OPA President, Courtney Bean, shares a message upon the recent Government of Ontario announcement about pending scope of practice implementation for physiotherapists in Ontario. Courtney also welcomes new students to the physiotherapy community.
The PT Exchange: In Conversation with the College and OPA
Join representatives from the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and the Ontario Physiotherapy Association for an interactive discussion. Get updates about the organizations, learn about upcoming priorities, and have your say with a chance to get your questions answered.
- Light refreshments will be served
- We appreciate you registering in advance to help us plan accordingly.
| location | date & time | register |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa Holiday Inn & Suites Kanata 101 Kanata Avenue | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm | Register Now |
| Brampton Monte Carlo Inn Brampton Suites 45 Coventry Road | Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm | Register Now |
| Webinar Zoom – attend from anywhere | Thursday, January 22, 2026 6:30 to 8 pm | Register Now |
| Sudbury Radisson Hotel Sudbury 85 Ste Anne Road | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm | Register Now |
We hope to see you there! If you have any questions about the event, please email the College at communications@collegept.org or the OPA at physiomail@opa.on.ca.
Scope of Practice Expansion Announcement
We are pleased to share that today the Government of Ontario announced proposed changes to expand scope of practice for physiotherapists.
For physiotherapists, proposed scope expansion enables ordering of diagnostic imaging further enabling our ability to diagnose. OPA has long advocated for these changes so that people in Ontario have timely access to care. We are pleased to see this progress and OPA is committed to continue to advocate to take scope expansion across the finish line.
The government has recognized that scope expansion provides more timely access to care for people when they need it most. Supporting and enabling physiotherapists to work to the full extent of their training and expertise will further contribute to the optimal use of Ontario’s health human resources. The regulation changes for physiotherapists are straightforward and within the Ministry’s authority under current legislation, and we look forward to working with the Government to complete this important work this fall.
Sarah Hutchison
Chief Executive Officer
Ontario Physiotherapy Association
Advancing the Role of Physiotherapists in Primary Care
What’s the Issue
On Friday, September 6, OPA President Courtney Bean, CEO Sarah Hutchison, Primary Care Advisory Committee Chair member Emily Stevenson, and Government Relations Representative Don Gracey met with Dr. Jane Philpott, and Carly Bergamini, Director of the Primary Care Action Team (PCAT), an Ontario government initiative. The mandate of the PCAT is to ensure 100% of people in Ontario are attached to a family doctor or a primary care nurse practitioner working in a publicly funded team, where they receive ongoing, comprehensive, and convenient care.
OPA highlighted how approximately 20-30% of primary care visits are for musculoskeletal conditions,i, ii. Based on clinical experience in physiotherapy in primary care settings and suggested attachment rates for physicians, OPA estimates that a physiotherapist on an interprofessional primary care team can increase attachment rates by approximately 425 total rostered patients (on average) or 24%.
With funding now available as teams expand to meet the government’s mandate of ensuring access to primary care, physiotherapists can deliver incredible value in their ability to independently diagnose and manage musculoskeletal conditions and increase attachment.
Here’s What We Want
- OPA is advocating for an expansion of physiotherapists in primary care teams in first contact roles.
- OPA is advocating for the necessary statutory amendments to enable physiotherapists to prescribe x-rays and order lab tests and “forms of energy” to be completed. Physiotherapists in other provinces and “extended practice” physiotherapists in hospitals, etc. have been authorized to do for some time. It’s time for the remaining regulations to be implemented in Ontario.
With more physiotherapists on primary care teams, and working to their full scope of practice, we can reduce wait times, enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes at no net additional cost to the healthcare system.
Progress Made to Date
At this time, there are physiotherapists who are part of Family Health Teams, Community Health Centres, Nurse Practitioner-Led Teams and Indigenous Primary Care Teams. However, PTs are not frequently represented on these teams, and precise figures are not readily available from government sources, especially as organizations have moved to global budgeting models and so PT positions may be independent of specifically allocated funding. For the funding year 2023-2024, the following FTEs were identified:
- 29.44 FTE PT in Family Health Teams
- 54.03 FTE PT in Community Health Centres
- 2.40 FTE PT in Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics
These FTE values are likely a small undercount of the actual number of FTEs for physiotherapists in primary care teams.
Continuous Advocacy for PTs in Primary Care Roles
To ensure awareness of physiotherapists in team-based primary care roles, OPA meets with the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) and the Alliance for Healthier Communities (Alliance) as well as individual OHTs. Discussions center on how PTs can increase attachment rates, and to collate various supports and resources for primary care teams regarding physiotherapists.
