August 22, 2023 - OCF-18 Letter to Parm Gill
Letter to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction Parm Gill about removing the requirement for third party sign-off when an RMT completes an OCF-18

July 12, 2023 - HST Letter to Chrystia Freeland
Letter to the Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland advocating for HST exemption for RMTs/p>

May 26, 2022 - CMTO Fee Increase Letter
Letter to the CMTO explaining our concerns with their proposed fee increase.

February 25, 2022 - CORHPA Letter to Ministry of Health
Letter to the Ministry of Health expressing concern about proposed reforms to regulatory colleges.

December 1, 2021 - RMTAO Letter to Premier Doug Ford
This letter is to Premier Doug Ford advocating to integrate RMTs more effectively into the healthcare system.

December 1, 2021 - RMTAO Letter to Leader of the Ontario Liberals, Steven Del Duca
This letter is to Steven Del Duca, leader of the Ontario Liberal party advocating to integrate RMTs more effectively into the healthcare system.

December 1, 2021 - RMTAO Letter to Leader of the NDP, Andrea Horwath
This letter is to Andrea Horwath, leader of the NDP party advocating to integrate RMTs more effectively into the healthcare system.

November 11, 2021 - RMTAO Letter to Minister Duclos
This letter is to the new Minister of Health offering aid in addressing the issue of health worker burnout.

October 29, 2021 - Letter of Support to the Minister of Labour regarding proposal to ban non-compete clauses
This letter to the Minister of Labour is supporting his recent proposal to ban non-compete clauses for employees.

June 23, 2021 - RMTAO Letter to Minister Hajdu
This letter is to Minister Hajdu expressing RMT’s importance in helping with health worker burnout.

May 28, 2021 - RMTAO Letter to Minister Ross Romano
This letter is in regards to Minister Romano’s memorandum of December 4, 2020 to Presidents, Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology omitting Registered Massage Therapists in his list of prescribed programs that support the healthcare workforce.

March 30, 2021 – RMTAO Letter to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Christopher Mackie
This is a letter to Middlesex-London’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Christopher Mackie, concerning unequal quarantine procedures for RMTs compared to other healthcare professionals.

March 19, 2021 – RMTAO letter to the Premier and Other Ministers
In mid March in a news conference, Premier Doug Ford questioned why RMTs could get vaccinated as part of phase 1 of the vaccine rollout when some 80+ year olds were still waiting. The RMTAO clarified our support of the province’s already established vaccine plan, which included a letter to the Premier and other Ministers as well as a statement to Global News.

March 5, 2021 – CORHPA letter to Ministers for Grant Support
The Coalition of Regulated Health Professional Associations (CORHPA), in which the RMTAO plays a role, has written a letter to Minister Bethlenfalvy and Minister Fedeli regarding supporting Ontario’s Health Care Professionals (which includes RMTs) through small business supports.

November 24, 2020 - Letter to the Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams
This is a letter to Ontario's Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams, asking for a correction to his misleading and inaccurate comments stating that RMTs could not continue to practice in lockdown areas.

June 24, 2020 - Response from the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
This is a response to our earlier letter to the Ontario government advocating for financial assistance for RMTs to access the PPE they need, reiterating what the government already provides and committing to more work in this area as required.

June 10, 2020 - Letter to the Minister of Health Regarding the June 9 Press Conference
This letter requests a correction after both the Premier and Minister of Health were unable to articulate the difference between Registered Massage Therapists and hairdressers in a press conference on June 9, 2020.

June 4, 2020 - Letter to the Minister of Finance Regarding Extending the CERB for High Risk Populations
This letter requests that those who choose to not return to work due to increased risk for COVID-19 should still be able to access the CERB. Individuals with factors that put them at a higher risk from COVID-19, have members of their household who are at higher risk, or work in higher risk settings or with higher risk populations who choose not to go back to work may not qualify to receive the CERB under the current criteria.

May 26, 2020 - CMTA Letter to the Minister of Finance Regarding Extending the CERB and CEWS
The Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance (CMTA), in which the RMTAO plays a leadership role, has written to the Federal Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, advocating for the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit for those who need it as well as for an expansion of the requirements for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

May 21, 2020 - Response from Minister of Health Regarding Return to Work
This letter was received from Christine Elliott, Ontario Minister of Health, in response to the RMTAO letters sent on May 1 and May 4, 2020.

