Muriel Driver Memorial Lecture 1981: the mists of time

In honour of the fiftieth anniversary of the first "Convention" held by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) in 1931, a brief history of the founding of the CAOT and the early development of the profession in Canada is presented. The early beginnings and activities of the CAOT are traced from its conception during World War 1, through its formation in 1926 to its "coming of age" in 1966. Significant events in the growth of the Association and the practice of occupational therapy in Canada, and the Canadian influence on occupational therapy in Great Britain are outlined. Some issues relevant to yesterday and today are suggested.