About the CRA

The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) is the national professional association for Canadian rheumatologists.

History

In 1936, when Canada was emerging from the depression and war clouds were gathering in Europe an organization named the Canadian Rheumatic Disease Association (CRDA) was founded. Read more…

Mission

The mission of the Canadian Rheumatology Association is to represent Canadian rheumatologists and promote the pursuit of excellence in arthritis and rheumatic disease care, education and research.

Today, the CRA comprises over 500 members throughout all 10 provinces and territories as well as some international members.

Since its inception, the CRA has promoted and advanced the field of rheumatology by organizing networking, training and education opportunities for clinicians, students, allied health professionals and researchers.  More recently the CRA has become involved in the promotion and coordination of funding for important rheumatology research (CIORA).

The CRA carries out its mission through a multifaceted network of activities and investments. A cornerstone activity of the CRA is the annual scientific meeting, whose purpose is to showcase the various clinical and research endeavours of CRA members and other arthritis health professionals. The meeting also serves to foster professional collaboration and an exchange of ideas in the rheumatology community.

As a nationally and internationally respected organization, the CRA continues to serve as a national voice for practicing rheumatologists and researchers with an interest in rheumatic diseases.

Guiding Principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The CRA uses the following definition of EDI to govern all our activities with members, staff and stakeholders.

  • Equity: The CRA is an organization that respects and values the differences of our members by actively identifying and removing barriers to ensure all members and staff have a fair and equitable access to the resources and growth opportunities within the organization.
  • Diversity: Within the CRA, diversity refers to differences and variety within demographics, identity and composition of its members and stakeholders. The CRA embraces diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, place of origin, religious beliefs, language, abilities, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, family status and profession.
  • Inclusion: Throughout the organization, the CRA has a commitment to operate on the principle of inclusion. The CRA is an organization that aims to cultivate meaningful engagement and representation of historically excluded individuals and groups within our organization.

Strategic Priorities

The CRA exists so that Canadian rheumatologists achieve excellence in clinical care, education and research.

  1. Position the CRA as the leading national provider of rheumatology resources and continuing professional education.
  2. Identify and influence issues of national relevance that affect rheumatologists’ practices.
  3. Build and nurture a vibrant national rheumatology community
  4. Champion the cause of rheumatology research in Canada
  5. Ensure continuing financial and operational sustainability of the CRA in a changing environment.

CRA Office Address and Contact Information

Canadian Rheumatology Association
280-13300 Tecumseh Road E.
Suite 386
Tecumseh, Ontario
N8N 4R8

t: 905-952-0698
e: info@rheum.ca

GST # 892002619RT0001
QST # 1222-081676TQ0001