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“There is not one doctor in Ontario whose life, whose life’s work, is the same as any other. Not one. And our OMA is the ribbon stitching through those stories, stitching those unique differences together.
Our differences do not divide us.
Our differences help us uncover answers in the unlikeliest of places, among the unlikeliest of allies.
We know that it is not just about caring for patients but caring for one another as friends, colleagues, teammates and professionals that gives us strength. It is the decision to share, to support, to advance one another’s interests, to fight FOR one another, not fight one another in a zero sum game... to show everyone watching that the OMA will not be a house divided. That the OMA is an organization that tolerates a difference of opinion from within its ranks and still moves forward…TOGETHER.”
Arbitration
OMA lead negotiator Howard Goldblatt reviewed everything to date, including the timeline to completion for Phase I arbitration, and what Phase 2 might look like. I encourage you to read the full Negotiations Committee presentation available here. Questions or comments? Please email negotiations@oma.org.
Mr. Goldblatt also presented an overview of the allocation dispute resolution process, requesting input. This process will enable Sections, MIGs and Fora to individually or in groups argue their unique relativity considerations before the arbitration panel during Phase II. The OMA will ensure a level playing field and will support Sections as required.
Relativity
What relativity looks like in the real world remains a challenge. Board remains neutral on redistribution. After much discussion, Council voted down its allocation-then-redistribution motion. The most common reasons cited were the risks to our arbitration position and a desire for professional unity.
Charter Challenge update
John Craig, lead counsel for our Charter challenge, provided an update and an overview of the current legal landscape on freedom of association Charter cases. The government has proposed a new timeline for the Charter litigation that contemplates a final hearing before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice over two years from now. This proposed timeline is not acceptable and we are taking steps to expedite the litigation process. Members will hear more shortly in an OMR article.
Board-Council Dynamic
Board has developed strategic direction for the OMA. Our new Mission, Vision, Values aligns with it. However, the question remains: how do Board and Council complement one another in making sure the OMA stays relevant to members?
There is a tension between Council’s role and Board’s role — and that is healthy as the two act to balance one another. This weekend, we began exploring the lines of authority, autonomy and accountability to one another. Though we have moved towards a better understanding this weekend, there is more work to be done on both sides.
Elections
Dr. Cynthia Walsh, a diagnostic radiologist from Ottawa, was elected by Council as the Diagnostic Assembly Board Director, replacing Dr Chris Marriott. I thank Dr Marriott for his service, and welcome Dr. Walsh to the team. Her term starts May 2019.
I also want to welcome Dr. David Esser from District 11 (Toronto) and Dr. Dave Mutrie from District 10 (northwestern Ontario) who won by-elections to replace vacancies on the Board.
CPSO Relations
The OMA’s CPSO task force reviewed work done so far, analyzing the CPSO Complaints & Investigations process. Conversations with the College, led by the new Registrar Dr. Nancy Whitmore, have been constructive. The College has publicly committed to review its core regulatory function with a view to improving process efficiency and effectiveness.
The work on CPSO’s policy-setting role continues, especially around the Continuity of Care policy. Council expressed many concerns about the feasibility of this policy. The CPSO has been receptive to feedback from the OMA and the SGFP. This is a positive step. I will keep you updated as more info comes out.
Voluntary Group Retirement Plan
Details are here but key takeaways include:
- This is a combination group TFSA and RSP which will serve as a foundational approach to retirement savings.
- It is not-for-profit.
- It will complement a robust and diverse financial planning strategy.
- Fees are expected to be 0.6% and $120/year — better than industry average.
- There is no government-matching: most physicians in Ontario do not have an employer-employee relationship that would allow that.
- Expected rollout is Fall 2019.
Council asked for more details on what this plan could mean for specific populations like kids, spouses or dual-citizenship physicians.
In closing, OMA Council was productive. We shared our differences and our concerns. The conversation was personal, inspiring and open to change. I believe we emerged more focused, more determined, and more united than before. Together, we are changing our OMA. And that fills me with hope and strength.
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