As we move into 2026, we share an extraordinary degree of optimism for the physiotherapy profession. We believe it will be recognized and valued even more for the impact we have on function, health, and well-being.
Physiotherapy helps people across their lifespan, wherever they access health care in the system.
Our mission at OPA is clear. We are here to Support our members through advocacy, professional development, and career support. We Influence and shape decisions that affect the profession. We Empower our members to provide the utmost in safe and high-quality care to all people and communities we serve.
As your provincial professional association, we recognize both the honour and the importance of representing your voice. Working with the Ontario government and key decision-makers, we represent you on the issues that matter most to you. Our focus is on the policies, funding decisions, and structures that affect your work every day and your patients.
As we head into the New Year, we are set on achieving progress in the following areas:
A Thriving Workforce and Practice Settings Our priorities include:
Continuing our efforts to advance scope implementation
Supporting the development and appropriate funding of physiotherapists in first contact primary care roles
Advancing the Community Physiotherapy Clinic program in 2026 with a focus on program awareness, expansion and appropriate compensation
Refining our 2026 OPA Fee Guideline with sector-specific information
Working with FRSA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario) and the Ministry of Finance to make long-overdue compensation changes
Health System Transformation
We are supporting physiotherapists and their teams by:
Promoting interprofessional team-based care
Advancing physiotherapists’ participation in health system transformation with a focus on Home and Community Care and Long-Term Care
Making it easier to deliver informed patient care by gaining access to provincial digital assets (Diagnostic Imaging Repository, OLIS – Ontario Laboratories Information Systems)
Our Membership
We are most successful with your involvement and partnership. This is why OPA listens to and engages students, new graduates, PTAs, and physiotherapists throughout their careers. Our volunteers on committees, district executives and our Board of Directors make sure our work is relevant and positively impactful. We couldn’t do this without you.
Transparent and Inclusive
The processes and supports we develop matter. We continue to make them more accessible, inclusive, and transparent. We celebrate our wins, share progress with our members regularly and invite you to participate at any time.
As we move into 2026 and our bold initiatives, reflecting on the successes of 2025 provides us with confidence and a roadmap for moving forward. Thank you for your support and confidence in us – together, we can accomplish so much more!
OPA’s President, Courtney Bean, reflects on key wins for 2025.
He celebrates the strength of Ontario’s physiotherapy community, thanks volunteers, and all the physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants and student members for their contributions. Courtney also acknowledges the many connections OPA maintains with health care leadership, other associations and organizations that help drive our advocacy initiatives forward.
Watch his video now!
Happy Holidays to all and we look forward to an exciting 2026!
Ontario accommodates almost 700 students in five schools across Ontario. McMaster University, Queen’s University, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, and Western University all offer a master’s in physical therapy. In addition, the Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapist Bridging (OIEPB) Program provides educational support to physiotherapists who were educated outside of Canada.
Communicating and Connecting with PT Students
Students bring enthusiasm, passion, and new ideas to the profession. OPA ensures that we connect with students whenever opportunities present themselves. We were invited this year to all five schools in Ontario to present to the first year (and sometimes second year) students and gladly accepted the invitations!
OPA’s President Courtney Bean and/or OPA’s CEO Sarah Hutchison went in-person to visit each school this fall. They shared insights on the profession and the Association’s role in supporting physiotherapists throughout their careers. It was inspiring to experience the students’ energy and enthusiasm, which is a reminder that the future of the profession is in excellent hands.
University of Toronto
OPA CEO Sarah Hutchison, joined by representatives from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, met with first-year physiotherapy students at the University of Toronto on September 30.
University of Ottawa
On October 21, Courtney Bean and Sarah Hutchison, and Director of Practice and Policy Emily Stevenson joined Stéphane Poitras at the University of Ottawa to connect with year 1 and year 2 physiotherapy students. Thank you to Stéphane for the invitation and to the students for such thoughtful questions and great conversation.
McMasterUniversity
Courtney Bean visited year 1 physiotherapy students at McMaster University on November 11. He engaged them in a conversation about the profession, advocacy, and the future of physiotherapy in Ontario.
Queen’s University
Sarah Hutchison visited first-year physiotherapy students at Queen’s University on November 26 with Term Adjunct Lecturer Patrick Cayen.
Sarah spoke about membership, the profession’s future, and students’ path ahead as emerging clinicians. This visit also included a conversation about upcoming scope-of-practice changes and what this might mean when they graduate. It was a highly engaged class and a great discussion all around.