Collaboration & Expanded Capacity
OPA supports a collaborative approach to the integration of all rehab providers in primary care teams. It is important to note that communicating a diagnosis is within the existing scope of physiotherapists, which supports functioning independently as part of a team to expand capacity.
Why This is Critical for Our Profession
It is important to expand the number of physiotherapists in first contact roles in primary care teams to ensure Ontarians get the right kind of care when they need it.
Current Challenges
Implementing Scope of Practice Changes
Well over a decade ago HRAC approved, and the necessary statutory amendments were made to enable physiotherapists to prescribe x-rays and order lab tests and “forms of energy”. The necessary regulations, however, have been held up in the Ministry for the better part of 15 years. We are hopeful that those regulations will be passed soon to reduce wait times, enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes at no net additional cost to the healthcare system.
Increase Compensation for Physiotherapists in Primary Care Teams
OPA recently contributed to an advocacy initiative led by AFHTO and the Alliance. The OPA provided comparative data on current compensation rates in all sectors, and a proposed updated rate that accounts for inflation since 2015, when positions for PTs in primary care teams were first established with a salary of $75,000. There is also advocacy for salary rates at CHCs to rise to the same levels as Family Health Teams. OPA proposed a salary range of $97 110-$102 075, and acknowledged that these figures only account for inflation, and are not rooted in a value-based approach.
How OPA Supports PTs in Primary Care Teams
OPA has supported physiotherapists in primary care teams, and those looking to add physiotherapists to their teams with:
- Free educational modules to support PTs in primary care, developed through evidence-based and consensus processes – Preparing PTs for Team-based Primary Care
- Consultation on applications to the Primary Care Action Team
- Resources and individualized support for recruitment and retention, including job descriptions, compensation reports, interview guides and free job postings.
- Communication to members regarding primary care developments
We Continue to Advocate
Dr. Philpott acknowledged the role and value of physiotherapists in team-based care and we look forward to our continued partnership to advance opportunities for physiotherapists.
i MacKay C, Canizares M, Davis AM & Badley EM. Health care utilization for musculoskeletal disorders. Arthritis Care & Research. 2010; 62(2): 161–169. Retrieved December 2023 from https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.20064.
ii Power JD, Perruccio AV, Paterson JM, Canizares M, Veillette C, Coyte PC et al. Healthcare utilization and costs for musculoskeletal disorders in Ontario, Canada. J Rheumatol. 2022; 49(7): 740-747. Retrieved March 2025 from https://www.jrheum.org/content/49/7/740.
OPA Staff Updates
We wanted to share with you recent OPA staff team updates.
Wishing Farewell to Amy Hondronicols, Director, Practice, Policy & Member Services
We bid farewell to Amy Hondronicols, Director of Practice, Policy and Member Services, who has made extraordinary contributions to the OPA over the past two years. Amy has been key in advancing our practice and policy work, engaging extensively with members and stakeholders across the physiotherapy community, and supporting countless initiatives that have strengthened our profession. We are excited for Amy in her new role as Director of Clinical Education at McMaster University. We wish her the very best in this new role and thank her for all that she has done for the profession.
Welcome to Emily Stevenson, new Director of Practice & Policy
Emily is an accomplished health care leader and Registered Physiotherapist with over 20 years of cross sectoral experience advancing physiotherapy and rehabilitation. She brings a combination of clinical expertise, health system leadership, and policy development to the role of Director of Practice and Policy. Her prior experience has focused on strategy, quality improvement, and the design and delivery of innovative programs that improve access and health outcomes.
Emily holds a MSc in Physiotherapy from McMaster University and a BSc/BPHE from Queen’s University. She is the recipient of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association’s Advocacy and Leadership Award (2024) and McMaster University’s Distinguished Alumni Award (2019). Contact Emily at estevenson@opa.on.ca beginning October 6.
Welcome to Janine Framst, new Manager of Marketing & Communications
Janine Framst is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with extensive experience in healthcare and member-based organizations. Before joining the Ontario Physiotherapy Association in June, she led marketing initiatives at the George Hull Centre Institute of Childhood Trauma and Attachment, significantly increasing digital engagement. Her past consulting work with a physiotherapy clinic deepened her appreciation for the profession’s role in improving health outcomes. Janine brings a strategic mindset, a collaborative approach, and a strong commitment to equity and continuous improvement. Contact Janine at jframst@opa.on.ca.
