The following email from Karine Morin was received by the CHA on Thursday, May 8, 2025:
I am writing to inform you that after over a year of discussions with a potential institutional host for Congress 2026, our negotiations have unfortunately come to a halt.
Across Canada, institutions are facing mounting economic pressures. Additionally, rising costs have made hosting Congress a significant financial commitment for institutions since the pandemic.
In this context, and despite the institution selected for Congress 2026 being enthusiastic about welcoming our community, we were unable to reach an agreement that would benefit all parties including the associations and their members.
We understand that this news will come as a deep disappointment to many of you, and we, too, share in that sentiment. Congress is an annual tradition with deep historical roots, and it has showcased excellence in the humanities and social sciences since 1931.
Despite this setback, we nevertheless wish to initiate plans for 2026 without further delay.
First, your association will have the opportunity to utilize the Federation’s virtual platform to host its conference remotely in 2026. Should you wish to join, we will support you in delivering virtual components, including technical delivery, registration management, and promoting your conference.
Additionally, we plan to offer a smaller-scale in-person event at a yet-to-be-determined location. Your association and members will help shape this event, and your insights will be key to building a meaningful program.
We recognize that this approach, particularly the virtual-only conferencing option and the timing of this announcement, is less than ideal. However, this situation reinforces what we have all been observing: the Congress model is entering a necessary period of evolution. As part of the Federation’s strategic planning over the next several months, we will be asking difficult questions about the purpose of Congress and how it is delivered.
This will include reassessing the host partnership model alongside virtual formats and examining delivery options that alleviate cost pressures and environmental impact while ensuring that scholarly exchange remains accessible and meaningful. We will also explore alternative future-focused models of collaboration, convening, and community-building. Your input will be vital to this process, and we will hold a town hall meeting in June to discuss the formation of a “Reimagining Congress Task Force” and the upcoming plans for 2026.
We have a lot of work ahead of us. As the humanities and social sciences landscape shifts, we must navigate this path as a community with care and resolve. Preserving collaborative spaces for knowledge generation and dissemination is critical for our disciplines to thrive and to benefit the public. We will identify these spaces—negotiations for future Congress years are underway—and continue to advocate for our community to remain strong and united.
Thank you for your understanding and support; you may direct any questions to membership@federationhss.ca.
Sincerely,
Karine Morin
President and CEO
Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences