District News Archives - Ontario Physiotherapy Association

Physio North 2025 – Caring for Oneself – Big Success!

Rhonda Matthews, Northern Ontario District President of OPA, with an attendee from Physio North 2025. — Rhonda Matthews (L) with conference attendee

“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!

Northern Ontario District of OPA's Physio North Speakers, Jack Miller, Courtney Bean, OPA's President, and Sarah Hutchison, OPA CEO — 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.

OPA Districts

Are you in Durham, Niagara or Northwestern Ontario Districts?

OPA is currently looking for member volunteers in these districts. Contact Prerna at ptawde@opa.on.ca if you are interested in volunteering.

Thank you to our Exhibitor, Motion

The PT Exchange: In Conversation with the College and OPA

People at an event with one woman's hand up to ask a question

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.

Navigating Exam & Registration Changes: Your Complete Guide

For students, new graduates, and internationally educated clinicians who want to practice in Ontario

Overview

Congratulations to all outgoing physiotherapy students, recent graduates, and new-to-practice clinicians! This is an exciting milestone in your journey, and we recognize that it can also be a time filled with questions and uncertainty, especially with the recent changes to the examination and registration process in Ontario.

This guide will help you navigate the transition based on your specific situation.

If You’ve Written and Passed the PCE

Contact the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO) for your registration questions.
You are eligible to complete either the OCE or the new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE).
If you choose to complete the OCE, you must apply for provisional practice class and the OCE at the same time (this is a requirement, and you cannot apply for one without the other).

Next Steps for graduates who are choosing to complete the OCE

Contact CPO immediately to secure your exam spot (please note that you cannot register for this examination until you have completed your PT program).
Prepare application materials for both provisional practice and OCE.
Review exam preparation resources.

Next Steps for those who have passed the PCE but have not yet completed their PT Program

Try to avoid stressing about securing an OCE slot. You cannot book this examination until you have completed your PT program.

Next Steps for graduates who are choosing to complete the CPTE

Contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) with your questions.
Submit your examination application for your preferred examination date.

If You Have NOT written (and will not be completing) the PCE

You are not eligible to complete the OCE. You will be required to complete the new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE).
Contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) for information about how to apply.
The first CPTE is expected to take place in early 2026, with several additional dates.

Next Steps:

Visit CAPR’s website for the most current information.
Stay connected with your program advisors for guidance.

If You Passed the PCE Within the Last 5 Years (But Haven’t Been Practicing)

This situation may apply if you:

Were working in another field
Took time off from physiotherapy, during which time you did not hold a license
Were living outside of Canada
Completed your education but didn’t immediately enter practice

What you need to do:

Connect with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO) to explore your registration options.
Determine whether the OCE or CPTE is the right next step for your situation.
Review any additional requirements that may apply to returning practitioners.
Understand timelines and deadlines specific to your circumstances.

Contact the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario

Important Resources

Key Organizations

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO) – Regulatory body, registration requirements
Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) – CPTE examination information
Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) – Professional support, advocacy, networking

What OPA Provides

Updates on regulatory changes affecting your career
Professional development and networking opportunities
Advocacy for the profession at policy levels
Career support and job posting access
Professional liability insurance through membership

Stay Updated

Visit CPO or OPA websites for the latest information
Follow CPO or OPA communications for regulatory updates
Connect with fellow students and new graduates
Maintain contact with your educational program advisors

OPA resources for students & new to practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m confused about which exam I need to take. Who should I contact?
A: Contact the CPO directly. They can assess your specific situation and provide definitive guidance on which examination pathway applies to you.

Q: Can I practice while waiting for exam results?
A: This depends on your registration status. Speak with CPO about provisional practice opportunities and requirements.

Q: How long do I have to complete these requirements after graduation?
A: Timelines vary by situation. Contact CPO immediately after graduation to understand your specific deadlines.

Q: What if I’m planning to practice outside Ontario?
A: Each province has different requirements. If you plan to practice elsewhere, contact that province’s regulatory college directly.

Q: How does OPA membership help with this transition?
A: OPA provides ongoing updates about regulatory changes, professional support during your transition, networking opportunities, and advocacy to ensure these processes serve new graduates effectively.

Need More Help?

Regulatory Questions: Contact the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO)
Exam Information: Contact Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR)
Professional Support: Contact Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA)

Remember: This process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. OPA is here to support you as you launch your career, and we’re advocating for processes that serve new graduates effectively.

This guide is current as of September 1, 2025. Regulatory requirements may change. Always verify information directly with the relevant regulatory bodies.

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.

Read HSN news release

Read Sudbury Star article

Read article on Sudbury.com

Another Successful 2025 Donate Your Kicks Campaign!

The Windsor District of OPA has organized a Donate Your Kicks Campaign in their district for several years during National Physiotherapy Month in May. The campaign involves collecting used, but in good shape, footwear, so that more patients get the footwear they need to support their mobility needs.

Each year, Amy Doiron, PT and Windsor District Executive member, coordinates the campaign, ensuring the physiotherapy community in the area is aware of the initiative. She also facilitates the pick-up and delivery of donated shoes.

On behalf of the Windsor District, Amy would like to thank all the staff, volunteers and donors who made the 2025 Donate you Kicks Campaign another successful year.

