The focal points for Canada’s treatment and research programs are the Arthritis Centres (AC), located in all academic rheumatology divisions in Canadian medical schools. These Centres provide exemplary patient care, high standards of graduate and undergraduate teaching, and excellent opportunities for clinical and basic science research.

AC Grants are made to Canadian medical schools, which in turn have made arrangements with one or more of their affiliated teaching hospitals for the provision of laboratory space and other professional and scientific amenities necessary to the success of the Centres.

Directors of the Centres are full-time members of the staff of the medical schools concerned and are not remunerated under AC Grants. The Society funds are used to provide essential teaching and research resources not available from tax funds, or through other research fund-granting programs.

For the 2009/2010 granting year, The Society is pleased to continue its funding which provides support for the activities of the Arthritis Centres. In addition, for the 2009/2010 granting year, The Society will begin funding the three Canadian pediatric Arthritis Centres, for a total of 19 Arthritis Centres funded.