In 1900 the organization of the Canadian Tuberculosis Association began in a meeting in Rideau Hall under the chairmanship of Lord Minto, then Governor General of Canada, at the instigation of the Prince of Wales (later King edward VII). In the following year the association was officially organized with Sir James A. Grant as first President. It was then known as the "Canadian Association for the Prevention of Consumption and other forms of tuberculosis".

The Executive leadersip of this organization has been as follows:

• Dr. C.S. Eby (1900-1902)
• Rev. W. Moore (1902-1908)
• Dr. G.D. Porter (1908-1921)
• Dr. R.E. Wodehouse (1921-1933)
• Dr. G.S. Wherrett (1933-1962)
• Dr. C.W. Jeanes (1962-1972)
• Dr. J.J. Laurier (1973-1974)
• Dr. E.S. Hershfield (1975-1982)
• Mr. R.G. Therriault (1982-1984)
• Mr. Ralph E.J. Ricketts (1984 Aug-Dec)
• Mr. Blair MacKenzie (1984-?)
• Mr. Bob Mech (19? - 1995)
• Ms. Margo Craig Garrison (1996-1997)
• Mr. Gary Lathan (1997-Present)

In 1909 the name was simplified to the Canadian Association for the prevention of Tuberculosis, in 1922 to the Canadian Tuberculosis Association, and in 1977, to the Canadian Lung Association. These name changes have reflected the shift in the Association's work from the treatment of tuberculosis to the prevention and control of non-infectious lung diseases (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and smoking-induced illnesses).

The Lung Association is non-profit and volunteer-based. Because of this, the Association depends greatly upon generous donations by the public. In 1927 the sale of Christmas Seals was introduced as a national campaign. Since then, the annual Seals campaign has been its main source of income.

The Lung Association's programs and activities are conducted at the national, provincial and municipal levels. There are ten provincial Lung Associations and one territorial (the North West Territories) Lung Association in Canada. Each provincial Lung Association maintains a professional staff who work with volunteers in developing and conducting community program services.