Frequently asked questions

CPAR stands for Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief. Established by Canadian doctors in 1984 to respond to the drought and famine in Ethiopia, CPAR initially focused on humanitarian and emergency interventions to supply skilled personnel and materials for emergency health services. CPAR has since evolved and is now a responsive long-term community development organization.

CPAR is a Canadian not-for-profit organization registered with Canada Revenue Agency. Headquartered in Ottawa, CPAR is directed by an independent, volunteer board of directors. Members of the board are elected at annual meetings. The elected board in turn appoints an Executive Committee which executes the duties assigned to it by the board, including recruitment and supervision of the Executive Director.

CPAR has field offices and programs in Ethiopia, Malawi and Tanzania, which are staffed and managed by nationals in those countries.

CPAR’s projects are funded by individual donors, foundations, governments and institutions, as well as a number of partner NGOs operating in CPAR program countries.