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Our History

The Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) launched SEARCH (Swift, Efficient Application of Research in Community Health) in 1996 to help strengthen capacity in Alberta’s Health System for developing, disseminating and using information to meet the challenge of improving health outcomes. Under AHFMR’s wing, and with support from Alberta’s health authorities, academic institutions and government, considerable progress was made in achieving the original goals of the program, and a unique resource has been created. 

In 2003, after three cohorts of participants and proven impact on capacity, AHFMR engaged its health region, university and government partners in an extensive consultation and strategic planning process, resulting in a five-year plan in 2004. By that time, it was also clear that SEARCH was at a critical crossroads. The needs and opportunities presented surpassed the scope of AHFMR’s original intent, and challenged program stakeholders to determine how it would respond over the next five years.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by AHMFR, all nine health regions in Alberta, Alberta Health and Wellness and the University of Calgary, expressing commitment to implement the plan. AHFMR then moved to implement the plan for 2004, with the first year focused on the transition from an internal partnership program to a fully fledged, independent not-for-profit corporation, accountable to its members through a separate Board of Directors.

This not-for-profit corporation, established initially under the name SEARCH Alberta, built on the proven SEARCH Program established in 1996 by AHFMR, and the activities previously delivered by another initiative funded by AHFMR from 1998, the Alberta Consultative Health Research Network (ACHRN). On April 1, 2005 the new corporation became operationally separate from AHFMR, funded through an AHFMR grant and members’ commitments. At this time, the corporate name was changed to SEARCH Canada to recognize the potential to collaborate more widely.