History 

CSTD, originally known as the Ontario Society of Training Directors, was first established in 1946. In the 1970's, the Society changed its name to the Ontario Society for Training & Development (OSTD) and operated as a provincial organization.  In 1979, members of OSTD incorporated a national organization called the Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD).

CSTD was an active organization in the 1980's and hosted the IFTDO conference. However, CSTD was essentially a dormant entity from 1989 to 2003. In 2002-2003, the Board of Directors of OSTD initiated a consultation with the membership of OSTD to determine whether or not members envisioned a role for a national organization.

Overwhelmingly, the OSTD membership supported the concept of phasing out the provincial organization in favour of a national organization. The membership supported the drive for a national certification program in the CTDP and for a strong, national community of professionals and practitioners in the learning and development industry.

CSTD was officially launched July 1, 2003.