The CMA's first president was Sir Charles Tupper,[4] the Nova Scotia Premier who led that province into confederation and later became Prime Minister of Canada.

[3] Over the years, the CMA and its physician members have advocated on behalf of patients and educated the public to limit the effects of outbreaks, such as the 1918 Spanish flu, SARS in 2002 and the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009–2010.

The CMA played an important role in medical assistance in dying (MAID) legislation, calling it one of the most complex and ethically challenging issues facing Canadian physicians.

[11][12] As a national association of physicians and medical learners, the CMA often advocates on key health issues that matter to Canadians and its members.

In developing its positions, it seeks input through town hall meetings, surveys its members and reviews relevant scientific research.

[18] The CMA continues to work with government on matters such as medically assisted dying for children, as well as for those with mental illnesses but no other conditions.

In 2015 the CMA began its first major public mobilization effort, and in conjunction with a federal election happening that year, revealed its Demand a Plan campaign.

Demand a Plan is a public campaign spearheaded by the CMA with the aim of having all levels of government work together to develop a comprehensive national seniors strategy.

[19] The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, in a report in March 2018,[20] adopted many of the recommendations made the previous year by the CMA on ways to better serve seniors with improvements to housing, income security and quality of life.

Choosing Wisely Canada was launched by Dr. Wendy Levinson in 2014 in partnership with the CMA to help physicians and patients reduce unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures, and ensure high-quality care.

[22] Central to the campaign are lists developed by more than 45 specialty societies to encourage critical thinking that will avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful tests and procedures.

[25] The CMA is an active member of the Pan-Canadian Collaborative on Education for Improved Opioid Prescribing, which is chaired by the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

[27] The CMA endorsed the collaborative's clinical guideline for opioids,[28] initially published by CMAJ and updated in 2017 by the Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre.

[30][31][32] Following the introduction of the Cannabis Act, the association provided guidance to the federal government on a regulatory framework to protect children and youth.

Technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and robotics hold significant promise for patients and physicians, particularly for a country like Canada with its large land base and numerous remote communities.