IFCO Position Statement on Regulatory Fairness and Professional Freedom in Alberta

The International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO) is aware of growing concerns being raised by members of the chiropractic profession regarding recent regulatory actions and policies by the College of Chiropractors of Alberta.

We have heard from numerous chiropractors who have expressed concerns regarding increased regulatory intervention, a perceived lack of transparency, consistency, fairness, and proportionality in the application of standards, and a growing climate of fear and uncertainty within the profession. Reports have also raised questions about the implementation of a new practice review process that many believe is unnecessarily burdensome, punitive, and disproportionately impacts chiropractors whose practices are centered on the detection and correction of vertebral subluxation.

Additional concerns have been raised regarding the overall culture of regulation, with some practitioners believing there has been a shift from supporting competent, ethical chiropractors toward a more enforcement-focused approach. Questions have also been expressed regarding governance, transparency, and decision-making within the regulatory process.

The IFCO has also been made aware of allegations that certain practice models and philosophical approaches, including high-volume practices, routine X-ray analysis for subluxation assessment, vitalistic chiropractic, wellness care, prepaid care plans, and chiropractors who opposed COVID-era public health mandates, may be receiving disproportionate regulatory scrutiny. At this time, the IFCO is actively gathering information and reviewing these concerns. We are committed to ensuring that any public statements we make are based upon verified facts and careful evaluation.

The IFCO firmly believes that independent regulation serves an important role in protecting the public. However, effective regulation must also be transparent, fair, consistent, proportionate, and respectful of due process. Public protection and professional integrity are best served when regulators work collaboratively with the profession while respecting the diversity of legitimate chiropractic practice.

If the concerns being reported are substantiated, they represent issues of significant importance not only for chiropractors in Alberta but for the international chiropractic community. Regulatory systems should never create an environment in which ethical practitioners fear practicing according to their education, clinical judgment, and chiropractic principles. The IFCO will continue to monitor this situation closely, communicate with those directly affected, and evaluate what actions may be appropriate in support of fairness, professional integrity, and the continued advancement of principled chiropractic.

We stand with our colleagues in Alberta and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for a chiropractic profession that remains free to serve humanity with excellence, integrity, and respect for its foundational principles.


International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO)