Canadians recognize dietitians as a trustworthy and credible source of nutrition advice. Dietitians are regulated health professionals who are passionate about the potential of food to enhance lives and improve health – and Dietitians of Canada (DC) is proud to be the leading voice of this vibrant, relevant and evolving profession. We represent a diverse and skilled community of thought leaders who are sought after for their expertise across all areas of food, nutrition and health.
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First established as the Canadian Dietetic Association in 1935, DC was officially formed in 1997. As an association, our focus is on advocacy, professional practice, leadership development and building a diverse and inclusive community. Our purpose is to connect and support members, while increasing awareness of the role and value of dietitians. After more than 80 years, we remain an innovative organization with strong member leadership and a desire to embrace the future.
Dietitians of Canada has three strategic priorities (referred to as ENDs). These are:
Dietitians are valued by the public, other health professionals, and others as the most credible and trustworthy source of food and nutrition expertise.- Dietitians have the knowledge, skills and resources to enter and succeed in the professional environment.
- Members experience a sense of belonging to a mutually supportive, engaged, diverse and inclusive professional community.
The full description of the priorities is available here (members only).
What does Dietitians of Canada do to meet these priorities?
- Advocate for increased access to dietitian services in the healthcare system and on employee health benefits.
- Lead the annual Nutrition Month campaign each March and promote the role and value of dietitians, throughout the month and especially on Dietitians Day.
- Connect the general public and stakeholders with dietitians through the Find a Dietitian and Interview a Dietitian databases.
- Create professional development opportunities from leading experts through online learning, local events and a national conference.
- Advance student and recent graduate professional development through scholarships, access to enhanced learning and participation in the dietetic community.
- Support evidence-based practice through leadership in the PEN: Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition® knowledge translation database and the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice.
- Connect members across the country through practice networks.
- Advocate for food and nutrition issues that are priorities for members at the local, provincial and federal levels, such as food insecurity, marketing to children and sustainability. And support members with the resources to conduct their own advocacy activities for issues that are important to them.
Read more about our progress and actions in the most recent
Annual Report.
Find out about member benefits
Visit our Resource Library for tools and reports
Last updated: November 16, 2020