About CRDN
Uniting Canada’s rare disease community to advance care and research nationwide
Founded in 2023 and enabled by One Child Every Child, the CRDN is a pan-Canadian network that unites the country’s leading clinical, scientific, and patient expertise to improve the lives of the millions of children and adults affected by a rare disease across Canada. By bringing together all partners and mobilising the rare disease community, the CRDN aims to accelerate innovative scientific and medical advances, and improve standards of care across Canada for patients and their families.
Our Vision
Innovative care and research in Canada so that all patients and families affected by a rare disease are empowered to live their full potential.
Our Mission
Establish a growing network that builds connections across geographies and disease boundaries to enable timely diagnosis, screening, and access to treatment, and facilitate best care, support and empowerment, and global sharing of best practices for patients and their families in Canada.
Our Values
Our values are guideposts and are not listed in any order, except for people first, a principle that is at the heart of CRDN’s activities and decision-making considerations.
Patients & Families First
Collaboration & Inclusivity
Equity
Innovation
Excellence
Empowerment
Solidarity & Mutual Respect
A Shared Vision for Change
Developed by the Rare Disease Community, for the Rare Disease Community
Our Strategic Plan represents a shared vision developed by and for Canada’s rare disease community—a collective roadmap to drive meaningful progress in care, research, and innovation. Grounded in collaboration with individuals affected by rare diseases, caregivers, researchers, healthcare providers, patient organizations, and other interest holders, it addresses the complex, often overlooked challenges faced by those living with rare diseases across the country.
More than a set of goals, this Strategy proposes an integrated research-to-care framework—one that connects diagnosis, treatment, and long-term support into a coordinated, person-centred system. It reflects a commitment to reducing fragmentation, strengthening collaboration, and advancing equity and impact for the rare disease community nationwide.