Sponsorship

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The Canadian Paediatric Society's activities and programs are funded through a wide variety of sources, including membership dues, revenue from continuing medical education events and annual conferences, publications, unrestricted grants from individuals, foundations and corporations, as well as government grants. Over the years, the CPS has developed mutually beneficial relationships with private sector companies. The resources offered by the private sector enhance our ability to fulfill our mission. For instance, sponsorships can help us expand our distribution network, allowing our resources on child and youth health to reach a wider audience than would otherwise be possible. The CPS welcomes corporations as supporters of our programs and activities and seeks corporate sponsors that operate in the best interests of children and youth.

To ensure that we develop relationships that enhance our programs and activities in a responsible way, the Canadian Paediatric Society has developed the following Policy for Private Sector Sponsorships which outlines how we work with corporations and the types of activities are suitable for sponsorship. These guidelines:

• outline the conditions by which the CPS will enter into sponsorship agreements;
• define acceptable elements of sponsorship agreements, to create a consistent approach to sponsorship;
• ensure sponsorship agreements that are consistent with the goals and mission of the CPS.

This policy applies to all agreements between the CPS and the corporate sector. Sponsorship is understood to mean unrestricted financial or in-kind support for designated CPS activities and programs. The solicitation of sponsorship for all CPS activities is the responsibility of the head office and not of individual CPS members, committees or sections.

The CPS abides by the Canadian Medical Association’s Guidelines For Physicians Interaction with Industry Policy and the National Standard for Support of Accredited CPD Activities set out by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Key principles

All relationships must be consistent with the CPS Code of Ethics. Sponsorship should only be pursued if it does not compromise the following core values:

• integrity and credibility of CPS and its members;
• consistency with CPS mission, vision and values;
• editorial and operational independence of CPS;
• transparency;
• operating in the best interests of children and youth.

Overall CPS polices and regulations

Regardless of the activity or program being sponsored by the corporate sector, the CPS will ensure that the following conditions are met:

Administration of project

• A written agreement between the company and the Canadian Paediatric Society must be developed to clarify the terms, conditions, benefits and financial commitment(s) related to the sponsorship.
• The solicitation, use, and recognition of funds for all activities or projects will be discussed with the sponsor and will always be in keeping with the Ethical Fundraising and Accountability Code.
• The CPS will not enter into any agreement that could reasonably be perceived as product endorsement.
• All projects will be reviewed annually by the senior staff, with a report to the CPS Board of Directors, to ensure that they continue to meet these guidelines.
• Agreements can be terminated at any time if they longer comply with CPS policies and regulations.

Editorial independence

• The CPS retains full editorial and operational independence.
• It is the sole responsibility of the CPS to determine the scope and content of all programs and activities such as, but not limited to, authorship/speakers, format, illustrations, etc.
• The CPS is responsible for coordinating all activities where third parties are involved.
• The CPS has final approval over all content and materials used to promote sponsored activities and in all instances in which the CPS name or logo is used. Use of the CPS logo and/or name without prior consent is prohibited.
• Once approved by the CPS, materials or information provided by the CPS cannot be reproduced or modified in any way, nor can they be used in promotional material for specific products without prior permission.
• In all instances, financial support from corporate sponsors will be disclosed.

Financial considerations

• Once letters of agreements are finalized and signed, sponsors must fulfill all financial commitments, even if they can no longer participate in an activity.
• The CPS will not offer exclusive sponsorship rights to any corporation.
• Funding for educational events, activities, and educational materials will be sought from a variety of supporters.

Partnership selection guidelines

The CPS welcomes the opportunity to work with organizations who meet the following criteria:

• Products and services do not present a conflict of interest with the mandate of the CPS, are not deemed hazardous to individual and population health or to the environment, in Canada and internationally.
• Abide by territorial, provincial and federal health protection acts;
• Adhere to the principles outlined in their respective industry codes.

Sponsor acknowledgments and recognition

• Recognition varies for each activity, and will be discussed in detail with the sponsor when reviewing sponsorship opportunities.
• The CPS will determine the final wording and placement of sponsor acknowledgments. Acknowledgement of sponsorship will not make any reference to supporting products, corporate information and/or websites.
• Sponsorship is reserved to corporate level recognition and, as such, products and services are not eligible sponsors.
• In all cases, supporting logos should not include any additional text such as taglines, product categories, product qualities or product websites.
• Use of the CPS name and logo in any promotional materials is prohibited, unless otherwise agreed upon with the CPS.

Products, services and unsolicited projects

The CPS does not endorse commercial products, services, professional guidelines or public education materials produced by private sector organizations.

Requests to collaborate on unsolicited projects are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Directors, and must clearly demonstrate a link to current CPS priorities.

If your company wishes to sponsor or host a co-developed symposium at this year’s Annual Conference, please contact the Manager of Development and Sponsorship.