Western University
On December 1, Sarah Hutchison visited year 1 physiotherapy students in London, Ontario at Western University.
Our Commitment to Engage Students
These visits are part of OPA’s continued commitment to connecting with physiotherapy students across the province and supporting the next generation as they begin their journey in the profession. We appreciate their curiosity, questions, and enthusiasm for their future profession.
All Students Enjoy Free Membership
First and second year physiotherapy students in Ontario receive free membership in OPA/CPA.
Discover the resources, opportunities, and advocacy efforts designed explicitly for physiotherapy students and early-career professionals.
OPA/CPA membership is free for physiotherapy students enrolled in a program recognized by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada, students in approved bridging programs for internationally educated PTs, and physiotherapist assistant students enrolled in formal education programs with accreditation or candidacy status.
We are excited by all that OPA has accomplished this year on behalf of our members and the profession overall. While advocacy never really stops, we are taking a moment to reflect on our successes.
1. Significant Progress on Scope of Practice Implementation
The Government of Ontario announced plans to implement regulations allowing physiotherapists to order diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and diagnostic ultrasounds). OPA’s relentlessly advocated through:
Ongoing meetings with the Ministry of Health
Meetings with the Premier, Minister of Health and MPPs across the province with our members
Submitting detailed scope of practice submissions
OPA’s CEO presenting to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on Bill 2, showing the importance of scope implementation to keep pace with other provinces and increase labour mobility.
Building relationships at Queen’s Park, including meeting with Premier Doug Ford and Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones. We also met with MPP France Gélinas, Physiotherapist, who spoke about scope of practice implementation in the legislature.
Writing letters for member’s meetings with Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones
We hope to see movement on the scope of practice implementation in 2026!
2. Advancing Physiotherapists’ Role in Primary Care: OPA successfully advocated for physiotherapists to be recognized in Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan. We:
Received a letter from the Deputy Premier & Minister of Health and Dr. Jane Philpott as the Chair of the Primary Care Action Team. We were pleased to see the recognition that Primary Care Teams should be made up of family physicians or nurse practitioners along with nurses, physician assistants, social workers, physiotherapists and other health care professions.
Presented at multiple primary care conferences. OPA staff shared the evidence that PTs on interprofessional teams can increase patient attachment rates by approximately 425 rostered patients (24%), particularly important since 20-30% of primary care visits involve musculoskeletal conditions.
3. Strong Member Engagement, Education & Resources: OPA hosted successful events and provided members with helpful resources. This included:
OPA’s InterACTION conference with over 300 attendees
Northern Ontario District’s conference Physio North 2025, inspiring attendees and providing them the opportunity to network
4. Recognition and Award-Winning Communications: OPA’s communications and marketing continue to expand and reach new audiences with effective strategies.
Our “New Voices, New Ideas & New Opportunities” campaign won multiple prestigious awards including a Silver Telly Award and three gold Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards. We effectively showcased the association’s evolving leadership and value to members.
We also launched a bold new website which is easier to navigate and is a reflection of OPA’s commitment to transparency and accountability. OPA’s new website and its key features were driven by members’ feedback and drove every decision.
5. Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Commitment: OPA continues its commitment to have equity, inclusion and diversity embedded into everything we do.
OPA developed a position statement advocating for improved Jordan’s Principle processes. With Indigenous Services Canada committed to reforming the administration, OPA is pushing for:
Reduced systemic barriers that prevent access to physiotherapy services
Culturally safe service delivery with collaborative community co-design
Continuity of care through longer-term contracts with trusted partners
Increased administrative capacity with transparency to address backlogs
Recognition of physiotherapy as essential preventive and early intervention care
Support the advocacy work we do on behalf of the physiotherapy community in Ontario. Join OPA/CPA!
The Education Committee met on October 14, 2025, and focused its discussions on:
Planning upcoming events, including a volunteer-focused education session in 2026
InterACTION 2027 planning
Educational opportunities related to upcoming scope of practice changes
Implications of scope of practice changes for students, physiotherapists, and interprovincial mobility
Interested in Volunteering on an OPA Committee?
Volunteers make an extraordinary impact on the work and relevance of OPA to its members.
Whether it is making decisions about the Association’s strategic priorities on the Board of Directors, connecting local members as the District President, engaging politically with government and stakeholders, or keeping the Association up to date on important sector-specific topics on a committee, volunteers are invaluable.
“My journey in the field of physiotherapy began in 1999, when I recognized how many patients were living with pain and disability without timely access to proper care,” says Venkadesan (Ven) Rajendran. “This observation motivated me to pursue a 4½-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy program at The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, which I completed in 2003.”
After graduating, Ven began his career working in rehabilitation settings treating patients with complex medical conditions. It didn’t take long before he identified a significant gap in care: “Within two years, I noticed that individuals with neurological conditions, especially those who had experienced a stroke, faced significant challenges in accessing specialized rehabilitation and assessments. That led me to pursue a master’s degree in advanced physiotherapy in neurology (MPT).”
Ven’s training in the MPT program deepened his expertise in neurological rehabilitation and introduced him to specialized clinical practices. “As part of the program, I gained experience conducting electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies and worked closely with neurologists to triage patients with stroke and spinal injuries, bridging the gap between acute care, outpatient clinics, and community rehabilitation,” Ven explains.
Ven eventually brought this expertise to Canada. He joined Health Sciences North (HSN) in Sudbury and began conversations about the possibility of expanding physiotherapy’s role in stroke care, which the leadership team supported. “This role emerged from the unique convergence of personal vision and institutional strategy,” Ven says. Because of Ven’s efforts, Health Sciences North was the first academic hospital in Canada to implement an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) role specifically for stroke, which has allowed him to extend the boundaries of physiotherapy practice while directly addressing system-level challenges to improve patient outcomes.
Continuing Professional Development
“My professional advancement happened gradually and strategically within the same healthcare system” says Ven. He notes that continuity within Health Sciences North allowed him to build institutional knowledge, trust, and strong interprofessional relationships. Building on these foundations, Ven has continued to pursue ongoing professional development to adapt to the ever-changing Canadian healthcare landscape.
“Even after completing my PhD in Rehabilitation, I felt it was important to stay current” he explains. “I completed a one-year graduate certificate in stroke rehabilitation from the University of Alberta to better understand stroke rehab practices in Canada.”
Evolution of the Role
Over time, the APP role has grown beyond its original scope. “It started with a focus on direct clinical assessment and research, but now it includes leadership responsibilities and managing system-level triage pathways for stroke patients.”
He has also led initiatives that challenge traditional care models. One of these is the ‘MObile TIA and Stroke with AdaptiVE Workflow (MOTIVE)’ project, which utilizes an expert stroke team that tends to patients throughout every area of the hospital setting, not just in the stroke unit.
One of the most innovative aspects of our MOTIVE project involves rehabilitation triage of mild stroke patients in collaboration with stroke neurologists and other interdisciplinary members, ” Ven said. “We were able to triage patients with rehabilitation needs within hours or on the same day, which significantly reduced delays and facilitated faster discharge of patients with TIA/minor stroke.“
Advocacy and System-Level Approaches
To further support this shift, Ven has begun advocating for legislative and regulatory changes.
“I’ve had preliminary discussions with the leadership team at HSN about implementing Bill 179 for stroke care” he explains. “If adopted, physiotherapists could use diagnostic tools like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to identify red flags and triage patients for rehabilitation and treat them more effectively. This wouldn’t replace physicians; it would enhance system efficiency and stroke care.”
In addition to his clinical expertise, Ven brings a systems-thinking approach to his role. “I completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification and gained knowledge in Implementation Science. These tools have helped me move beyond individual treatment plans and look at redesigning entire clinical workflows.”
The APP role has proven especially impactful for patients with acute stroke and TIA, where rapid decision-making can dramatically influence outcomes. “This patient group really benefits from quick triage and early discharge planning” says Ven. “By addressing initial system inefficiencies, we can reduce length of hospital stays and direct patients to the right rehab pathway once they’re medically stable.” Ven points to the MOTIVE Project as a clear example of success: “We were able to triage patients within hours or on the same day. Working collaboratively with stroke neurologists, physicians, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists allowed us to significantly reduce delays and support faster discharges.”
Health System Impacts
Ven has seen the significant impacts of his role within the hospital system:
“My role helps reduce hallway medicine by preventing unnecessary admissions and ensuring timely discharges. That improves patient flow, optimizes bed use, and reduces re-admissions.”
Ven believes strongly that the value of APP roles needs to be communicated in system-level terms. “There’s already strong evidence that APPs in musculoskeletal care are a cost-effective way to assess and manage patients. The same applies to stroke. Investing in APPs isn’t just about staffing, it’s an economic strategy. These roles help improve patient flow, reduce hospital admissions, and deliver advanced care at a lower cost compared to relying solely on physicians for triage.”
He emphasizes that APPs are intended to work alongside and not in place of physicians.
“It’s important for other health professionals to know that APP roles are designed to complement, not compete” Ven explains. “In stroke care, our involvement enables timely assessments and planning, so that neurologists and physicians can focus on high-acuity medical needs.”
When asked how the profession can better advocate for APP roles, Ven stresses the importance of aligning with system priorities. “Advocacy needs to go beyond individual clinical outcomes. We need to show the impact on things like ALC days, and length of hospital stays. For example, our MOTIVE project focused on reducing length of stay and readmission risk for stroke patients. If we can connect physiotherapy to government goals like improved flow and reduced wait times, we’ll have a much stronger case.”
For others looking to replicate this model, Ven offers some clear advice: “Effective advocacy for an APP role has to be tied to a specific system issue, not just professional ambition. Focus on solving inefficiencies, like long waits for specialist consults. Use quality improvement methods to measure outcomes and back up your work with data. To ensure sustainability, the role should include clinical practice, leadership, research, and education.”
Ven’s work offers a compelling example of how physiotherapists, when supported to work at full scope, can play a transformative role in patient care and health system design.
Members of the leadership team at Health Sciences North share their perspectives on the importance of the APP role:
“Allowing physiotherapists to order diagnostic tests within their professional scope can enhance patient care by minimizing delays associated with waiting for physician assessments and orders. Advanced Practice roles in internal medicine and stroke care further facilitate collaboration with stroke neurologists and physicians, thereby promoting timely and efficient triage for rehabilitation” – Lisa Zeman, Clinical Manager of Internal Medicine and Acute Stroke, Health Sciences North.
“Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) play a vital role in stroke care, partnering with stroke neurologists to provide expert functional assessments and guide timely, and evidence-based rehabilitation decisions.” – Dr. Ravinder-Jeet Singh, Stroke Neurologist, Health Sciences North; Medical Director, NEO Stroke Network.
“Integrating Advanced Practice Physiotherapy (APP) into our stroke team has greatly enhanced both patient care and system performance. At Health Sciences North, we’ve seen measurable improvements in research, clinical outcomes, access to care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our APP has demonstrated exceptional clinical leadership and has been instrumental in strengthening the overall effectiveness of our stroke program” – Chantal Liddard, Administrative Director Medicine Program, Health Sciences North.
Are You our Next Member Spotlight?
Do you want to be featured? Are you in an innovative role? Spoken about physiotherapy in a podcast or the news? Published an article? Or represented the physiotherapy profession through advocacy?
We want to celebrate you as a physiotherapist, PT or PTA student or PTA!
“I feel encouraged about our profession and am more motivated to get back at it!” – feedback from one Physio North conference attendee
Northern Ontario District members welcomed the physiotherapy community to their district’s bi-annual conference in Timmins.
The event took place over two days, from October 3-4, and included many amazing sessions, a pre-conference course, and a chance to network with the Northern and Northwestern Ontario physiotherapy community, among others.
What a few attendees had to say about the event:
“It was truly a valuable experience for both skill development and networking opportunities. It was great connecting with so many engaged professionals.”
“Amazing coming together of the North.”
When asked what they liked most about the event, attendees shared:
“Networking with colleagues, meeting/interacting with the CEOs of the CPO and OPA”
“Networking with peers and sharing what is important to Northeastern Ontario Physiotherapists with OPA and the College”
Craig Roxborough, Registrar & CEO and Mary-Catherine Fraser Saxena, Manager, Practice Advice (CPO) both echoed there were lots of meaningful conversations, and they appreciated the opportunity to connect with PTs in the North to hear their perspectives.
Courtney Bean, OPA’s President, said he had such a great time and it really filled his bucket. He said he has some good understanding of the challenges of rural care but now realizes the amazing passion of people providing care in rural locations. He also learned a lot about care in the North…a lot more than he ever knew.
Sarah Hutchison, OPA’s CEO, gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges that rural and remote physiotherapists face and how the OPA might advocate further. She also observed that the sense of community was incredible and contagious!
From L to R: Jack Miller, PT & Pre-conference Course Instructor, Courtney Bean, PT and OPA President & Sarah Hutchison, OPA CEO
Get Involved Locally
Physio North 2025 is one example of the amazing work done by district volunteers. Thank you to Rhonda Matthews, Northern Ontario District President, and Jody Lemieux, Secretary, for making this event happen!
Regional representation at OPA through our 16 districts is invaluable. While districts may share similarities, understanding the unique populations and advocacy needs in each district contributes to OPA’s success. We encourage all members to get involved in their districts.
Following our September update about the Government of Ontario’s public consultation on scope of practice changes, OPA has completed our comprehensive response to the Ministry of Health.
The consultation period closes on November 3, 2025, and we strongly encourage all physiotherapists to participate and make their voices heard. See below for how.
OPA’s Submission: Ready for Your Use
OPA has submitted a detailed response addressing all consultation questions, backed by evidence, research, and the results of our 2024 survey of Ontario physiotherapists. Members are welcome to reference, adapt, or use content from our submission in their own responses to the government consultation.
Our submission emphasizes how implementing the authority for physiotherapists to order diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and diagnostic ultrasounds) will:
Improve Access to Care
Reduce Healthcare System Burden
Work Within Established Quality & Safety Frameworks
Our submission includes compelling data from the 2024 OPA survey of Ontario physiotherapists who responded that:
74% experience difficulties obtaining diagnostic imaging or lab results needed for patient care
84% report that these challenges lead to delayed treatment for patients
82% have completed tests but never received the reports
62% have seen inaccurate diagnoses result from these barriers
Research from jurisdictions where physiotherapists already have this authority demonstrates:
No significant increase in overall imaging utilization
High concordance between physiotherapist and specialist physician ordering patterns
27-49% reduction in healthcare costs (systematic review)
Most Alberta physiotherapists order an average of only 22 imaging tests per year
Outstanding Authority: Laboratory Tests
This consultation focuses on diagnostic imaging. OPA will continue to advocate for the authority to order laboratory tests- the final piece of scope expansion approved under Bill 179 in 2009 that has not yet been implemented.
Three Ways to Participate Before November 3
Your voice matters. Here’s how you can support this critical scope expansion:
Use OPA’s submission: Reference or adapt content from our comprehensive response.
Submit directly to the government consultation: Visit the Ontario Regulatory Registry to provide your feedback.
Since 2009, physiotherapists have been waiting for the regulations needed to implement scope of practice changes that are already approved in legislation. Four other provinces- Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and PEI- have successfully implemented this authority for physiotherapists.
With Ontario facing:
Challenges for patients across Ontario to access care
2.5 million people without a family physician (projected to reach 4.4 million by 2026)
Increasing wait times for specialist consultations
Emergency departments overwhelmed with non-urgent visits
Implementation of these scope changes will allow physiotherapists to better serve patients, reduce system pressures, and deliver on the government’s commitment to provide “the right care in the right place.”
Timeline Reminder
Consultation closes: November 3, 2025
What happens next: Following the consultation, the Minister of Health will need to make regulation amendments (subject to Cabinet approval).
OPA remains optimistic that the government will move quickly with the needed regulation changes following this consultation period.
The recent announcement by the Government of Ontario about pending scope of practice implementation for physiotherapists in Ontario is an important and welcome step. OPA remains optimistic that following the completion of the Government consultation on November 3, 2025, the Government will move quickly with the needed regulation changes to expand the scope of practice for physiotherapists.
OPA also continues to advocate for the remaining needed changes so that physiotherapists can order laboratory tests, which the announcement did not reference.
Member Meets with Premier Doug Ford & Minister of Health Sylvia Jones
Anthony Grande, PT and OPA member, met with Premier Doug Ford on September 25 and Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones on October 7, 2025.
OPA provided Anthony with a letter of acknowledgement and appreciation for the Premier and Minister of Health on behalf of 12,000 physiotherapists in Ontario for their leadership in announcing plans to implement the needed changes. Anthony thanked both the Premier and Deputy Premier in person for the recent Government of Ontario announcement regarding plans to implement the needed changes for physiotherapists to be able to order diagnostic imaging.
We thank all members who recently submitted feedback to OPA regarding the Government consultation. OPA is also encouraged by all members, like Anthony, who dedicate time and energy to advocating for the the physiotherapy profession, and the implementation of our full scope of practice.
Continued Advocacy is Needed
The Government of Ontario consultation on the proposed changes to scope of practice closes on November 3, 2025. OPA will share our submission with members prior to the government’s consultation closing.
Today we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On September 30 we honour and remember the Indigenous children who never returned home, survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.
Watch Courtney Bean, OPA’s President, speak about this day, its history, and significance to all of us. Check out resources below mentioned in the video.
Toronto Public Library’s Reading for Reconciliation list (link includes a list of in-person events at the library including film screenings, bead pin making and more)
