OMA statement: "Disrespectful and Unacceptable"

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - At 8 am this morning, the Government of Ontario presented the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) with a proposal for a renewed physician services agreement.

One hour later, without even affording the OMA any opportunity to review the Ministry's proposal, the Minister convened a press conference and publicly revealed the details of the proposal.

In large measure, the Ministry's proposal reflects many of the same elements of the tentative agreement that OMA members overwhelmingly rejected this summer.

Moreover, the Government's proposal does not address the fundamental concern of physicians that the government not be permitted to act unilaterally and instead that differences be resolved through a fair and independent process of binding arbitration.

"The government has shown that it is unwilling and, perhaps, unable to come to terms or even have a civilized discussion with its second most important health stakeholder after patients – doctors," said Dr. Virginia Walley, the President of the OMA. "We have many problems in our health system. Our membership has always been prepared to engage in meaningful and responsible negotiations with government. The Minister's actions today are the very antithesis of that."

"The OMA will resist any attempt by the Government to act unilaterally," Dr. Walley continued. "Today's announcement demonstrates the critical need for a fair process of binding arbitration. The OMA will be engaging with our membership to consider our options for responding in a measured and proportionate way. In light of the government's continued lack of respect for the profession, all options are now on the table."

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

Nadia Daniell-Colarossi, Manager Media Relations, Office: 416-340-2970 or 1-800-268-7215 ext. 2970, Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Kari Cuss, Sr. Director Marketing Communications and Government Relations, Office: 416-340-2260, Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.oma.org