Research Rooted in Practice. Powered by Connection.
CPCRC is the national coordinating home for primary care research in Canada.
Who We Are
CPCRC–CCRSP is Canada’s only pan-Canadian infrastructure for primary care research — connecting practices, communities, researchers, learners, and health system partners across the country, and enabling the collaboration, learning, capacity building, and infrastructure development that turn that connection into results. The foundation already exists: practice-based research and learning networks operate in every province, along with one territory-wide network, each linked to universities, departments of family medicine, and data platforms that support research, surveillance, and quality improvement. CPCRC–CCRSP brings these strengths together under a shared national direction.
Vision
CPCRC–CCRSP is a global leader in primary care research, where evidence generated with Canadian practices and communities shapes care at home and around the world.
Purpose
CPCRC-CCRSP connects, strengthens, and advances primary care research across Canada; helping ensure research investment translates into high-quality care, health equity, and health 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.
