This is truly a special time for the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia. Not only is the Journal considered amongst the most prestigious of anesthesia journals, but this year it also marks its Diamond Jubilee. Indeed, the Journal has a rich 60-year history of serving the anesthesia and scientific communities as well as its own Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society (CAS). Throughout this calendar year, we will recognize the Journal’s Diamond Jubilee by showcasing some of its seminal articles from the past along with invited accompanying commentaries. The intent of this initiative is to both recognize these important contributions over the past decades and to highlight the relevance of these articles by the way in which their messages have endured. In these many decades since its inception, the Journal has evolved substantially – an evolution that continues today with a change in the editorial board and with my assuming the role of Editor-in-Chief. Indeed, this celebratory year, beginning with this issue, represents a fitting opportunity to recognize the dedicated editorial vision of the Journal and the leadership from its helm. Beginning with the Journal’s founding editor, Dr. Roderick Gordon, and continuing through its transitions in leadership under Drs. Craig, Bevan, Hardy, and Miller, the Journal has remained centred on our Society’s mission. In 2014, the Journal is again in transition, this time from Donald Miller’s nine years of service as Editor-in-Chief to my own beginning tenure. Over the years, the Journal has progressed from an in-house ‘‘cottage industry’’ publication, often managed from stacks of paper on the living room floor, to the electronic online Editorial Manager and the resources available through our Society and our publisher, Springer, who have facilitated its continued growth. The complex evolution shepherded under Dr. Miller’s tenure could not have been accomplished without his substantive efforts – in part, this editorial serves to recognize and thank him for these efforts. Moving forward, the vision of the Journal will undoubtedly evolve with additional initiatives to be seen in the coming years. Whereas some of these efforts will continue the scientific goals of the Journal, others will focus on educating our membership, in particular, and other anesthesia practitioners, in general. Importantly, as the future of our Society often rests with the newly trained (and still in training) anesthesiologist, specific efforts will be directed towards this group. Nevertheless, all aspects of the Society need to be engaged, and the Journal will make substantive efforts to continue to improve its appeal to its general membership. Furthermore, the Journal provides a distinct resource not only to its Society and the broader anesthesia community but also to the general public. In this day and age with innumerable online resources for the public to gather medical information, the Journal can serve as a source for dissemination of accurate information, i.e., a resource for patients looking for answers. This engagement and empowerment of patients is an important consideration that needs to be promoted. At this time of transition, it is useful not only to evaluate our past—our 60 anniversary is an opportune time to accomplish this—but also to re-evaluate our purpose and core values. The mission statement of the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia focuses on ‘‘excellence in research and knowledge translation in anesthesia, pain, H. P. Grocott, MD (&) Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital, University of Manitoba, CR3008 369 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada e-mail: hgrocott@sbgh.mb.ca