Canadian Dermatology Association>Members & Dermatologists>Member Benefits>Advocacy

Advocating for Dermatology. Grounded in Evidence. Driven by Impact.

Dermatology encompasses more than 3,000 identified skin diseases, affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucosae.

More Than Skin Deep

Advocacy Platform
More Than Skin Deep: 5 Solutions to Managing Canada’s Dermatologist Shortage
The CDA’s advocacy platform outlines the key issues shaping dermatologic care and the challenges facing the specialty. It provides evidence, insights, and practical solutions to guide policy decisions and strengthen dermatology services across Canada.
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Advocacy Series
More Than Skin Deep: Solutions to Narrow Canada’s Dermatology Gap
Expanding on the CDA’s advocacy platform, this publication provides a focused analysis of Canada’s dermatology gap. It examines the underlying causes, highlights emerging opportunities, and identifies actionable steps to expand capacity and modernize care delivery.
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Advocacy Milestones Timeline

Advocate for the Specialty

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From life-altering to life‑threatening diseases, patients cannot afford to wait for care. Addressing long-waits for access to dermatologists requires collaboration and sustainable reforms that better serve Canadians.

Learn what faster access to dermatology care means for patients.

There are only 800 certified dermatologists for the over 40 million people in Canada. In Canada, patients face extensive wait times with chronic and acute skin conditions that worsen and impact their quality of life.

Learn what faster access to dermatology care means for patients.

In addition to the human cost, delays in diagnosing and treating skin conditions more complex care and expensive treatment. Late-stage treatment is more costly and can mean more trips to clinics or hospitals in the long-run, out of pocket costs for patients and lost productivity.

Learn what faster access to dermatology care means for patients.

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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.
Access Email Templates
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.
Elections Canada Link
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.
General Email to Elected Candidates
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.
Download Handout

Additional Templates

Email (Invite)
Letter (Invite)
Meeting Preparation Tips
Ways to Get Involved
FPT Health Roles

In 2021, 4.69 billion new cases were diagnosed worldwide, making skin disease the fourth leading cause of non fatal disease burden and placing it among the top 10 causes of disability globally.1 Today, over 3.3 billion people across all age groups are living with a skin condition.

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.

Brigitte’s Story
Brigitte’s Transformation From Armour to Advocacy Brigitte, a veteran public relations specialist and outdoor enthusiast, had always considered herself the picture of health.
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Shantell’s Battle
Shantell’s journey with her skin condition began at just 13 years old, marking the start of a challenging decade.
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Heather’s Challenge
At 44, Heather was diagnosed with breast cancer, which led to widespread dermatitis as a result of her aggressive treatment.
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Rachel’s Testimony
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.
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Peter’s Struggles
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.
Read More
Grace’s Resilience
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.
Read More
Natalie’s Diagnoses
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.
Read More
Shahnawaz’s Experience
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…
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Stephanie’s Journey
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.
Read More
Jaida’s Fight
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…
Read More

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:

  1. Increase the number of trained dermatologists in Canada to reach comparable levels to that of other OECD countries within four years.
  2. Fund innovative investments specifically for specialty care into Budget 2026, to complement work being done to support primary care in Canada.
  3. 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.
Sign Petition Now
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.
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Pre-Budget Submission

Written Submission for the Standing Committee on Finance 2026 Pre-Budget Consultations
April 22, 2026

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