8 x RGB LED Array

Gonna need anodes in there somewhere:

I had a thought of using common cathode led,s, connecting all reds to a own output for brightness, same for green and blue,

Then connecting each cathode to a digital output to pull low to activate each led as required,

Draw up a schematic & post it here.
Can't help on the CAN to display until you post what the CAN codes are and what you want them to do re: red/yellow/green for each status light.