Canadian AIDS Society

The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) operates as a national charitable organization, functioning as a coalition representing various community-based AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) across Canada. CAS serves as a unified voice for these ASOs, advocating for their collective interests and coordinating efforts to address HIV/AIDS at the national level.

Established on May 12, 1987, in response to the growing HIV/AIDS crisis in Canada, CAS was founded by local grassroots organizations with the aim of enhancing community-based efforts and serving as a national representative. It officially incorporated as a non-profit charity on April 1, 1988, relocating to Ottawa to establish a central base for engaging with governmental organizations.

History

Establishment

The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) was established in response to the growing HIV/AIDS crisis in Canada during the 1980s. At that time, the Canadian government's response to the epidemic was largely inadequate, resulting in insufficient support and resources to address the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS. Faced with bureaucratic inactivity and the absence of a coordinated national strategy, local organizations, including AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs), recognized the need to unite their efforts. The formation of CAS stemmed from discussions and collaborations among representatives of these ASOs during national conferences on HIV/AIDS held in Montreal in 1985 and Toronto in 1986. These conferences played a crucial role in mobilizing efforts to combat the epidemic on a broader scale, leading to the establishment of CAS as a national umbrella organization.

In 1987, the CAS hosted its national conference in Ottawa, strategically leveraging the proximity to the nation's capital to engage with federal government agencies. This conference provided an opportunity for CAS to educate government officials about the diverse needs of community-based AIDS organizations across the country. This event marked a crucial phase in CAS's evolution, demonstrating its proactive advocacy and collaboration with government bodies as a representative of ASOs.

The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) underwent significant growth and evolution following its establishment. Initially operating as an informal network, CAS transitioned into a formalized coalition upon its incorporation in 1988. Led by Michael Phair, its first board chair from Edmonton, this transition represented a crucial phase in CAS's development. Relocating to Ottawa and obtaining charity status marked significant milestones, providing enhanced access to government channels and a more stable funding base. The membership of CAS grew from 16 to 27 organizations at the time of incorporation, highlighting the increasing support for CAS's objectives.

With formalization, CAS gained the capacity to effectively represent AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) across the nation, advocating for their interests at the national level. Despite these advancements, CAS remained committed to championing the concerns of local ASOs. The decentralized structure of CAS facilitated efficient advocacy for the needs of ASOs, while also ensuring that member organizations retained influence in the decision-making processes of the coalition. This emphasis on accountability to local organizations was imperative for CAS to uphold its credibility and effectiveness as a national advocacy entity.

Since 1988, the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) has reserved a seat on its board of directors for a person living with HIV/AIDS (PHA), acknowledging the importance of their inclusion in decision-making processes. Following the establishment of the First Annual Forum for PHAs in 1992, CAS has actively addressed a broad spectrum of issues relevant to PHAs. Through workshops and working groups, discussions have centered on organizational development and critical areas such as treatment and research, income security, housing and hospice care, and health promotion strategies. These concerns have become central to PHAs, influencing CAS's involvement in key areas essential to the community it serves.

Structure

Member Organizations

The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) acts as a representative body for AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) across Canada, spanning multiple provinces and cities. Eligibility for membership requires organizations to be community-based, volunteer-driven, with a primary focus on HIV/AIDS activities.

Evolution of Governance and Representation

The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) is overseen by a board of directors, which includes two representatives from each region of Canada, one of whom is required to be HIV-positive. Additionally, CAS has two at-large board seats for one male and one female member, ensuring gender-diverse representation. One board seat is allocated for a young person living with HIV.

Funding

The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) was actively involved in advocacy efforts related to the development and renewal of the National AIDS Strategy (NAS) in Canada. Despite initial challenges, such as resistance from Minister of Health Jake Epp, CAS initiated advocacy efforts for a National AIDS Strategy to address the escalating epidemic. Political momentum increased with the appointment of Perrin Beatty as Minister of Health in 1989, who committed to developing the NAS during the 5th International Conference on AIDS in Montreal. CAS established itself as a credible organization on Parliament Hill, gaining direct access to Minister Beatty and influencing policy discussions. Their efforts led to the release of the first phase of the NAS in 1990, with an annual budget of $37.3 million. CAS advocated for the renewal and expansion of the NAS through various means, including negotiations and policy development.

