About – History

1968-1979

Beginning of FMRAC

The Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (formerly the Federation of Provincial Medical Licensing Authorities) held its first official meeting on February 7–8, 1968, convened by Dr. Gustave Gingras of Québec. All ten provincial medical regulators attended, along with representatives from the Medical Council of Canada and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Gingras was elected the first President, with Dr. William Gerald McClure of British Columbia as Secretary-Treasurer. Before this, provincial registrars had met only informally.

1979-1991

Growth of FMRAC

In 1979, the Federation established a part-time secretariat in Ottawa, expanding to a full-time office with staff in 1985. By 1987, Yukon and Northwest Territories joined as full voting members, and in 1988 the organization was renamed the Federation of Medical Licensing Authorities of Canada. During this period, the Federation also played a key role in accrediting rotating internship programs.

1992-2001

Forming our Structure

In 1992, the Federation began restructuring its governance, leading to the hiring of its first part-time CEO in 1996 and formal incorporation in 1999. A new Constitution and By-laws created a Board of Directors with representatives from all 12 medical regulatory authorities, supported by a six-person Executive Committee that oversaw operations. The Federation also welcomed observers from major medical organizations at its annual meetings.

2002-2011

Developing our Strategy

In 2002, a strategic planning exercise led to the recruitment of FMRAC’s first full-time Executive Director and CEO. The organization adopted its current name, the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada, to reflect its broader role beyond licensure. Nunavut soon joined, bringing all provincial and territorial regulators into membership. FMRAC marked its 40th anniversary in 2008 with the presentation of official armorial bearings.

2012-Present

Working as Innovators

In 2012–13, FMRAC completed a governance review, leading to a new working Board composed of the 13 registrars of the provincial and territorial medical regulatory authorities, which first met in February 2014. During this period, FMRAC addressed several key issues, including new federal regulations on medical cannabis, physician-assisted dying, practice improvement, physician health, prescribing of controlled substances, and the development of an integrated risk management system for regulators.