Retracing the history of the early development of national chronic disease surveillance in Canada and the major role of the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control (LCDC) from 1972 to 2000.

The article focuses on the creation and growth of the national surveillance systems in Canada as well as their effect on chronic injury prevention and chronic disease. Topics discussed include the historical background of the federal department and agency structure for chronic disease surveillance, the significant role of the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, and the primary chronic disease surveillance initiatives.