Welcome to Prerna Tawde, new Membership Coordinator
We are delighted to welcome Prerna to the team at OPA. Prerna joined us in early August as our new Membership Coordinator. Prerna is a Healthcare Management professional with a strong background in project management and physiotherapy. She has worked at UHN, where she supported virtual education programs for healthcare providers.
She was trained in India as a physiotherapist where she worked at a multispecialty hospital in Mumbai. With a Master’s in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Postgraduate diploma in Project Management and Healthcare Management, she brings a great combination of skills and experience to our team. Contact Prerna at ptawde@opa.on.ca.
Member Spotlight – Interprofessional Collaboration for More Effective Treatment Care
September 12, 2025
We are excited to feature four members who contributed to the article “Working with Physiotherapists: Tips for Effective Collaboration” in the Registered Massage Therapist Association of Ontario’s Massage Therapy Today magazine.
Marcos Rodrigues, Adam A. Saporta, Raj Suppiah, and Kyle Whaley share their perspectives on the benefits of interprofessional collaboration with massage therapists.
Whether it is meeting with clients jointly as health care professionals, coordinating efforts by exchanging observations, developing an effective treatment plan collaboratively or considering the changing client goals together, learn from all the authors about the ways to effectively communicate and collaborate with RMTs in this article.
Hear from four members in this article:
“Through their combined expertise, RMTs and physiotherapists not only address the mechanical aspects of recovery but also support the sensory, emotional, and psychological dimensions of healing.” – Marcos Rodrigues, PT, MSc, MBA
“Clients feel more supported when they see their therapy team working together, speaking the same language, and reinforcing each other’s interventions with consistency.” – Adam A. Saporta PT, MScPT, PTS
“As a team, physiotherapists and massage therapists must provide their clients with realistic expectations and timelines. Research has shown that treatment planning and effective communication of the plan is as important as the treatment itself. “- Raj Suppiah, BHScHons, MScPT, Cert. MDT, Cert. Sport PT
“By aligning treatment to the patient’s rehab phase—and explicitly linking it to the patient’s rehabilitation goals—RMTs and physiotherapists position themselves as the most effective team in a patient’s recovery.”- Kyle Whaley, BScPT, BSc, BPHE, CAFCI
OPA Calls for Improvements in Integrating Physiotherapy into ICHSCs
OPA recently sent a letter to the Ministry of Health with important feedback about the integration of physiotherapy in the Call for Applications for Integrated Community Health Services Centres (ICHSCs). We thank members who provided feedback which helped inform our letter.
The Impact
We recognize the impact that ICHSCs will have in all sectors where physiotherapists work, and in particular, the direct impact that will be imposed upon physiotherapists working in the private sector and those who currently operate within the Community Physiotherapy Clinic (CPC) Program.
Several significant points we made include:
Insufficient Compensation
Compensation for physiotherapists serving patients within the ICHSC model remains unclear. We are very concerned that insufficient funding that is not based on current market rates for physiotherapists will not result in a sustainable program.
OPA has previously expressed concerns with the existing Bundled Care program and the distribution of funds within the bundle that has resulted in underpayment of physiotherapy services. Given the Ministry’s goal of improving access to community-based surgery for hip and knee replacements, our concerns have escalated about the ability of the public to access rehabilitation before and after surgery if there are not appropriate resources and funding available for community physiotherapy partners.
Complexity of Patients
It is essential that funding for physiotherapy services reflects the rehabilitation complexity of the patient regardless of where they have surgery. Physiotherapy should NOT be discounted in the community because they are considered low risk from just a surgical perspective.
Navigation
As noted in OPA’s ongoing communications with the Bundled Care team at the Ministry of Health, there have been increasing challenges in system navigation of services for patients as the hospital role in navigation has eroded over time. OPA maintains the position that patient choice continues to be a priority. Currently, patients who undergo surgery at a hospital can choose where they access post-operative physiotherapy services, and the hospital bundle-holder is responsible for reimbursing the clinic of choice. This model has not been presented as a feature of the ICHSC program and has the potential to adversely impact accessibility and care outcomes.
Communication
OPA asks that the current communication issues be addressed that exist in the Bundled Care program prior to ICHSCs opening. Communication to and from bundled care holders to the patient and to physiotherapists are all needing to be addressed.
Why this is Critical for our Profession
Insufficient Compensation Impacts all Physiotherapists
A compensation model that is both underfunded and shifts the risk to physiotherapists for rehabilitation outcomes not only impacts physiotherapy clinics providing care for ICHSC patients but erodes the value and compensation of physiotherapists in all sectors.
