université du Québec à Montréal, University of Ottawa, Toronto Metropolitan University and Brock University and funders included the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Connection Grant Program and SSHRC Canada Research Chair Program, Wilfrid Laurier University’s Office of Research Services, Alumni Association, Faculty of Science and Department of Psychology.

Building on the momentum of the conference, a special issue of the American Journal of Community Psychology will focus on the contemporary landscape of community psychology while acknowledging 50 years of these conversations in Canada and beyond. The call for proposals is active now, and invites scholarship and practice that highlights how communities, especially those facing marginalization and structural oppression, cultivate hope, resilience and collective action in response to intersecting crises. Abstract submissions are due July 31 2026.

More information and submission details.

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