Canadian Medical Association

The Canadian Medical Association was formed just three months after the birth of Canada. The association was created in Quebec City in October 1867 by 164 physicians who recognized the need for a national medical body. Sir Charles Tupper, who also served as prime minister, was the association\\\'s first president. Today CMA membership includes more than 60,000 physicians, medical residents and medical students, and it plays a key role by representing the interests of these members and their patients on the national stage. One survey conducted in 2005 indicated that key decision-makers now consider it the premier lobby group in Ottawa. Although located in Ottawa, the CMA has roots across the country because of the close ties to its 12 provincial and territorial divisions. This federation model allows it to keep a close eye on health care issues and developments across the country, and to react rapidly in times of medical crisis, such as the SARS outbreak of 2003.

Today the CMA defends the interests of its members and their patients on Parliament Hill, during federal election campaigns and in the media. It is also devoting growing resources to public health issues such as stop-smoking campaigns and childhood obesity, and it is striving to ensure the survival of Canada\\\'s medicare system - easily the country\\\'s most valued social program.