Did you know?

• CSMLS was originally known as the Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists (C.S.L.T.)

• The CSMLS head office has always been situated in Hamilton, Ontario since its inception.

• Membership was $3.00 per member in 1937.

• Had sixty-five (65) Society members across Canada at the time of incorporation.

• The Society confirmed that the first year was successful since they had a surplus of just over $200

• C.S.L.T held its first Annual General Meeting in December 1937; a total number of 27 registrants attended.

• In October 1938, established the premier issue of the Canadian Journal of Medical Technology (CJMT), Volume 1, No.1.

• In 1938, the first set of examinations were offered.

• In 1943, the examination fee raise of $5.00 to $12.00 was approved at the Annual General Meeting (A.G.M).

• In 1948, a French-speaking Director was added to the Executive Team. The March issue of CJMT Journal published its first paper in French.

• In the late 1950s, the CJMT cover was redesigned to include the Society’s new crest.

• In 1951, the C.S.L.T. recommended a senior technologist with a general certificate and three years experience be paid a minimum of $2,100 per year.

• In 1956, the first North American Conference for Medical Technologists was held at the Chateau Frontenac in Québec City.

• In 1956, the CJMT publication was circulated to 2,200 people in 17 countries.

• By 1961, there were 120 laboratories approved for training, a CMA-C.S.L.T. revision of the “Basis of Approval” was achieved. C.S.L.T agreed to a minimum period of training of 14 months (but strongly preferred 18 months).

• A May 1961 summary noted that C.S.L.T. members reported almost 60% earned between $3,000 and $4,000 per year.

• In 1970, the CJMT and the Bulletin were combined and distributed bi-monthly (but were published separately again in 1972).

• In 1977, David Suzuki was a Keynote Speaker for the National Convention held in Hamilton, Ontario.

• Early 1980s, the CSMLS logo was newly-redesigned.

• Throughout the 1980s, there were more than 20,000 active members registered.

• In 1980, active membership fees sat at $45.00.  By 1999, active membership fees had risen to $122.00.

• Since 1985, CSMLS has sponsored National Medical Laboratory Week (NMLW).

• CSMLS celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 1987.

• New CSMLS head office was officially opened on September 26, 1990, marking 20 years in 2010.

• On June 16, 1997, C.S.L.T. officially renamed as Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).

• In 1998, the A.R. Shearer Pride of the Profession Award was established in honour of Archie Shearer who served as C.S.L.T. Executive Director from 1961 to 1980.

• Annual National Congress of Medical Laboratory Science was officially renamed for LABCON2009.

• In June 2011, CSMLS officially launched a new  logo and official rebranded colours to our membership base.

• CSMLS continues to sponsor awards and provide grants and scholarships in recognizing our members’ achievements.