May 14, 2020 - Letter to the Prime Minister Regarding Financial Assistance for PPE
This letter requests financial assistance to mitigate the cost of purchasing the required PPE for our members and other self-employed healthcare providers, which would help to ensure our important services are provided in a safe environment without passing the cost on to our patients.

May 14, 2020 - Letter to the Premier Regarding Financial Assistance for PPE
This letter requests financial assistance to mitigate the cost of purchasing the required PPE for our members and other self-employed healthcare providers, which would help to ensure our important services are provided in a safe environment without passing the cost on to our patients.

May 4, 2020 - Letter to the Minister of Health RE Return to Work - Follow Up
This letter was sent as a follow up to the letter sent on May 1, 2020 to ensure that a robust strategy is in place to protect the safety for all involved before RMTs return to providing healthcare.

May 1, 2020 - Letter to the Minister of Health RE Return to Work
This letter advocated to have RMTs return to work with the other regulated health professions as part of stage one reopening.

April 9, 2020 - Letter to the Prime Minister Regarding the Canada Emergency Business Account
This letter outlined concerns relating to the qualification criteria for the Canada Emergency Account which currently excludes sole proprietors.

March 27, 2020 - Coalition Letter to the Insurance Bureau of Canada Regarding assessment and treatment services for Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) clients
This letter sent from the Coalition of Health Professional Associations In Ontario Automobile Insurance Services was sent to the Insurance Bureau of Canada with guiding principles and recommendations to ensure that Ontario’s auto insurance industry can temporarily adapt its policies and processes for accident benefits so as to ensure safe and efficient administration and delivery of assessment and care during this unprecedented and rapidly evolving crisis.

March 17, 2020 - Letter to the Prime Minister Regarding COVID-19
This letter outlined concerns relating to the financial hardship of our members who are not eligible for Employment Insurance and saught targeted initiatives that will assist self-employed individuals and small business owners.

March 17, 2020 - Letter to the Premier Regarding COVID-19
This letter outlined concerns relating to the financial hardship of our members who are not eligible for Employment Insurance and saught targeted initiatives that will assist self-employed individuals and small business owners.

March 17, 2020 - Letter to the Mayor of Toronto Regarding COVID-19
This letter outlined concerns relating to the financial hardship of our members who are not eligible for Employment Insurance and saught targeted initiatives that will assist self-employed individuals and small business owners.

With a proclamation recognizing the healthcare contributions of RMTs across Ontario, and all-party support for RMTAO’s key objectives, our first Queen’s Park Day since late 2018 can only be described as a tremendous success and a launching pad to propel our profession forward.

After weeks of planning, preparation and coordination, RMTAO volunteers, staff and support team members arrived at Queen’s Park armed with briefing notes, clear messaging and a keen sense of purpose.

Our 28-member team carried three strong messages, each focusing on RMTAO’s primary issues and concerns including:

• The need to include massage therapy in community health teams across Ontario,
• HST exemption for RMTs,
• Amendments to regulation so that RMTs would no longer need to get third-party sign-off for treatment plans related to motor vehicle accident insurance claims (OCF-18).

The day got off to a good start, with RMTAO recognized and welcomed by the legislature. The brief but warm welcome set the tone, and RMTAO volunteers then broke into teams to attend a series of meetings in and around Queen’s Park.

A team of RMTs, led by Michael Feraday, met with Matthew Varsava, Director of Policy to the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility. The meeting gave RMTAO the opportunity to press the case for greater use of massage therapy in caring for seniors and those with physical challenges. Our key messages were well received, and, in return, we were offered some valuable information and insights as well as tacit support for our efforts to have a greater role in healthcare teams, HST exemption and changes to OCF-18.

Our teams also headed to the offices of the opposition members serving as health critics. One team met with NDP France Gelinas,  and another met with Liberal Adil Shamji, and, in both cases, RMTAO again earned support for our key issues.  Other teams met with MPPs including Lisa Gretzky, Mike Harris and Wayne Gates. 

The legislators we met with offered sound advice on how to navigate potential hurdles and they committed to ongoing support on HST exemption, health team integration and changes to insurance sign-off requirements.

