Canadian Medical Association

The Canadian Medical Association was born in Quebec City in October 1867, just three months after the birth of Canada. It was created by 164 physicians who had recognized the need for a national medical body in their brand-new country. They selected Sir Charles Tupper, who would later serve as Canada's prime minister, as the first president. Today the CMA has more than 68,000 members, and it lobbies vigorously on behalf of these members and their patients on Parliament Hill, during federal election campaigns and in the media.

The CMA also takes the lead on numerous public health issues. In 1961, for instance, it told physicians they had a duty to warn patients about the link between tobacco and cancer. Today it is developing a national tool for estimating the health costs of air pollution. It is also devoting increasing resources to issues such as children's health and the personnel problems plaguing health care.

Overall, the CMA's goal is to ensure the survival and robust health of Canada's medicare system - easily the country's most valued social program - in the face of numerous challenges.