Canadian Paraplegic Foundation
230-1101 Prince of Wales Drive.
Ottawa, ON K2C3W7
Phone: (613) 723-1033
Fax: (613) 723-1060
Web: http://www.canparaplegic.org

Our History:

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) was founded in 1945 by a group of paralyzed WWII veterans who were determined not to spend the remainder of their life in hospital. Their efforts resulted in improved medical and rehabilitation services, better pensions and, perhaps most importantly, increased awareness in the medical community and throughout society of their abilities and potential.

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) was founded in 1945 by a group of paralyzed WWII veterans who were determined not to spend the remainder of their life in hospital. Their efforts resulted in improved medical and rehabilitation services, better pensions and, perhaps most importantly, increased awareness in the medical community and throughout society of their abilities and potential.

By 1960, CPA had a nation-wide presence. Today, with divisions in all ten provinces and 47 regional offices, CPA provides a wide variety of services to a membership of more than 30,000 Canadians who have a spinal cord injury or other mobility impairment.

In order to provide these services, CPA operates with a total consolidated yearly budget of $13 million. Approximately 70% of the budget is generated through fundraising. The remaining 30% is provided through local, provincial and federal government grants.

CPA's scope has increased considerably since 1945, but it remains true to its founders' self-help philosophy. Of the Association's 200 plus employees (approximately 100 of whom are professional counsellors), many bring the personal experience of living with a disability, along with their formal training, to their positions.

CPA National Office and all provincial CPA divisions are governed by independent boards of directors. As required by the Association's legislation, the majority of board members have a mobility impairment.