Current Status
This is an important issue for the profession and we commit to communicating any response we receive from the Ministry that responds to the concerns we have identified.
Advocacy is Continuous
Advocating with the Ministry and government will be ongoing until we believe that needed program changes are in place and are communicated to the profession. We know that rehabilitation for patients is critical to support good surgical outcomes. The service model needs to be built on a fair and transparent framework so that our members can participate knowing that they will be equitably treated at fair market rates. Read more news related to ICHSCs linked below.
We encourage all members of the physiotherapy community to email the Ministry of Health and share your concerns. Use content from our letter and contact us for any additional resources at physiomail@opa.on.ca.
Physiotherapists Part of Team Improving Stroke Care in Sudbury
August 5, 2025
Innovative Stroke Care Model Launched
Venkadesan Rajendran, District President of the Northern Ontario District of OPA, is the project lead for a new innovative stroke care model called MOTIVE in Sudbury.
The project brings an expert team, which includes stroke neurologists/stroke physicians, an advanced practice physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a stroke nurse, a speech-language pathologist and a reactivation worker, to the patients directly. They conduct an early assessment, coordinate treatment planning and streamline access to rehab. MOTIVE stands for MObile TIA and Stroke with AdaptiVE Workflow.
“Health Science North (HSN) indicates that it allows for faster access to care and fewer hospital admissions for patients in the Sudbury area.” says Venkadesan Rajendran in Sudbury.com.
Rajendran also said that HSN supported the initial development of Advanced Practice Physiotherapy in stroke care a few years ago. He is grateful to Dr. Ravinder-Jeet Singh, Stroke Neurologist, Lisa Zeman, Clinical Manager, and Lisa Smith, VP of Nursing services who supported the development of the role.
Benefits to Interprofessional Care
MOTIVE demonstrates how including physiotherapy in interprofessional stroke care contributes to more effective care for patients in Ontario. As Venkadesan Rajendran remarks “Instead of waiting for patients to be transferred to the designated stroke unit, we bring the care to them. We’re reducing the time lost due to system inefficiencies.”
Since its launch in February 2025, the program has seen 109 patients so far and saved roughly 70 inpatient bed days. Currently supported by one-time funding through the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Innovative Model of Care Fund, the aim is to sustain the model over time said Chantal Liddard, the Director of the Medicine Program at HSN.
About Stroke in Canada
Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability with nearly 1 million people in Canada currently living with stroke. Furthermore, the number of people in Canada living with stroke has steadily increased over the past 20 years due to the aging population, and because younger people are having more strokes.
Physiotherapist Leader, Advocate, and Award Winner
OPA applauds Venkadesan Rajendran for his commendable leadership in physiotherapy – as the Northern Ontario District President of OPA, through his research, and as the Project Lead for MOTIVE. Venkadesan also won OPA’s Innovation and Advancement Award in 2023.
Special Welcome to PTs Trained Outside of Ontario!
July 29, 2025
As an internationally educated physiotherapist (IEPT) beginning your journey in Canada, we would like to extend a warm welcome to you and the valuable expertise you bring to Ontario’s healthcare community. The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is proud to support physiotherapists trained outside of Canada as they establish their careers here.
To help you get started and become part of our professional community, we’re pleased to offer internationally educated physiotherapists a special membership rate. Get 50% off your first year of OPA membership.
Note: The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) also offers a similar discount for new internationally educated members!
Supporting Your Transition to Practice in Ontario
For physiotherapists who have not practiced in Ontario, we understand that establishing yourself here brings unique opportunities and challenges.
For Canadians who traveled abroad to complete their physiotherapy education, stepping into the Ontario healthcare system after training abroad can still be a learning curve.
That’s why OPA is committed to providing resources, support, and professional connections you need to thrive.
Welcome Membership Pricing: 50% off your first year of OPA membership fees
Note: This special pricing applies to the OPA portion of your conjoint membership with CPA. CPA offers comparable special pricing for internationally educated physiotherapists.