150 pairs of running shoes were collected!

These 150 shoes will be dispersed throughout Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare to patients in need of good footwear. Several physiotherapy clinics participated and we thank them for their support:

Erie Shores Rehabilitation

Loaring Physiotherapy

Kristy Ireland manager from the Running Factory

The Windsor District would also like to thank the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare volunteers who helped clean and organize all of the shoes:

Dominic, Simona and Olivia. Without you, this would not have been possible.

The Impact of OPA District Volunteers

District volunteers are essential to OPA’s advocacy, governance, and ability to build local community. We are grateful to amazing volunteers like Amy Doiron who continue to make an impact in their communities and demonstrate how much physiotherapists care about patients in their local areas.

Interested in volunteering? Check out all the ways you can get involved.

Volunteer today

Member Spotlight – Robert Cusinato, ‘You Are Not Alone’

October 18, 2022

Robert Cusinato is a long-standing physiotherapist member and dedicated volunteer who won OPA’s Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2019.

“In June, 1997, my dream came true. I graduated from the University of Western with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and within days I began my career as a physiotherapist at a local hospital in Windsor. Over the years I would have the privilege of assessing and treating individuals of all ages, in several settings and with various diagnoses. This served to strengthen my own knowledge base and more importantly my compassion for others.

In January 2016 my nightmare came true when I was diagnosed with a progressive, chronic condition- Multiple Sclerosis. Initially it was business as usual. However, the disease chipped away at me first physically, then mentally, then emotionally. I was defeated…until I accepted my reality and realized that I could still be of service as a physiotherapist to those in need. My clients and I shared a common link. As much as I was there to help them, they were helping me. We were pushing each other. In addition to maintaining full-time employment at the hospital and contributing to a family, I began to write. This was meant to be a therapeutic endeavour but it evolved into something else.

“Mending Nerves: An Empathetic Journey with Multiple Sclerosis” is my story. It follows the journey of an individual with a chronic and potentially disabling condition. The intersection of his worlds as both practitioner and as patient was unavoidable. Like his clients he needed to live in the present (“what is now”) and not in the future (“what could be”). I hope that the book will provide an avenue for others dealing with chronic diseases such as MS to relate. The main message is that, “you are not alone.”

Since my diagnosis I have become an advocate for those living with MS. I have joined a local MS community group as well as our local Beyond Disability Network group. My family and I have participated in the MS Walk sponsored by the MS Society of Canada where we formed the largest team and raised the most money as a team each year that we participated. I have had the honour of guest lecturing about MS at my alma mater, Western University, to first year Physical Therapy students. Most importantly I have become a resource not only to my clients but also to the clients of my colleagues, particularly those with MS. We are in this fight together. Finally, I have served as the Treasurer for the last 20+ years to the Windsor District of OPA.”

Thank you, Robert, for all that you do for patients, the profession and your community in Windsor District and beyond!

London District Hosts Webinar with Dr. Rich Trenholm

The London District of OPA hosted a webinar on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Dr. Rich Trenholm, Sports Medicine Doctor who attended the Paris 2024 Olympics spoke to attendees.

? Attendees Learned About:
✅ Dr. Trenholm’s journey into high-performance sports
✅ Behind-the-scenes prep for elite athletes
✅ How to enhance your physio skills for top-level care
✅ Best practices in sports medicine at major events

Insider knowledge was gained to take your career to the next level!

The event was free to attend.

Are you in the London District? Get involved .

Advocacy in the Northern Ontario District

November 4, 2024

We are excited to share this Sudbury Star article on the recent advocacy efforts of our members, Venkadesan Rajendran, President, and Andy Wang, Past-President of the Northern Ontario District of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association. On Monday, October 28, 2024, they met with the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier, Sylvia Jones, to call for the full implementation of Bill 179, which was passed back in 2009 with all-party support.

Later that evening, Venkadesan and Andy attended a Leader’s Dinner with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet ministers, where they successfully brought this critical issue to the Premier’s attention.

The two “received heartening reassurances from the Minister of Health that “she would review and take the necessary steps to implement Bill 179.” In their meeting with the Minister, Venkadesan and Andy highlighted how important it is for the final regulations to be implemented so that physiotherapists in Ontario can order diagnostic and laboratory tests directly, and alleviate pressures on physicians, reduce red tape and help patients in Ontario.

Read Sudbury Start article

Save the Date for Physio North 2025!

Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Timmins

Physio North is a conference hosted by the Northern Ontario District of OPA every other year. This year we are excited to host the event in Timmins, Ontario.

The theme is “Caring for Oneself”, emphasizing the need to take care of ourselves to take care of our patients.

The event will occur at the stunning Cedar Meadows Resort in Timmins during early fall, at the peak of the fall leave colour change. The daylong event will feature many speakers, our AGM, with some meals being provided as part of the registration fee. There is a discount available for the hotel as well, which will be provided upon registration for the event.

Pre-Conference Course: Mulligan Masterclass

Friday, October 3, 2025
Instructor: Jack Miller

We are excited to welcome Jack Miller, who was raised in Timmins. Jack will be hosting a one-day Mulligan Masterclass. Registration is capped at 22 so stay tuned for more details.

We look forward to welcoming you to Timmins the fall!