The Canadian ALS Research Network (CALS) is a network of clinicians across Canada who specialize in ALS research and clinical care. CALS is widely regarded within Canada and worldwide for rapid and effective study recruitment, attracting global clinical trials for Canadians living with ALS.
About CALS
Membership to CALS is open to clinicians at ALS clinics who adhere to the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for the Management of ALS (BPRs) and are interested in or have already participated in research.
CALS’s mission is to connect Canadian ALS clinics and improve patient and clinic participation in clinical research.
The work of CALS is to:
The benefits of a national clinical research network:
- A united national voice to attract world-class clinical trials to sites across Canada.
- Commitment to work together on diverse types of research.
- A strong relationship with Health Canada.
- A central hub that manages communication to all 23 centres through the network manager.
- Ability to support physician-led studies at academic centres (universities).
- Mentoring of new clinical researchers.
- Ability to address emerging matters quickly due to a small number of committed teams and leaders.
- An ally to advocate for people affected by ALS.
CALS and the CNDR
CALS has a close relationship with the Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR), a national registry of people living with ALS. This connection strengthens a further understanding of ALS and care, facilitates research collaborations, and accelerates the development of new therapies while collecting real-world evidence of approved treatments.
Our partnership with CALS
We have been a proud supporter of CALS since 2008.
Maintaining a strong partnership between CALS and ALS Canada helps to bring more new treatments to Canadians living with ALS. Together, we work to ensure that Canadians have fast and equitable access to Health Canada approved treatments.
Our history with CALS
2008
In 2008, ALS Canada provided initial seed funding that helped establish the network.
2017
Since 2017, ALS Canada has supported CALS in its day-to-day operations with the help of a manager who is part of the ALS Canada Research Team.
With our Clinical Research Fellowship program, we have also supported several early career clinicians who are now key leaders in the CALS network.
CALS initiatives and clinical trials
CALS initiatives and resources
Together with ALS Canada, CALS has led and contributed to several initiatives aiming to improve patient outcomes and advance ALS research in Canada.
Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for the Management of ALS
ReferALS
COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance for the ALS Community
ALS health care provider wellness
CALS clinical trials
CALS has played a fundamental role in bringing clinical trial sites to Canada.
Since the network was established, over 30 clinical trials have been run at CALS sites. Here is a summary of CALS clinical research studies.
To learn more about CALS efforts and advocacy towards clinical trials and care:
Strengthening Canada's Excellence in ALS Clinical Trials
Raise your hand in support of continuing to build Canada as a primary destination for ALS clinical trials
CALS leadership
The CALS Executive Committee comprises a Past Chair, Chair, and Chair-Elect. Members are nominated and voted in by the membership.
Executive Committee members are elected to staggered three-year terms serving as:
- Chair-Elect for the first year
- Chair for the second year
- Past Chair for the third year
Current Leadership
Dr. Christen Shoesmith
Past-Chair, Executive Committee
Dr. Kerri Schellenberg
Chair, Executive Committee
Dr. Ari Breiner
Chair-Elect, Executive Committee
Please contact Colleen for more information about the CALS network
Colleen Doyle, MSc
CALS Manager
Director, Canadian Research, ALS Canada