Advocacy | Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

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One of our primary goals is advocacy – remaining a driving force to nationally advance the interests of anesthesiologists and ensure they are recognized as professionals in acute and chronic pain management. CAS strives to be the voice of the profession, a recognized source for anesthesiologists, government and media. On top of our ongoing advocacy, based on the input of our members, we have identified the below matters as the most important issues facing our profession. Please stay tuned for updates or contact us for more information.

Latest Advocacy

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)

In early 2021, CAS learned that the Ministry of Health in British Columbia had created a plan to introduce Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) as a new health profession and to establish an educational program to train CRNAs in BC. The Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society does not support the introduction of CRNAs – either independent practice or supervised – into the Canadian healthcare system.

Since we learned of the Ministry’s intentions, CAS has been supporting our BC colleagues with their advocacy efforts and in developing a strategy to stop the Ministry from moving closer to including CRNAs in the province. We have contracted a public affairs firm with extensive experience in advocacy and government relations to advise the BCAS throughout this process.

Learn more about what CAS is doing:

Position Statement - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in Canada (PDF)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in British Columbia: Health Profession Policy Changes (PDF)
Introduction to CRNA's and CAS' position (external link)
British Columbia plans for CRNA's (external link)

Family Practice ANESTHETISTS

At our 2021 November Board meeting, CAS passed a resolution committing CAS to further engagement with our Family Practice Anesthetist (FPA) colleagues. FPAs are trained Family Physicians that have undergone an intensive 12-month residency in anesthesia, on top of the residency requirements to be licensed by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. FPAs are typically used in rural and remote settings but may be seen by governments as a way to address critical policy concerns.

Learn more about what CAS is doing: