Date of issue: May 18, 2001
Canadian Medical Protective Association
The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1901. Initially, it was concerned with providing legal defence against what were felt to be frivolous or unfair accusations of malpractice against member physicians. In recent years, its mission has expanded to include the promotion of safe medical care via both research and education. It is the largest physician-based association of its kind in Canada, with almost 100,000 members.
The Canadian physician Robert Powell was responsible for founding the Association. He graduated from medicine at McGill University in 1876, after which he began practice in Ottawa. He became president of the Canadian Medical Association in 1899. His efforts in lobbying that group led to the establishment of a Committee on medical defence, which in turn led to the establishment of the CMPA. Powell was the Association’s inaugural President and acted in that capacity for the following 33 years.
The Envelope
The envelope was issued by Canada Post to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Association. It shows an image of Powell surrounded by various educational publications it has produced over the years. The Association’s logo, consisting of two hands “protecting” a rod of Aesculapius, is seen in the postmark.