Obtaining Ethical Approval

Prior to the start of all CPSP studies, the investigators must obtain ethical approval from the Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada Research Ethics Board. There are several steps in the application process. The CPSP, in collaboration with the study team’s Health Canada/Public Health Agency of Canada co-investigator, can help to complete these steps. The Research Ethics Board will invite study teams to provide a five- to ten-minute presentation.

Although multi-centre ethical approval is not required, it is an asset to obtain approval from more than one centre. Investigators are strongly encouraged to pursue research ethics board approval from other institutions of their choice (often their local institution or university).

To obtain case-level information from Quebec and Alberta, study investigators must apply for and obtain data transfer agreements and project-specific research ethics board approvals: from each institution in Quebec, and from at least one institution in Alberta. Further details can be obtained from the manager of surveillance.

Research ethics boards often have questions about the safeguarding and privacy of the data that is collected through the CPSP. For more information, refer to the CPSP’s policy on privacy and security.

Investigators are encouraged to refer to standard questions often asked by research ethics boards.

If you have questions about how to frame your research ethics board application(s), the CPSP office can assist you.