Advocacy - Growing our Profession

Health care is a provincial matter

Canada’s health care system is funded and run by the provincial governments.  As health care continues to change and funding becomes even more restrained, there has never been a more important time for MRTs and Sonographers to have a strong presence at the provincial government (Queen’s Park).  It has become even more important as all other 26 Allied Health Care professions compete for limited funding and scope of practice.  As the voice of the profession, OAMRS is an important representative with the Ontario Government with the modernization of the HARP act and the regulation of the Sonography profession (OAMRS advocacy update).

OAMRS continues to work with the government to ensure the long-term success of Medical Radiation Science Practitioners while providing a cost effective way to achieve maximum patient care.

A strong voice at Queen’s Park

Here are few highlights on how OAMRS is working hard to grow our profession in Ontario:

• Met regularly throughout the year with the Minister of Health, Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADMs), Policy Advisors to the Minister of Health and other staff to collaborate and receive updates on plans concerning the HARP Act and the regulation of Sonographers.  HARP Act update click here
• Regular strategy meetings with our government relations team
• Representation on the CMRTO Sonography Implementation Group
• Met regularly with the CMRTO to update and strategize about the regulation of Sonographers
• Total Government Relations meetings: 33

 

MRT Lobby Days

Occasionally OAMRS organizes Lobby Days at the provincial legislature, Queen’s Park Toronto.  Lobby Days are an important part of our government relations strategy.  They provide MRTs and Sonographers with the opportunity to discuss, with MPPs, the key issues that matter most.  At our most recent Lobby Day, our MRT/Sonography team of volunteers represented our profession in one of the most successful days we have ever had.  The overarching message of the importance of our profession as it relates to patient care seems to be resonating with key elected officials.

More Information:

Government Submissions link

What is the HARP Act?  Why should I care about it – Read blog

 

Growing the reputation and respect of our profession

Our profession continues to work hard to gain the respect from the public, our peers and other Inter-Professional groups.  The OAMRS participates on the following Inter-Professional groups to ensure our profession continues to grow as an important part of the Ontario Health care System:

Coalition of Regulated Health Professional Associations (CORHPA)

Allied Health Professional Development Fund (AHPDF)

Mohawk-McMaster Medical Radiation Sciences Program Advisory Committee

Sonography Canada Provincial Presidents

Sonography Implementation Group

Canada Safe Imaging

The Ontario Electronic Health Registry – Business and Technical Committee

National Network

OAMRS Awards for professional excellence.  Nominate a colleague, your team or yourself.  Learn more