Annual National Formation (ANF)
Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
Thursday, June 25 to Saturday, June 27, 2026
Register Now for the ANF 2026!
Join us in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from Thursday, June 25 to Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Mount Saint Vincent University for an extraordinary Annual National Formation! As we celebrate 180 years of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Canada, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow Vincentians, attend inspiring workshops, and gain valuable formation to support our mission of compassion in action.
Early bird registration is now open, offering a discounted rate for those who sign up before June 1st. You can also reserve on-site accommodations and special sightseeing tours of Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg directly through the registration form.
Don’t miss this chance to recharge your spiritual batteries and help shape the future of our service to neighbors in need.
ANF Details
Program and Workshops
Program
The ANF features a dynamic program designed to inspire, inform, and connect Vincentians from across Canada.
Participants can expect plenary sessions, guest speakers, national updates, and opportunities for discussion and networking. The program also includes the Annual General Assembly (AGA) for eligible voting members.
Workshops
Workshops are a key part of the ANF, offering practical learning and meaningful discussion on topics that support our mission and respond to current needs.
Sessions cover areas such as Vincentian spirituality, social justice, reconciliation, fundraising, and accessibility, providing participants with tools and insights to strengthen their work in their communities.
LIMITED EDITION Anniversary T-Shirt
Order your LIMITED EDITION Anniversary T-Shirt !
This beautiful commemorative T-shirt is a meaningful memento of our Society’s proud and storied history in Canada. It is available for pre-order for ANF participants!
Guarantee your size, reserve yours today for pickup at the ANF – Click here to order
A limited quantity will be available onsite at the ANF.
Note: This exclusive T-shirt is also available for order in our boutique – shipping charges will be applied.
Keynote Speakers
The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard
The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard,
PhD, C.M., O.N.S.
Senator – Nova Scotia (East Preston)
Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard is the first African Nova Scotian woman to be appointed to the Senate of Canada, representing the province of Nova Scotia. Senator Bernard is a proud resident of East Preston, where she lives with her daughter Candace, son-in-law David and grandsons Damon and Gavin. Senator Bernard champions issues impacting African Canadians and people living with disabilities. She is particularly invested in human rights, employment equity, and mental health. Through her involvement in community projects, her social work career, her time with Dalhousie School of Social Work, and now her work in the Senate, Senator Bernard has maintained a deep dedication to social justice and racial justice. Senator Bernard advocates for reparations for the historical and continued anti-Black racism impacting the lives of African Canadians.
Gregg Colburn
Gregg Colburn
Associate professor of real estate
University of Washington’s College of Built Environments
Gregg Colburn publishes research on topics related to housing and homelessness and is co-author of the book Homelessness is a Housing Problem: How Structural Factors Explain U.S. Patterns. Gregg holds an MSW and PhD from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Northwestern University. Prior to academia, he worked as an investment banker and private equity professional. Gregg is co-chair of the University of Washington’s Homelessness Research Initiative and is a member of the National Alliance to End Homelessness Research Council.
Travel to Mount Saint Vincent University and Campus Parking
We’ve partnered with select providers to offer our members special discounts on air travel and taxi services for the ANF: Travel Discounts – ANF 2026 .
Parking on campus is free for ANF participants.
Accommodation
Accommodation can be reserved with the registration form.
One on-site accommodation option is available at Mount Saint Vincent University.
- Prices include breakfast and taxes
4-Bedroom Suite
Each suite includes a kitchen, living room, two full bathrooms, and four single bedrooms.
Single Bedroom Rate:
$70 per night (maximum 1 guest per room)
Each single bedroom includes:
- One single bed
- Shared suite with three other bedroom
- Shared bathroom with one other bedroom
- Wi-Fi internet access
- Breakfast
Tours - Wednesday June 24
Tours can be reserved with the registration form.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the most beautiful attractions of Halifax before the official start of the ANF!
Option 1 ($100) : Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg guided bus tour (limited seats available)
This full day (6 hour) sightseeing tour includes a visit to the quintessential fishing village of Peggy’s Cove and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg – home to the iconic Bluenose II.
Tour Schedule:
- 9:00 am – Depart MSVU on a 56-passenger motorcoach with guided commentary
- 10:00 am – Arrive in Peggy’s Cove; 1 hour of free time to explore the village
- 12:00 pm – Arrive in Lunenburg; guided walking tour and 1½ hours of free time to explore and have lunch
- 2:00 pm – Depart Lunenburg, arriving back at MSVU at approximately 3:00 pm
Please read more about the tour destinations of Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg.
Option 2 ($5 HRM bus tickets): Self-guided tour of the Historic Halifax Waterfront
The 3 km Halifax waterfront and historic downtown area offer many shops, restaurants, museums and sites of cultural and historic significance. Whether you explore Halifax on your own or take advantage of numerous private tours, you will find many interesting and exciting things to do.
Consider the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and so much more. Read more about visiting Halifax.
Please meet our Halifax host in the residence lobby on Wednesday, between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to pick up your bus tickets.
Your registration package includes round-trip bus fare and maps from MSVU to the waterfront and downtown core. Alternatively, taxis and Uber are available (about $30).
Additional Information
CANCELLATION OF ANF REGISTRATION: A refund (less a $50 cancellation fee) will be honoured for a cancellation received up to June 10, 2026. After this date, a refund will be honoured only at the discretion of the ANF Committee. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.
Note: Please help reduce waste by bringing a reusable mug or bottle for coffee and water.
180 years of Compassion in Action
The ANF’s logo illustrates our deep and longstanding historical roots in Canada, the tree-limbs embody our members, volunteers and donors, with the tree’s hearts-shaped leaves as metaphors for the benefits of our work. It also combines “suffering with” our neighbours with the motivation to offer kindness and support, an action performed by Vincentians every day.
At this ANF our long history will be the basis for our current and future actions on behalf of our neighbours in need. Our focus will be squarely on formation with demonstrations of best practices from conferences and councils and direct anti-poverty actions led by our national committees. Very special guests will join us – stay tuned for announcements in future editions.