The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) embraces Canada’s major business sectors and all marketing disciplines, channels and technologies.
Established in 1967, CMA has evolved into the largest marketing association in Canada. Its 800 corporate members include the country’s major financial institutions, insurance companies, publishers, retailers, charitable organizations, agencies, relationship marketers and those involved in e-business and Internet marketing. Some of Canada’s most well-known and respected brands are CMA Members, including Costco, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), Home Depot, Kraft, the Globe and Mail and Rogers Communications.
The marketing community makes a significant contribution to the Canadian economy. Latest research from CMA shows that Canada’s marketing community supports over 900,000 jobs and generates more than $152 billion in overall annual sales through various marketing channels.
As the industry’s leading advocate on legislative matters, the Association devotes considerable resources to responding effectively to public policy issues affecting marketers. CMA takes a pro-active stance on issues such as consumer privacy, identity theft, behavoural and mobile marketing, spam e-mail and fraud prevention, and in doing so, acts as a strong voice for the interests of Canadian marketers.
CMA promotes effective industry self-regulation through its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that is compulsory for all CMA Members.
CMA supports consumer choice. Since 1989, the Association has operated a Do Not Contact Service, whereby consumers can register for free to have their names removed from marketing lists held by CMA Members. The Association also offers a customer complaint resolution program known as Operation Integrity.
The Association promotes industry growth, professional development and education through a network of special interest Councils and educational and networking opportunities for those involved in specific marketing disciplines. CMA fulfils its professional development role by offering a Professional Marketing Certificates program as well as conferences, seminars and customized in-house training, the Association’s annual National Convention & Showcase Forum, and the CMA Awards program.
Headquartered in Toronto, CMA is a national non-profit corporation with affiliated organizations in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. CMA policies are determined by an elected Board of Directors nominated from the Association membership. CMA is managed by a full-time professional staff.
