Canadian AIDS Society

Canadian AIDS Society
Société canadienne du sida
FormationMay 12, 1987; 37 years ago (1987-05-12)[1]
TypeCharitable organization
April 1, 1988 (1988-04-01)[2]
Legal statusActive
PurposeSupport and advocate for those affected by HIV/AIDS
Headquarters355-1554 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
K1Z 7M4
Official languages
English; French
Executive Director
Ken Miller
Websitewww.cdnaids.ca

The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) is a national charitable organization dedicated to advocating for AIDS Service Organizations across Canada. Established in 1987 amidst the growing HIV/AIDS crisis and an inadequate governmental response, CAS initially began as a grassroots movement and later formalized into a coalition, incorporating in 1988. The decision to relocate to Ottawa was strategic, aiming to enhance engagement with governmental bodies.[1][2][3]

Throughout its history, CAS has been involved in shaping national policies related to HIV/AIDS, including advocating for the development and renewal of the National AIDS Strategy (NAS) in Canada. CAS has also worked to secure funding for HIV/AIDS initiatives nationwide, facing challenges such as resistance from government officials.[4][5]

CAS conducts community outreach and awareness campaigns, managing initiatives such as National HIV Testing Day, AIDS Walk Canada, and the stewardship of the Canadian AIDS Memorial Quilt. These programs aim to raise awareness and provide support to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS across the country.[6][7][8]

In recent years, CAS has expanded its efforts to promote HIV testing and sexual health advocacy, emphasizing the importance of sustained access to testing resources, while continuing to address the needs of those impacted by HIV/AIDS within Canada's public health landscape.[9][10]

  1. ^ a b "Federal Corporation Information: Canadian AIDS Society". Government of Canada. Corporations Canada. 12 May 1987. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Charity Listing: Canadian AIDS Society". Government of Canada. Canada Revenue Agency. 31 March 2017. Archived from the original on 20 September 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference organization-coalition was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference sub-committee-on-hiv was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference canadian-response was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Britneff, Beatrice (22 June 2018). "Canadian AIDS Society lives to see another year, launching national 'HIV testing day'". Global News. Retrieved 12 October 2018. the first-ever national "HIV testing day" in the country
  7. ^ "National AIDS Walk for Life History". AIDS Walk for Life. Scotiabank. 2007. Archived from the original on 1 September 2007. Retrieved 10 April 2024. CAS assumed management of the national AIDS walk campaign in 1996 and established AIDS Canada.
  8. ^ "The Canadian AIDS Memorial Quilt: Website Launch!". AIDS Activist History Project. 17 October 2011. Archived from the original on 22 October 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference know-your-status was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Mallais, Chris (27 February 2024). "Unfunded = Untenable: The Uncertain Future Of At-Home HIV Testing In Canada". Queer News. Retrieved 15 April 2024. 'And so a workaround that allows them to receive this service provides autonomy in their own healthcare.' – Ken Miller, Executive Director, CAS