What started in 1980 as an informal gathering of organ donor coordinators, dedicated to creating a network of information and expertise, has grown into the Canadian Association of Transplantation. CAT is a national association whose members have built a caring and professional foundation for the transplantation process in Canada.

Membership has grown to include health professionals and partners involved in every aspect of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, including recovery, allocation, and distribution of organs and tissues; managing care for patients pre and post transplant; and recognizing and supporting donor families. Currently, CAT has a critical role in the development of national guidelines and safety issues involving distribution of organs and tissues.

A national transplantation structure to provide consistent communication that can guide practice, informal sharing of ideas and information, is essential. With the sharing of organs and tissues being an integral part of an efficient and fair donation system, specific practice of one program impacts every other program within the country. CAT has evolved directly from this need for communication and provides for it through meetings, workshops and newsletters.

Information formally presented at the annual Scientific Conference provides members with a forum to share research findings on organ and tissue donation, procurement, and transplantation. Every year, National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week is a primary focus for CAT to increase public and professional knowledge of donation and transplantation. Overall, the members of CAT remain committed to facilitating and enhancing the transplant process in Canada.