We were also able to meet with the Minister of Health’s Policy Advisor and Stakeholder Relations Advisor.  They were excited to hear the results of our Pilot Program and agreed to meet when the report is completed.  They were very supportive of the HST exemption and thought this could be an issue the Minster would be able to advance.  The OCF-18 issue was seen as a prime example of red tape that should be addressed.  They informed us that a process was underway between medical associations and insurance industry representatives to review processes with a view to streamline forms and processes and that we should engage - of course, we will pursue this.

From the Queen’s Park offices of the opposition, it was a quick jog back to the visitors’ gallery for one of the day’s highlights as MPP Gelinas tabled  the bill “An Act to proclaim Massage Therapy Day.”

After she read out the names of every RMTAO volunteer staff member attending the Queen’s Park Day, MPP Gelinas explained the need to recognize the importance of RMTs to Ontario and our overall healthcare system. The Bill, which will now go through the legislative process, will, ultimately, make the third Wednesday of every October henceforth known as “Massage Therapy Day” in the province.

The remainder of the afternoon included more meetings including Liberal MPP and former interim Liberal leader John Fraser. Again, RMTAO discovered support on all key concerns, and then it was time for a reception in the Legislature’s Dining Room.

RMTAO warmly welcomed Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones who opened the reception with greetings from the government and highly supportive words for the profession’s efforts to join provincial healthcare teams. She also stated support for HST exemption.

The Minister was followed by MPP Frances Gelinas, giving her party’s support for the province’s RMTs, and then Liberal John Fraser followed, framing his remarks with additional support. And last, but not least, Leader of the Green Party, Mike Schreiner addressed the reception with remarks that confirmed all-party support for Ontario’s 14,000 massage therapists.

Over the next two hours, RMTAO volunteers were busy meeting with 23 MPPs, 18 Queen’s Park staffers, and supporters.

We had productive discussions with many of those in attendance, and when outlining the HST issue to the Associate Minister of Small Business, Hon. Nina Tangri. she was interested in a more detailed briefing on this issue so she may pursue it with her Federal counterpart.

Much was accomplished during this exciting day and much more work will be put in to follow up on questions, requests for more information and to provide updates on RMTAO milestones like our pilot project with the West Toronto Community Health Services.

With the support of our provincial government, we can also expect to move the yardsticks on HST exemption and other important initiatives.

Many thanks to our RMTAO staff and volunteers. February 21, 2024, became a pivotal day for our organization and profession and we look forward to more productive days at Queen’s Park.

The Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO) held its first ever Queen’s Park Lobby Day on November 26, 2018. This event was an opportunity to meet with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) from all political parties to discuss the benefits of massage therapy and the role that massage therapists can play in health care.

The day began with a presentation from Robin Martin, one of the Parliamentary Assistants to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. Ms. Martin spoke about increased funding and support to treat mental health and addictions and saw a role for massage therapy in the treatment of chronic pain and mental health associated with the provincial opioid crisis. France Gélinas, the NDP Health Critic also spoke to the RMTAO about massage therapy in the treatment of low-back pain, hospice and home care, and addressing the opioid crisis. Ms. Gélinas, a physiotherapist by training, has an appreciation for the benefits of massage therapy for musculoskeletal issues in all of these areas.

RMTAO representatives had various meetings with MPPs from all parties. Our representatives highlighted the benefits of massage therapy to treat chronic pain, address the physical symptoms of mental health issues, and the role of massage therapy in hospice, home care, seniors’ care and long-term care. The MPPs that we met with were extremely enthusiastic and supportive. They offered to attend massage therapy events in their ridings, champion the inclusion of massage therapy in relevant government health initiatives, and act as a liaison between the RMTAO and key policy makers and researchers.

We received many requests for additional meetings with MPPs, Ministers and key committee members. In particular, RMTAO will be approaching new partnerships with seniors’ care policy groups, consulting with a member of the committee that will be examining the evolution of the Auto Insurance Benefit and the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedules (SABS), and connecting with the chair of the Premier’s Council on Improving Healthcare and Ending Hallway Medicine.

Thank you to our volunteer RMTAO members who gave their time and expertise to help the RMTAO build and maintain relationships with government representatives. The RMTAO is the only advocate for Ontario RMTs, and we will continue to create opportunities like this Queen’s Park Lobby Day to advocate for the massage therapy profession.

The RMTAO, in conjunction with our partners in the Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance (CMTA), is working towards tax exemption for massage therapy services in Canada.

Massage therapists are one of the few regulated health professionals that are required to charge HST/GST on their healthcare. Massage therapists shouldn’t have to play by a different set of rules.

