How the CMPA Operates

The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) is a not-for-profit organization that provides legal defence, risk management, and compensation support to physicians in Canada. Funded by taxpayer dollars through provincial health budgets and member fees, the CMPA pools substantial resources to provide unmatched legal backing to doctors facing medical malpractice claims.

The CMPA’s primary focus is protecting physicians, often employing aggressive legal tactics to minimize liability and payouts. It is known for retaining large teams of high-profile lawyers, making it challenging for families seeking justice for medical errors to navigate the legal system effectively. Critics argue this creates an imbalance of power, leaving patients and families struggling for accountability.

More funds are spent defending medical errors than preventing them, raising concerns about the CMPA’s priorities. While the CMPA claims to uphold patient safety, its practices have led to growing scrutiny over its role in prioritizing physician protection over patient compensation or systemic improvements.