In the summer of 2001, the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC) and Health Canada drafted a work plan for a two-year project. The work plan was discussed, revised and ratified by the group. At that time, the CCS, HSFC and CDA submitted a letter of intent for grant funding through the Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI). In November 2001, these groups held a consultation with various stakeholder organizations across the country.
With input from this meeting, a small Steering Committee was pulled together in 2002 to establish the mission, purpose, objectives and structure of the Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada. The founding members included:
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Canadian Council for Tobacco Control
- Canadian Diabetes Association
- Canadian Public Health Association
- Coalition for Active Living
- Dietitians of Canada
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada
In October 2013, CDPAC became a federally incorporated not-for-profit, and voted in its board of directors. In 2018, CDPAC returned to unincorporated status.