Advocacy is one of the
Canadian Dermatology Association’s key strategic pillars.
This year, we are continuing to:
- Disseminate and present the platform to key decision-makers seeking their support.
- Advance two of the platform’s five solutions:
- Deepen our understanding of how team-based care can be part of the solution to physician shortage.
- Document the dermatology shortage and required increases to meet the needs of the population.
- Promote and emphasize the important role of dermatologists in the healthcare system.
More Than Skin Deep
Advocacy Platform
More Than Skin Deep: 5 solutions to managing Canada’s dermatologist shortage and preventing wider patient impacts
The CDA’s advocacy platform is your guide to the key issues shaping dermatologic care and the policy priorities driving our efforts. Inside, you will find a thorough examination of these challenges, along with bold solutions designed to strengthen the specialty. This document outlines the actions we are taking to create meaningful change and serves as a roadmap for our advocacy work, ensuring that dermatology’s voice is heard—and makes a significant impact—where it matters most.
Advocacy Series
More Than Skin Deep: Solutions to narrow Canada’s dermatology gap
This publication builds on the foundation laid by the CDA’s advocacy platform with an in-depth analysis of the dermatologist shortage in Canada. It presents a comprehensive view of current challenges and strategic solutions to expand capacity, innovate care delivery, and integrate technology—key elements for shaping effective policy and fostering innovative approaches.
Advocacy Milestones Timeline
Advocate for the Specialty
Download Advocacy Social Media Images and Posts
CDA in Action
- Providing an Advocacy Platform to drive multi-year initiatives
- Engaging in policy and pre-budget consultations
- Strengthening connections with provincial dermatology associations
- Supporting global dermatology initiatives
- Driving a national petition to improve and expand access to dermatologic care
- Challenging misrepresentations of the specialty
- Partnering with organizations to raise awareness of skin conditions and share patient perspectives
- Sharing updates and insights through the Advocacy Corner
- Tracking workforce trends through National Dermatology Workforce Surveys
- Equipping members with advocacy resources
Connecting with Elected Candidates
The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) has developed materials to support Members’ outreach to elected federal election candidates. The CDA is calling on elected candidates to support the much-needed investments and action to address critical issues facing the dermatology profession.
This post election cycle presents an important opportunity to make strides in shaping policy to improve dermatological care and outcomes for Canadian patients directly.
Email Templates
Reach out to elected candidates with our pre-drafted email templates designed to spark meaningful dialogue.
Make your voice heard with a quick email:
Request a meeting to share your concerns:
Find Your Candidates
Identify the candidates running in your area by visiting the Elections Canada website. Simply enter your postal code to access a list of candidates in your riding. We encourage engaging with candidates from all parties to promote broad support for dermatologic care.
Outreach Tips & Strategies
Access helpful guidance on preparing for meetings with candidates, explore additional ways to get involved, and find key advocacy messages to share during your conversations.
Call to Action Handout
Share this concise resource with elected candidates for a clear overview of critical issues. It’s designed to help candidates better understand the CDA’s priorities and advocate for meaningful change in dermatologic care.
Providing Life Changing Treatment
Across Canada, patients living with skin conditions and those who have faced a skin cancer diagnosis have experienced life-changing care thanks to the expertise of Canada’s certified dermatologists. Their stories highlight the vital role dermatologists play in diagnosing, treating, and improving lives. They also underscore the need for finding practical, long-term solutions that can ensure timely access to dermatologic care.
Jaida’s Fight
Battling Melanoma
At 27, Ontario-based Jaida’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma. Incredibly, she might have overlooked the mole on her back if not for…
Stephanie’s Journey
Detecting Basal Cell Carcinoma & Melanoma Early
During the height of the pandemic, Stephanie began noticing a troubling mole but faced significant challenges getting a referral and an appointment to see a dermatologist.
Shahnawaz’s Experience
Facing the Stigma of Vitiligo
Diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of six, Shahnawaz has been living with the condition for over 18 years. Growing up in Kingston, Ontario, where accessing specialized dermatology was challenging…
Natalie’s Diagnoses
Navigating Chronic Skin Conditions
Diagnosed with vitiligo as a child, Natalie has faced a range of chronic skin conditions throughout her life. These experiences have shaped both her personal journey and her advocacy for people of colour living with skin conditions.
Grace’s Resilience
From Diagnosis to Advocacy in Alopecia Areata
At 16, Grace Walsh was diagnosed with alopecia areata after experiencing significant hair loss, starting with her eyebrows and eventually affecting most of her scalp.
Peter’s Struggles
Dealing with Psoriasis
After moving to Canada, Peter’s psoriasis escalated dramatically, covering his body and causing intense pain and constant itching, leaving him feeling isolated and ashamed.
Rachel’s Testimony
Persisting Through the Pain of Eczema
Rachel has lived with chronic hand eczema for over 13 years, through which she has managed persistent, painful symptoms while raising four children and building a career in the public health sector.
Make Your Voice Heard
With just over 800 certified dermatologists serving a population of 40 million people in Canada, the current system is stretched beyond capacity. That is why we are calling on government to:
- Increase the number of trained dermatologists in Canada to reach comparable levels to that of other OECD countries within four years.
- Fund innovative investments specifically for specialty care into Budget 2026, to complement work being done to support primary care in Canada.
- Invest in innovative technologies that enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve dermatologic care and expand access—especially in rural and remote communities.
Every Canadian deserves timely access to expert dermatologic care. To add your voice to this call, sign our petition and help drive real change. Every signature counts.
Sign the petition today to add your name to the thousands of Canadians supporting this call.
Post the petition QR code in your waiting room so patients can join the call for change. To order a hard copy, place an order here.