Policy Updates

Bill 124 is an Ontario legislation that limits wage increases for nurses and actively contributes to the current nursing staffing crisis by exacerbating burnout, decreasing morale, and undervaluing the essential role that nurses play in our healthcare system. In doing so, Bill 124 threatens the quality of healthcare provided to patients across the province, and negatively impacts the training of future medical professionals. The strain Bill 124 has placed on the healthcare system will have adverse effects at all levels of care, for years to come. 

The Ontario Medical Students Association stands with nurses in the call to immediately repeal Bill 124.

Read the full statement here.

OMSA has released an important update regarding Bill 138.  We encourage you to read more about the Advocacy Toolkit here, and review our policy update here. 

OMSA has prepared a health-centered guide to the 2018 Ontario Election for medical students. We are excited that all parties have committed to pharmacare in Ontario. Their proposals discuss expanding coverage to rare diseases, seniors, or people of all ages. They also present plans for improving access to long-term care. Click here to learn more about key healthcare issues in the province and get an unbiased analysis of each party's platform to make an informed decision in the upcoming election. Don't forget to vote!

The debate over federal taxes began on July 18, 2017, when the Liberal government announced its plan to update the Income Tax Act. The rationale was to "improve the fairness of Canada's tax system by closing tax loopholes and amending existing rules to ensure that the richest Canadians pay their fair share of taxes". Specifically, these proposed tax changes would affect many small businesses, which includes two-thirds of physicians. Click here for a brief summary of the key changes being proposed and for links to more resources. Click here for a presentation from MD Financial regarding the potential impact of the changes.

Bill 160, officially known as "An Act to amend, repeal and enact various Acts in the interest of strengthening quality and accountability for patients" is an omnibus bill (a proposed law covering many diverse policies) that went through its first reading on September 27, 2017, and its second reading on October 26, 2017. The bill is now awaiting its third reading, before royal assent to become law. The bill is over 200 pages, and can be difficult to navigate without sufficient background. Click here for a brief summary of the bills that will be introduced or updated by Bill 160.

The OHIP for All Campaign brings together numerous public calls for action into a single, province-wide campaign based on the principle that every person has a human right to health care. The campaign calls on the Ontario government to provide OHIP for All residents of Ontario. Click here for a brief overview of the campaign. Please visit the OHIP for All website if you would like to learn more or to sign the open letter.

On April 13, 2017, the Government of Canada introduced the Cannabis Act, which aims to legalize recreational cannabis across the country. The Rapid Response Team of OMSA's Political Advocacy Committee has been busy working on advocacy relating to the Cannabis Act. Click here to learn more about the current state of the legislation, OMA recommendations and OMSA's goals.

Also known as the Patient First Act, Bill 41 makes extensive changes to Ontario's health care policies with the aim of ensuring and improving access to primary health care. The controversial law introduces administrative sub-regions and increases government management of health care planning, funding and delivery. Click here for a concise student's guide to the Patient First Act.