In 1993, Phase II of the NAS was launched, allocating $42.2 million annually over five years. Despite facing challenges, CAS retained its position as a significant stakeholder in the negotiations for the National AIDS Strategy (NAS), ultimately securing the renewal of Phase III, which was renamed the Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS in 1998. This renewal was endorsed by Minister of Health Allan Rock and included ongoing government funding of $42.2 million annually. By then, CAS had grown to over 120 member organizations and expanded its staff to 22 employees, consolidating its position as a legitimate voice in Canadian politics and a vital advocate for AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) nationwide.

In 2003, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health issued a unanimous recommendation for Canada to double its annual HIV/AIDS funding to $85 million. Subsequently, the federal government pledged to support this initiative by gradually increasing funding, starting from $42.2 million in 2004 and aiming to reach $84.4 million annually by 2009. However, Minister of Health Tony Clement, representing the Harper government, suspended the commitment to increase funding in 2007. Since then, funding has remained frozen at approximately $73 million annually for the last 15 years as of 2022.

CAS has received funding from the federal government through the Public Health Agency of Canada. However, since the reorganization of funding priorities for HIV and Hepatitis C in 2016, CAS has not received any federal funding. This shift, alongside broader underfunding issues for HIV/AIDS service organizations in Canada, has provoked strong criticism from various stakeholders, including CAS's national partner, the HIV Legal Network.

National HIV/AIDS organizations emphasize that despite groundbreaking medical discoveries moving towards a potential cure, advocates argue that progress faces challenges due to limited political support to increase funding. In 2023, the federal government allocated an annual budget of $33.4 million to the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund and the Harm Reduction Fund. Stigma remains a barrier despite treatment progress. Advocates argue for increased funding, citing a recommended annual budget of $100 million by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health in 2019.

Notable programs and campaigns

AIDS Walk

On October 1, 1983, the inaugural AIDS Walk occurred, inspired by the Terry Fox Run and initiated by Bill Mole. This event raised awareness and over $10,000 for AIDS-related causes. Peter Evans led the Ottawa to Kingston route, contributing $5,000, which constituted half of the pledges. The turnout at Queen's Park in Toronto was modest, with smaller groups participating in Montreal and London. Unfortunately, the planned Vancouver to Calgary leg was canceled at the last minute, altering the event's scope.

In 1986, Vancouver held its first fundraising and awareness AIDS Walk.

In 1996, the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) took over the management of the AIDS Walk campaign and introduced AIDS Walk Canada, further advancing nationwide fundraising and awareness efforts for HIV/AIDS in the country.

Publication of Safe Sex Guidelines

In December 1988, the Canadian AIDS Society, in collaboration with AIDS organizations such as AIDS Committee of Ottawa and AIDS Vancouver, published the first safe sex guidelines for Canada titled 'Safer Sex Guidelines: A Resource Document for Educators and Counsellors.'

AIDS Memorial Quilt

In 1989, the Persons With AIDS (PWA) Coalition in Halifax organized the Canadian Tour of the American Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt across Canada as part of a larger North American Tour. Collaborating with local AIDS activists, they exhibited the quilt to coincide with local Pride Week activities, with each host city required to raise $10,000 to cover the costs of hosting the quilt.

