Canadian Medical Association

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is a national, voluntary professional association representing physicians and medical learners across Canada. Established in 1867, its core mission is to serve and unite Canadian physicians, advocating for the highest standards of health and health care in partnership with the people of Canada. The CMA's vision is centered on fostering a vibrant medical profession and achieving a healthy population. Its headquarters are located in Ottawa, Ontario.

The CMA's key services include policy advocacy on national health and medical matters, collaborating with provincial and territorial medical associations, and publishing the peer-reviewed Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). The association also focuses on physician health and wellness through initiatives like the National Physician Health Survey, and actively supports Indigenous health and well-being. Its advocacy efforts cover a range of issues, including reducing physician administrative burden, developing national integrated health human resources planning, combating health misinformation, and promoting physical, psychological, and cultural safety within healthcare workplaces.

As of May 2025, Dr. Margot Burnell serves as the CMA President, with Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi slated for 2026-2027 and Dr. Courtney Howard as President-Elect for 2027-2028. Alex Munter is the CEO. Recent activities include marking National Physicians' Day in May 2026, where the CMA advocated for a robust public health system. The association has also highlighted concerns regarding false health information found online, with a survey in April 2026 indicating that 97% of doctors are intervening due to patients acting on such misinformation. In March 2026, the CMA applied to intervene in a Supreme Court case with potential implications for health policy and Charter Rights, and in February 2026, it underscored disparities in access to primary care across Canada. The CMA continues to lead a national movement aimed at building a more sustainable and accessible health system, while championing a new culture of medicine that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusion.