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 works across geographies and disease boundaries to enable timely diagnosis and access to treatment, and facilitate best care, support and empowerment for patients and their families in Canada, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
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
Our Strategic Plan
Developed by the Rare Disease Community, for the Rare Disease Community
Our Strategic Plan represents a shared vision for Canada’s rare disease community—a roadmap to drive meaningful change in care, research, and innovation. Grounded in collaboration with patients, caregivers, researchers, healthcare providers, and other key partners, it addresses the complex challenges faced by those living with rare diseases. At its core, the plan puts the needs and voices of the rare disease community at the heart of national progress.
More than a set of goals, this Plan outlines an integrated research-to-care framework—one that connects diagnosis, treatment, and support into a coordinated, compassionate system. It reflects our hopes of reducing fragmentation, fostering collaboration, and delivering real progress.