Asthma Canada has a proud legacy of supporting people in Canada with asthma through education, advocacy, and research. Our roots trace back to May 30, 1973, when two dedicated community members met with leading physicians to discuss creating a national organization focused solely on improving the lives of people with asthma in Canada.

This idea quickly took shape. A founding meeting was held on November 12, 1973, leading to the formation of working committees and a clear mandate: to raise funds and awareness in support of people in Canada affected by asthma. Just weeks later, the federal government approved the organization’s charter, officially recognizing the Asthma Society of Canada (ASC) on December 28, 1973. Early in the following year, the ASC received charitable status from Revenue Canada.

At the heart of the organization’s formation was Judy Godfrey, who became the ASC’s founding President. Driven by a firm belief that funds raised in Canada should stay in Canada, Judy was instrumental in building the foundation of the organization. She recruited respected physicians including Dr. Cecil Collins-Williams, Dr. Irvin Broder, and Dr. Harold Williams to form the ASC’s first Professional Advisory Committee. Alongside her friend and fellow founder Jo Ann Posen, Judy helped lead the organization at a time when women’s leadership was not easily recognized—an effort that required tenacity, vision, and persistence.

The ASC’s inaugural reception took place on July 13, 1974, drawing broad support from the community and marking the beginning of several successful fundraising and educational initiatives that would continue in the years ahead.

In 2017, the organization changed its name to Asthma Canada, reflecting a broader and more inclusive mission. The new name signaled an evolution from a society focused on asthma sufferers to a national charity committed to serving all people in Canada impacted by asthma, including caregivers, researchers, and healthcare providers.

Today, Asthma Canada continues to lead in asthma education, support services, advocacy, and research. From improving patient outcomes to influencing public policy, our work is driven by the same commitment that inspired our founders: to improve the quality of life for everyone in Canada affected by asthma.

We honour the dedication of individuals like Judy Godfrey, Jo Ann Posen, and Sheldon Godfrey, as well as the many others who have contributed to building and sustaining this organization over the decades. Their legacy continues to shape our work today.