History

The idea of the practice firm dates back to the 18th century, but it was not until 1950's in Germany that the concept was officially born. Nearly 50 years later, there are about 3000 similar firms gathered in a network with central offices all over the world.

Since May 1995 that the idea was introduced in Canada, Practice firms received thousands of participants. The Canadian practice Firms Network (CPFN) presently serves more than 40 practice firms from all over Canada.

In 1999, the Vanier Community Service Center introduced the practice firm concept to Ottawa by opening Canadart.ca, the first francophone practice firm in Ontario. In 2003 the second practice firm "Experica", was established in Ottawa to meet the needs of the Anglophone community.