Research Rooted in Practice. Powered by Connection.
CPCRC is the national coordinating home for primary care research in Canada.
Who We Are
CPCRC is a pan-Canadian initiative that brings together primary care researchers, clinicians, patients, and policymakers to strengthen research across the country.
We provide national coordination across networks, data infrastructure, and clinical trial platforms—ensuring research is connected, collaborative, and able to scale.
By aligning efforts across Canada, CPCRC helps research move more efficiently from idea to impact.
Mission
As a formidable research organization, to speak with a united voice to government, public, and institutions for the good of all Canadians.
We aim to:
Vision
CPCRC is a global leader in primary care research – where evidence generated with Canadian practices and communities shape care at home and around the world.
Purpose
CPCRC creates, elevates, cultivates and supports primary care research and helps ensure investment results in high-quality care, health equity and system transformation.
How CPCRC Works
CPCRC is the coordinating layer that connects the core components of primary care research in Canada.
Through CPCRC:
- Research networks are connected nationally
- Data is standardized and accessible
- Clinical trials are supported and scaled
- Knowledge moves more quickly into practice
We work in partnership with three national platforms, each with a distinct role.
Our Partners
CPCRN – Research Networks
The Canadian Primary Care Research Network (CPCRN) connects practice-based research and learning networks (PBRLNs) across Canada.
It enables collaboration between clinicians, researchers, patients, and communities, supporting a learning health system where knowledge is continuously generated and applied in practice.
CPCRN focuses on:
- Practice-based research and learning networks (PBRLNs)
- Implementation science and knowledge mobilization
- Patient-oriented research
- Capacity building across the research community
CPCSSN – Data Infrastructure
The Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN) is Canada’s largest primary care data network.
It transforms de-identified electronic medical record (EMR) data into standardized, research-ready datasets that support clinical insights, health system planning, and improved patient care.
CPCSSN enables:
- Access to real EMR datasets
- Data standardization and quality assurance
- Secure research environments
- Data-driven insights into primary care practices
CPCTN – Clinical Trials
The Canadian Primary Care Clinical Trials Network (CPCTN) supports the design and delivery of clinical trials in primary care settings across Canada.
It helps researchers:
- Design and implement trials
- Navigate regulatory pathways
- Build partnerships and recruit participants
- Generate high-quality evidence to inform care and policy
What We Do
Coordinate a National Research Infrastructure
We connect research networks, data platforms, and clinical trial capabilities into a cohesive national system.
Support Research Projects
We help researchers navigate study design, collaborate, and implement across jurisdictions.
Enable Practice-Based Research
We support research embedded in real-world clinical settings, ensuring findings reflect everyday care.
Foster Learning and Capacity
We strengthen the research community through mentorship, collaboration, and shared learning.
