Our History

ACT adds Opioid Overdose Response Training to the ACT High School CPR and AED Program, to expand from Ottawa pilot to high schools across Canada.

ACT pilots the Opioid Overdose Response Training enhancement to the ACT High School CPR and AED Program in Ottawa Catholic School Board.

Government of Quebec makes CPR training mandatory for all secondary 3 students based on ACT Program.

Governor General’s Meritorious Service Cross (MSC), recognizing extraordinary people for their innovative acts which set an example or model for others to follow and brings honour to Canada, is presented to ACT Executive Director Sandra Clarke and National Medical Director Dr. Justin Maloney for their groundbreaking establishment of the ACT High School CPR Program, bringing it into the realm of a national standard in Canada’s education system.

Milestone - 1.4 million students trained in CPR to date through ACT High School CPR Program.

ACT adds AED training to High School CPR Program and begins donation of AEDs to high schools.

“New Spirit of Community Partnership” Award presented to ACT Foundation by Imagine Canada.

Government of Alberta makes high school CPR training mandatory in Grade 10 curriculum based on ACT Program.

Government of Manitoba makes high school CPR training mandatory in Grade 10 curriculum.

Government of Alberta engages ACT in 5-year partnership to establish CPR Program in all Alberta public high schools.

ACT expands Ottawa model of High School CPR Program across Canada.

Government of Ontario makes high school CPR training mandatory in Grade 9 curriculum based on success of ACT’s Ottawa and Toronto pilots.

ACT successfully pilots High School CPR Program in Montreal and Toronto.

ACT pilots High School CPR Program in Ottawa. Highly successful with results indicating CPR as one of the most popular components of health in physical education and health curriculum.

ACT’s public advocacy campaign (Action Paramedic), focusing on Ottawa as a watershed, results in Government of Ontario approval of paramedics and $22-million commitment to establish multi-centred paramedic program around province.

ACT brings “Learn CPR” message into homes of millions of Canadians through “Julie,” its multiple award-winning national TV and print campaign about a 12-year-old girl who saved her father’s life with CPR.

ACT launches national “CPR Saves Lives” campaign engaging cardiologists and family physicians in promoting citizen CPR training.

To create mass public awareness about the need for paramedics across Canada, ACT organizes inaugural and subsequent National Advanced Life Support (ALS) Events / Competitions in Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto.

ACT Foundation is founded by Sandra Clarke as a national charitable organization dedicated to promoting health and empowering Canadians to save lives.