About

The CCAC is comprised of three programs and three corporate services. Together, they work collaboratively and interconnectedly to achieve the CCAC’s mission and goals.

Programs

Assessment and Certification

Assessment and Certification collaborates with over 190 animal care committees and a strong network of volunteer experts to ensure the appropriate and consistent implementation of CCAC standards across Canada. By providing independent, third-party quality assurance to ensure the proper application of the CCAC’s standards of ethical animal care and use, Assessment and Certification maximizes the opportunity for information exchange through peer review and stakeholder involvement, and promotes good animal practices, including Three Rs alternatives.

Standards

Standards is responsible for developing, reviewing, and revising guidelines, principles, and supporting documents. Together with its invaluable volunteer experts, Standards is working to ensure that its documents are timely and relevant, and informed by expert peer advice, national and international knowledge, and Canadian values. The Three Rs, a widely accepted tenet of ethical animal care and use, is at the heart of the CCAC’s standards, encouraging institutions to implement replacement, reduction, and refinement practices in their work.

Training and Networking

Training and Networking supports the CCAC community by providing training and networking activities and resources. The CCAC’s stakeholders have access to online training tools and modules, which help institutions better tailor their programs to the specific training needs of their researchers and educators. This business line also organizes the annual CCAC national workshop, which features plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities that foster peer interaction and knowledge exchange on various challenges and best practices in the ethical care and use of animals in science.

Corporate Services

Governance

Governance provides support for the overarching governance structure of the CCAC, including the board and standing committees, and the organization of annual general meetings. It supports strategic and operational planning, performance measurement, and impact assessment functions, and helps optimize the use and efficacy of CCAC resources.

Operations

Operations is responsible for managing the human, financial, and material resources of the CCAC. It oversees the internal administrative procedures necessary to ensure and support seamless and effective organizational performance and delivery of the CCAC’s programs.

Public Affairs and Communications

Public Affairs and Communications is responsible for creating and implementing an organizational communication strategy aligned with the CCAC’s strategic plan, mission, and mandate. It also continually improves the efficiency of its engagement strategy with the CCAC’s stakeholders, including certified institutions, member organizations, the media, and the public.