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2026 Kelowna CPHG Round table
Just a few years ago, paramedic Honour Guard units across Canada operated largely in isolation, each developing its own practices, often with limited resources and few opportunities to connect.
Today, more than 40 units stand united through the Alliance of Canadian Paramedic Honour Guards (ACPHG). What began as casual conversations has grown into a national movement, one that continues to gain momentum.
Earlier this year, in April, in Kelowna, that momentum was on full display at the Alliance’s 2026 Round Table. Supported by Demers Ambulances and Crestline Coach, among other partners, the event brought paramedics together from across the country to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and continue building a more unified approach to Honour Guard practices.
From informal network to national honour guard movement
Nearly two decades ago, the Alliance began as a conversation; a small group of paramedics looking to connect around Honour Guard practices. Since its inception in 2007, it has grown into something far greater than a mere organization.
“I would now consider it a movement, certainly,” says Blaine Barody, President of the Alliance. “It was basically just an informal group of contacts, but there’s always been this really intense desire to keep the conversation going.”
Over time, that network evolved into something more structured to ensure continuity, sustainability, and shared learning across generations of paramedics, while still leaving room for local identity.
For Roger Frappier, who leads training initiatives, that collaboration is essential in a profession still defining its traditions.
“We don’t have 100 years of tradition to fall behind,” he explains. “So, we’re establishing those traditions in a meaningful way and a cohesive way.”
Strengthening paramedic collaboration across Canada
The Alliance’s impact is also increasingly visible at a national level. Participation in its activities continues to grow, with strong representation from across provinces.
“I think the momentum was pretty strongly demonstrated in the participation that we had,” says Barody. “From a cross representation of the country, that’s a pretty significant number.”
Beyond attendance, the Alliance has become a trusted resource for national EMS organizations. Groups such as the Paramedic Association of Canada and the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada now look to the Alliance for guidance on ceremonial standards and best practices.
“They know that they can come to our group and get some good direction,” Barody adds.
Yet growth is not measured in size alone. For the Alliance, success is defined by local impact, helping new Honour Guard units form and supporting those already in place.
“If there was no Honour Guard in the Yukon before, and now we know of one, that’s success,” Barody explains.
Industry partnership supporting the EMS community
The continued development of the Alliance is made possible through a combination of volunteer commitment and support from across the EMS ecosystem.
Demers Ambulances and Crestline Coach are proud to support the ACPHG annual Round Table, contributing to initiatives that strengthen collaboration, leadership, and professional identity within paramedicine.
As Barody notes,
“It really helps to be able to put events like this on, and share what we’re about.”
The Alliance of Canadian Paramedic Honour Guards is still evolving. But its purpose remains clear: to support those who serve, to honour their contributions, and to ensure that no paramedic stands alone, in life or in remembrance.
Grad Mess Dinner CPHG 2025, in Sudbury