The quilt journeyed through seven Canadian cities during the months of June and July:
* Halifax June 1 to 3 Saint Mary's University Tower
* Montreal June 8 to 11 Montréal Velodrome
* Ottawa June 15 to 18 Lansdowne Park Coliseum building
* Toronto June 22 to 24
* Winnipeg June 29 to July 1 University of Winnipeg Athletic Center
* Calgary July 4 to 6 Olympic Plaza
* Vancouver July 13 to 16 Vancouver Art Gallery

As the quilt traveled, local panels were created to remember those who died of AIDS. The Canada Quilt took shape during the US Quilt's tour, with new Canadian panels. Returned to Halifax in July, these panels formed the first sections of the Canadian AIDS Memorial Quilt. Although separate from the US Quilt, the Names Project in Canada follows identical procedures. In October 1989, the Halifax PWA Coalition exhibited the Canadian quilt at the final display of the entire US quilt on The Ellipse in Washington, D.C.

In 1992, the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) cared for the Quilt until 1994. The Names Project Canada located in Halifax took over in June 1994, growing the quilt from 400 to over 640 panels. Originating as a response to the AIDS epidemic, the quilt commemorates lives and raises funds for AIDS service organizations.

In 2013, the NAMES Project Canada dissolved, and the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) resumed stewardship. Subsequently, in 2018, CAS launched a digital version of the Canadian AIDS Memorial Quilt a
quilt.ca
ensuring sustained remembrance and emphasizing the ongoing struggle against AIDS in Canada.

AIDS Awareness Week and World AIDS Day

Between 1991 and 2001, the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) conducted an annual AIDS Awareness Week campaign, receiving support from various governmental, corporate, and charitable entities such as Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Hemophilia Society, Levi Strauss & Co., among others. However, when government funding ceased, CAS shifted its focus to World AIDS Day every December 1st. The AIDS campaigns were organized around a theme, with advertisements often developed by the Ottawa-based creative agency McMillan. These ads gained prominent placement in widely circulated magazines and periodicals, including Maclean's, L'actualité, and The Globe and Mail.

In 1992, Canadian AIDS activist Jon Gates, who was himself living with AIDS, delivered a keynote speech at the Canadian AIDS Society Annual General Meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He emphasized the critical need to raise awareness about the AIDS crisis in sub-Saharan Africa. Gates, who passed away in December of the same year, demonstrated a profound commitment to advocating for equal access to treatment options. During the last years of his life, he collaborated extensively with international health organizations to address the global impact of HIV/AIDS.

National HIV Testing Day

Launched on June 27, 2018, the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) inaugurated its first National HIV Testing Day with the theme "Know Your Status," an initiative designed to promote HIV testing. Over 40 community organizations participated across all regions of Canada, offering free HIV tests to those interested.

On June 27, 2019, CAS hosted its second annual event in collaboration with local health workers and community organizations. Over 100 community organizations established HIV testing sites for Canada's annual National HIV Testing Day.

Similar to its American counterpart established in 1995, National Testing Day in Canada promotes the use of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), enabling participants to receive their results in a few minutes rather than two weeks later. A 2016 study on the efficacy of National Testing Day in the United States indicates that the program successfully tested more people from priority populations and identified more previously undiagnosed HIV-positive individuals than during control weeks.

Sexual Health Advocacy

STBBI Testing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

On June 3, 2020, the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) urged the government to recognize STBBI (Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections) testing as essential amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Stressing a harm reduction approach, the organization highlighted the crucial role of maintaining sexual health services amidst uncertainty.

In collaboration with the University of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health, CAS partnered with local organizations such as the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) in piloting the GetaKit project, which facilitated the first testing of HIV self-testing home kits in Ottawa on April 23, 2020.

Approved by Health Canada on November 3, 2020, the first HIV self-testing home kits serve as a tool to reduce the number of undetected infections.

During the 24th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2022) held in Montreal and virtually, the Health Minister announced a significant investment of $17.9 million to enhance accessibility to HIV testing, particularly among priority populations in northern, remote, or isolated (NRI) communities.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Canadian Aids Society
HIV/AIDS organizations in Canada
Charities based in Canada
HIV/AIDS activism
HIV/AIDS
1987 establishments in Canada
Non-profit organizations based in Canada