The current status of biomedical research continues to require the responsible use of animals in order to examine the natural history of cancer, and to explore novel and effective therapeutic modalities. All research proposals submitted to the National Cancer Institute of Canada are stringently reviewed for excellence, likelihood of successful and meaningful execution, and scientific merit. These principles apply equally to animal-based research. Representation to the CCAC currently comprises twenty-four agencies, including the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and the National Cancer Institute of Canada. The mandate of the CCAC is to ensure humane and ethical use of animals in research, teaching and testing.
Major emphasis is applied to assessment, guidelines development, and education.
All government sponsored agencies, universities, colleges and health care institutions are required to comply with CCAC guidelines and standards. The CCAC assessment program establishes a dynamic dialogue among animal ethicists, animal care committees, animal technologists and researchers to enhance standards of animal welfare with effective quality control. Industrial compliance with CCAC guidelines and standards is required where there is collaboration with the aforementioned agencies. Therefore, all animal use supported by the National Cancer Institute of Canada is under continual assessment of the Canadian Council on Animal Care . The NCIC additionally conforms to standards in Canadian Provinces where statutory regulation is mandated.