What Your OPA Membership Includes
Professional Support and Resources
- Access to compensation reports and fee guidelines to help you understand fair compensation standards in Ontario
- Professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge for practicing in Ontario
Timely Communications
- All OPA communications including member-only emails, social media updates, and webinars, to keep you informed and connected
- Local District Events for networking, professional development, and social connections with fellow physiotherapists in your area
- 50% discount on all OPA advertising rates
- Connection opportunities with other internationally educated physiotherapists and the broader physiotherapy community
Professional Advocacy and Representation
- Representation in healthcare policy that affects physiotherapy practice and patient access across all practice sectors
- Advocacy for the profession at provincial and national levels
- Voice in decisions that impact physiotherapy practice in hospitals, primary care, home care, private practice, and beyond
- Support for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives within the profession
Part of a Vibrant Professional Community
When you join OPA, you become part of Ontario’s 5,500+ and Canada’s 16,000+ community of physiotherapy professionals and students through the conjoint membership structure. You’ll be joining colleagues who share your commitment to providing excellent patient care and advancing the profession.
Why OPA Membership Matters
As part of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, OPA is a professional organization dedicated to providing leadership, support, and advocacy for its members, enabling Ontarians to access quality physiotherapy services when and where they need them.
We recognize the valuable experience and perspectives that internationally educated physiotherapists bring to our profession. OPA is committed to supporting you in understanding how to access and navigate the Canadian application and registration process. We’re here to help you succeed in your career transition.
Your Professional Home in Ontario
This welcome membership rate acknowledges that you’re building your career in a new environment while bringing valuable international experience to Ontario’s healthcare system. Your membership connects you with resources, colleagues, and opportunities that will help you establish a successful and fulfilling practice in our province.
We’re excited to have you as part of our professional community and look forward to supporting your success as you contribute to physiotherapy care in Ontario.
Ready to Join Our Community?
This special welcome rate is available for internationally educated physiotherapists joining OPA as first-time members and applies to the OPA portion of your conjoint membership.
We invite you to take this opportunity to join Ontario’s professional physiotherapy association and become part of a community that values your expertise and is committed to your professional success.
Join and get the discounted OPA rate for the 2025-2026 year beginning on August 21, 2025 when OPA/CPA co-joint membership opens for the year.
Join the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and as an Ontario member, you automatically become a member of OPA with access to all the benefits outlined above.
Exclusive New Graduate Offer: Continue Your OPA Membership for Just $99
Congratulations on completing your physiotherapy program! As you transition from student to professional, the Ontario Physiotherapy Association is excited to offer you an exclusive membership deal designed specifically for new graduates.
Special New Graduate Pricing
We’re making it easier than ever for recent graduates to access all the benefits of OPA membership:
Year 1 After Graduation: Just $99* for your OPA membership (regularly $270)
Year 2 After Graduation: 50% Off* regular OPA membership fees
*Note: This special pricing applies to the OPA portion of your conjoint membership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA).
What Your OPA Membership Includes
Professional Support and Resources
- New to Practice Toolkit including interview tips, compensation considerations, contract information, and more
- Access to resources to help you understand your employment status and your rights
- Business and personal resources to help you run your own practice, or practice as an employee
Professional Development and Community
- All OPA communications including member-only emails, social media, and webinars
- Local District Events including networking, social, and professional development opportunities
- Member-only resources and tools for your practice
Strong Professional Advocacy
- Advocacy for scope of practice implementation and fair compensation
- Representation through engagement with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health and submissions for legislative and policy changes
- Voice in healthcare policy through responses and submissions for legislative changes and representation on provincial advisory committees
Part of a Larger Community
When you join OPA, you become part of Ontario’s 5,500+ and Canada’s 16,000+ community of physiotherapy professionals and students through the conjoint membership structure.
Why OPA Membership Matters
As part of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, OPA is a professional organization whose mission is to provide leadership, support, and advocacy for its members so that Ontarians can access quality physiotherapy services when and where they need it.
As the professional association for physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants, resident physiotherapists, and physiotherapy and physiotherapy assistant students living in Ontario, we support our members through advocacy, professional development, and career support. We influence and shape decisions that affect the profession and empower our members to provide the utmost in safe and high-quality care to all people and communities served.
Perfect Timing for Your Career
This special pricing recognizes that you’re building your career and gives you access to everything you need to succeed professionally at a price that fits your budget during this important transition period.
Ready to Take Advantage of This Exclusive Offer?
This special pricing is only available for recent graduates and applies to the OPA portion of your conjoint membership.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join Ontario’s professional physiotherapy association at this special rate. Your professional future is worth the investment – and at just $99 for your first year, there’s never been a better time to become an OPA member.
Join or renew your membership and get the discounted OPA rate for the 2025-2026 year beginning on August 21, 2025 when OPA/CPA co-joint membership opens for the year.