About Us
2023 – 2024 Annual Report
Who we are
CADTH is Canada’s drug and health technology agency.
Established in 1989 by Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments, we are dedicated to providing trusted, independent information and advice to our country's publicly funded health care systems.
Our people are the cornerstone of our success. Our vibrant and inclusive culture fosters innovation, attracting and retaining top talent across our Ottawa and Toronto offices, as well as remotely throughout Canada. With nearly 250 employees bringing a diverse range of expertise spanning clinical research, health economics, stakeholder engagement, information technology, and more, we're committed to excellence every day.
We foster an atmosphere of continual improvement and care, shaping our workplace culture to embody principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in all that we do. Through ongoing learning opportunities, active participation, and support for work-life balance, we empower our people to reach their full potential.
Driven by a spirit of community, our people actively contribute through individual and organization-wide volunteer efforts. Highlights include our impactful "HTA Gives Back" initiatives and our lively water station at the Ottawa Race Weekend, where our team provides hydration and support to thousands of runners.
We are honoured to be recognized as 1 of the National Capital Region's top employers for 2024, a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional workplace. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to investing in the health, well-being, and professional growth of our people.
Health administrators and policy experts rely on us to help inform their decisions about the life cycle management of drugs, devices, and services used to prevent, diagnose, and treat medical conditions. We know that evidence is the foundation of good decision-making, and we excel at finding, interpreting, and assembling the best available information. Our organization understands that evidence fuels action and provides the guidance needed to make smart choices, especially in a new and unfamiliar health care terrain that is rapidly evolving.
Every day, we strive to power evidence-informed drug and health technology decisions for sustainable, world-class health care for all.
As announced by the Government of Canada in December 2023, Canada’s Drug Agency will be built from CADTH, in partnership with provinces and territories. It will be built from our existing mandate and functions in the area of drugs and medical devices and clinical interventions, and add valuable new functions in the area of pharmaceuticals.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
“Inclusion, diversity, and equity” was 1 of the guiding principles included in our Strategic Plan. After the first year of implementing the plan, we added “accessibility” following feedback from our partners. IDEA is part of everything we do, and this year the Board approved our IDEA statement that outlines our commitments. We understand and acknowledge the need for representation of diverse perspectives in the health care systems in Canada, and we are working to build an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible organization and employee culture.
Our Reconciliation Journey
We’re also progressing in our reconciliation journey. We’ve been participating and learning at conferences and meetings like the First Nations Health Managers Association Annual National Conference, the National Métis Nation Health Policy Forum, and a meeting with national Indigenous organizations organized by the pan-Canadian Health Organizations (PCHOs). These opportunities allow us to hear guidance from Indigenous health leaders about prioritizing requests with, for, or about Indigenous Peoples. In addition, we were pleased to welcome Victoria Tenasco-Commanda, who joined the organization in January, as our new Strategic Partner, Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships.
Land Acknowledgement
Our employees work across Canada, residing on various traditional lands and collaborating with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples; Elders and knowledge keepers; and Indigenous governments, health care providers, and community members. Our Ottawa offices are located on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. Our Toronto offices are located on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat.
We recognize the traditional territories, rights, and diversity of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. Indigenous Peoples have been, and continue to be, excluded from and harmed by Canada's health care systems. In the spirit of reconciliation, CADTH is committed to addressing these inequities alongside Indigenous communities as allies, advocates, and amplifiers of the realities of Indigenous Peoples and communities.