Patients have to pay to access massage therapy care, and taxing massage therapy means that patients have to pay more for the healthcare they need. Tax exemption will make massage therapy more accessible and affordable so that patients can more easily access the healthcare they need.

Learn more about the tax exemption campaign on the CMTA website: https://www.crmta.ca/project-rmtact/

Watch an overview of how tax exemption for massage therapy will help patients:

The CMTA is a national alliance composed of nine (9) provincial and two (2) territorial massage therapy associations. Officially constituted in 1991, the CMTA works collaboratively to promote massage therapy. They strive to ensure the highest standards in education and practice are met by member associations in providing massage therapy to the public. They advocate on behalf of the profession to government, insurers, and the public in order that the profession of massage therapy is recognized as an integral partner in the delivery of health care services to Canadians.

https://www.crmta.ca/

The Coalition of Ontario Regulated Health Professions’ Associations (CORHPA) is a group of associations representing health professionals regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act that work together on issues that affect all regulated health professionals in Ontario. CORHPA works together on issues that affect all regulated health professionals in Ontario. This includes inclusion in government health care programs, issues with extended health benefits companies, regulatory changes that are common to all professions or urgent issues like the COVID-19 pandemic. By having such a close relationship with other health professional associations in this group we will have a stronger voice when advocating for mutual concerns and be able to better identify further opportunities for our professions to work together

The Organizations for Health Action (HEAL), is a non-partisan coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive. Created in 1991, HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of health care. A key focus for HEAL is the promotion of sustainable solutions and health system transformations for lasting impact on the health and well- being of all Canadians.

https://healthaction.ca/

The Coalition represents over 40,000 front line health professionals from nine regulated professions involved in the assessment and treatment of Ontarians receiving services within the auto insurance sector. As such, the regulated health professionals we represent are key stakeholders in the auto insurance system. As a Coalition we advocate for timely access to assessment and care for claimants within a sustainable, cost-effective auto insurance system for all Ontarians.

The WSIB Health Professionals’ Forum is a group of health care professional associations that work together on matters of interest and relevance to its members pertaining to the provision of, remuneration for and policies and procedures applying to health care services provided to WSIB worker claimants. The forum make submissions to, request information from and otherwise communicate with the WSIB pertaining to the provision of, remuneration for and policies and procedures applying to health care services provided to WSIB worker claimants for consideration by the WSIB Health Care Advisory Committee (HCAC), or by the WSIB itself.

The Inter-professional Extended Health Coverage Advisory Advocacy Collaboration is made up of health care associations whose members are health professionals that accept and utilize extended health benefit plans in order to provide healthcare services to their patients. This group is focused on advocating on behalf of our members with the Insurance Industry in Ontario. This ad hoc collaborative has three main areas of focus relating to inadequacy of fees, scopes of practice and audits, delisting and shadow regulation.

One way that we have collaborated to tackle insurance industry issues is through the Inter-professional Extended Health Coverage Advisory Advocacy Collaboration. This consists of the Associations representing that utilize extended health plans in order to provide healthcare services to their patients. Michael has met with this group several times over the past few months with the goal of deciding where they should focus their advocacy with insurance companies. In the last meeting, they decided to primarily focus on the following three issues:

Inadequacy of fees including:

• Fee schedules
  • Extended health care funding for some health professionals does not reflect fee guides (and has not changed in years)
  • Fee codes may not reflect nature of assessment, treatment and care (i.e., not all care is compatible with discrete/piecework funding codes)
• Very large inter- and intra-variation in EHC coverage among health professionals (with some having little to none) that frustrates patients (and often lead to poor patient satisfaction ratings)
• Lack of insurer understanding re practice costs for some professions

Scopes of practice (and corresponding scope creep)

• Provincially legislated scopes of practice are limited by decisions made by third parties (e.g., funding and coverage related)
• Insurers use internal policies to decide what is in scope, constitutes a form of “shadow regulation”
• In some cases, insurers simply do not recognize recent (but well established) scope expansions

Audits, delisting and shadow regulation

• Inappropriate efforts by insurers to find fraud (e.g., using misleading communications on forms and/or invalid data)
• No transparency regarding delisting and relisting of providers and clinics (with no deference to regulatory colleges)
• Insurer policy changes that are out of step with the broader health policy landscape