History

Formed in 1972, and incorporated a year later, CAIR was started by an ambitious group of residents from across Canada who identified a need for Canadian residents to have a national voice. This group formed a partnership, which would allow the various strengths of the provincial housestaff organizations (PHOs) to be shared among all residents. In 1975 motions were passed resulting in the housing of the administrative arm of CAIR within the Toronto offices of the residents' association of Ontario (PAIRO). At all times, the Executives of both groups were independent.

In the mid-1980s, CAIR developed a cost sharing arrangement with each of the member PHOs with the exception of the FMRQ. Also during that time, CAIR supported PAR-BC in their challenge to the BC Medical Service Action and in their appeal against Bill 41, both of which had potential to affect residents' right to practice.

From 1993 to 1995, in the interest of developing a more refined strategic plan for CAIR, a set of strategic planning processes was implemented. This was an important turning point in the history of CAIR, during which the PHOs agreed upon CAIR's mission statement and identifying key focus areas and roles. During this period, it was also decided to separate CAIR's administrative arm from its shared relationship with PAIRO and to move the CAIR office to its present location in Ottawa.

In 2007, CAIR underwent a major governance review with the aim of developing a solid foundation to carry its work into the future. Board members were called upon to develop a special knowledge in governance, enabling them to carry out the review. Honest dialogue and grassroots consultation guided a challenging process of reflection, and consensus-building. Ultimately, the Board members retooled CAIR based on a foundation of solid principles. These included consensus-based decisions and a smaller, efficient, and involved Board of Directors. Broad consultation, and energetic discussion helped Resident volunteers to develop a redefined Mission, Vision, and Values for the organization. These statements reflect a shared common context for CAIR volunteers, and they will ultimately be reflected in improvement for all CAIR members.

Our strategic planning process has continued with refinement of our outcome measures and critical success factors that will be used to gauge progress and plan future work. With a clear map, CAIR is now in a position to move forward in ways that will be seen and felt by all its Resident members.