In the 1950s, Dr. Elmer S. McVety had the vision to develop a college in Canada that would grant young men and women a recognized degree and prepare students with the training needed to be achievers for Christ.  

Dr. Elmer McVety came from a long line of preachers. His father was a Christian and Missionary Alliance pastor, well respected teacher, and Dean of Winnipeg College. His brother, Ken McVety, was a famous missionary in Japan, and his other brother, Al, pastored some of the largest churches in western Canada. His brother-in-law was Billy Graham’s associate evangelist. Dr. McVety believed that Canada played a key role in world-wide evangelism but needed a world-class training institution to launch Canadians into the careers God has chosen for them. He prayed, sought God’s counsel, and gathered a group of qualified people to establish the college.  

In September of 1967, the Christian Arts college opened its doors for the first time and began producing effective Christian leaders, under the name Richmond College. Seven years later, the institution launched its theology program with the name Canada Christian College. Richmond College offered arts programs at the Steeles Avenue campus until 1981. Due to the increasing growth and expansion of the theology and counselling programs, the college moved to the University Campus in Toronto with facilities at 455 Huron Street. God continued to bring more and more students, so the college acquired a 50,000 square foot campus in Etobicoke. With an increase in growth, the college purchased the 110,000 square foot campus at 50 Gervais Drive in Toronto. In 2018, Canada Christian College acquired and renovated a new lakefront campus with approximately 200,000 square feet, 600 feet of lakefront and 12 acres with a projected value of $43.8 million. Throughout these transitions, Canada Christian College remains debt-free and does not receive government funding or denominational financial backing.  

Within 50 years, Canada Christian College has produced over 7,500 graduates who are currently ministering around the world. The college not only produces leaders, but it also impacts society with its strong advocacy of moral principle in the political arena and from hosting numerous Christian events, showcasing the greatest preachers, musicians, and leaders from around the world.