Leading Forward

Financial Aid in Action

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Join us for a dynamic, interactive half-day Aller de l’avant event in 2026. Designed for education leaders, financial aid professionals, and policy-focused staff, this session provides a focused look at student financial assistance in a changing regulatory environment.

The event will examine the Pan-Canadian Framework for Student Financial Assistance and how its principles of accountability, quality, and performance shape funding access, regulatory compliance, and institutional decision-making across Canada. Sessions will cover Federal Changes, including national updates and their impact on funding, regulations, and workforce alignment, and Provincial Updates, highlighting key developments in Ontario such as OSAP changes, grant eligibility, and preparation strategies for institutions.

Leading Forward

Financial Aid in Action

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Join us for a dynamic, interactive half-day event, designed for education leaders, financial aid professionals, and policy-focused staff. This session provides a focused look at student financial assistance in a changing regulatory environment.

The event will examine the Pan-Canadian Framework for Student Financial Assistance and how its principles of accountability, quality, and performance shape funding access, regulatory compliance, and institutional decision-making across Canada. Sessions will cover Federal Changes, including national updates and their impact on funding, regulations, and workforce alignment, and Provincial Updates, highlighting key developments in Ontario such as OSAP changes, grant eligibility, and preparation strategies for institutions.

Event Highlights

Framework in Practice

Understand how the Pan-Canadian Framework for Student Financial Assistance is applied and interpreted in real institutional contexts.

Regulatory Compliance

Understand how accountability, quality, and performance expectations influence regulatory compliance and funding access.

Strategic Context

Gain clearer context for institutional strategy and decision-making in a changing student aid environment.

Meet the Presenters

Krista Livingstone Clark

CEO, Discovery Community College

With over 20 years of experience in the regulated career college sector, Krista Livingstone Clark is a passionate advocate for specific skill training, firmly believing that everyone is employable.

Throughout her career, she has held various positions, including Instructor, Student Services, Admissions, and Operations. Currently, she serves as the CEO of Discovery Community College, a leading contributor to the BC healthcare workforce.

Bonnie Gardner

VP of Student Enrollment and Financial Services

Bonnie is the Vice President of Student Enrolment and Financial Services , allowing her to ensure the student journey from start to finish is based on success and outcomes.

Using the same philosophy for in person or online students shouldn’t be hard, it should be a focus and outcomes will follow.Bonnie has 20 years in the education field and has been an instructor, Healthcare Faculty Head, and Campus Director. She is a strong believer in student engagement and the philosophy of teaching it, seeing it, doing it, even in an online setting .

Agenda

Preparing for Change [12:00 PM EST | 10:00 AM MST | 1:00 PM AST]
Pan Canadian Framework [1:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM MST | 2:00 PM AST]
Break [2:00 PM EST | 12:00 PM MST | 3:00 PM AST]
Student Aid in Action [2:10 PM EST | 12:10 PM MST | 3:10 PM AST]
Break [3:30 PM EST | 1:30 PM MST | 4:30 PM AST]
Event Recap [3:45 PM EST | 1:45 PM MST | 4:45 PM AST]
Event Close / Wrap up [5:00 PM EST | 3:00 PM MST | 6:00 PM AST]

Registration Details

Register Now

Ticket cost: $75 + HST

Fill out the form below to register for one of NACC’s Leading Forward Events.

Still Not Convinced? See what’s Included:

Live Access with Interactive Experience

Join the session in real time and engage directly with speakers and peers through live discussion, Q&A, and interactive elements that bring the content to life and deepen learning.

Certificate of Learning

Attendees receive a digital Certificate of Learning recognizing their professional development. A valuable addition to online portfolio, performance reviews, and ongoing training requirements.

On-Demand Recording

Can’t attend every moment or want to revisit key insights? A full session recording will be shared after the event, allowing you to watch at your convenience.

Structured Networking Breaks

Dedicated networking moments are built into the session to encourage meaningful connection, peer discussion, and relationship-building. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and create connections that extend beyond the event.