Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA)

02/03/2026

As Ontario marks one year of its Primary Care Action Plan, the Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is calling for a critical shift in how we talk about healthcare professionals and their unique roles and value in primary care delivery. Stop using the term “allied health” and start naming the specific expertise that matters to patients.

We are excited to see the op-ed written by OPA CEO Sarah Hutchison on this important topic being picked up on other platforms. Thank you for sharing, Healthy Debate.

As our health system continues to buckle under multiple demands, we need more physiotherapists working to full scope of practice.

02/03/2026

New workforce insights are now available from Health Workforce Canada Connects.

Following its second national symposium, Health Workforce Canada has released a collection of What Works resources drawn from forum and workshop discussions focused on tackling health system complexity. More than 300 leaders from across Canada, policymakers, regulators, educators, planners, and practitioners, came together to share lived experience and practical approaches to today’s workforce challenges.

The collection includes reflections on team-based primary care, alongside other system-level priorities, offering actionable insights to support more integrated, collaborative models of care.

Explore the What Works resources: https://healthworkforce.ca/what-works/

02/02/2026

St. Clair College and the University of Windsor have launched an articulation agreement allowing OTA/PTA graduates to transfer directly into UWindsor's Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Studies. Eligible graduates can receive transfer credit for their two-year diploma, streamlining their path to a university degree while building on their clinical training. This partnership creates expanded career opportunities in health and rehabilitation sciences, turning a college diploma into a springboard toward advanced education and professional growth. Learn more: https://www.uwindsor.ca/publicaffairs/2026-01-09/st-clair-college%E2%80%99s-occupational-therapy-assistant-and-physiotherapy-assistant-otapta

01/29/2026

Tomorrow is your LAST CHANCE to take part in OPA's Compensation Survey. Your input matters. Take the survey now: https://www.opa.on.ca/2026/01/08/working-toward-fees-and-salaries-that-reflect-your-value/

As part of our ongoing compensation advocacy for physiotherapists across Ontario, Ontario Physiotherapy Association is collecting sector-based compensation & fee data—and we still need your input. Our last surveys were conducted in 2022, and we know the landscape has changed. Your responses directly inform OPA’s Fee Guideline and strengthen our advocacy with the Ministry of Health, private insurers, WSIB, and auto sector stakeholders.

🔹 Work in more than one sector? Please complete all surveys that apply
🔹 Open to both members and non-members
🔹 The more responses we receive, the stronger and more representative the data

Your experience matters. Help ensure physiotherapists’ compensation is accurately reflected across Ontario: https://www.opa.on.ca/2026/01/08/working-toward-fees-and-salaries-that-reflect-your-value/

01/28/2026

OPA CEO Sarah Hutchison recently authored an op-ed published by the Canadian Healthcare Network, exploring the critical role physiotherapists play in Ontario’s primary care system.

The article examines how physiotherapists can contribute to improved access, team-based care, and system sustainability, and why moving beyond “allied” labels matters.
Read the full op-ed:

Published studies demonstrate that first contact physiotherapists order less imaging and reduce the need for prescription pain relief.

01/27/2026

Looking to access webinars, resources, guidelines and more for your practice, profession and life? Visit our website for tools for physiotherapists: https://www.opa.on.ca/resources/latest-resources/

01/26/2026

📬 Are you an OPA Member but not receiving emails? You may need to update your preferences. Log in to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association website, select Preferences, and ensure you've checked “Yes, I would like to receive emails from my provincial branch.”

This ensures you continue receiving important updates from OPA. Login now: https://cpa-login.wicketcloud.com/login?service=https://physiotherapy.ca/&locale=en

01/24/2026

Interested in helping shape the future of physiotherapy in Ontario? The Ontario Physiotherapy Association is accepting nominations for its Board of Directors.

Four positions will be elected at the AGM on April 30, 2026. We encourage applications from members with experience in rural/remote or public sector settings.

📅 Apply by February 27, 2026
✔️ OPA physiotherapist members only

Learn more and submit: https://www.opa.on.ca/about/our-leadership/board-nominations/

01/23/2026

A newly released feature from Health Workforce Canada highlights insights from 'Team-based Primary Care – From Silos to Synergy', including contributions from Emily Stevenson, OPA’s Director of Practice and Policy.

The article underscores how physiotherapists support access, attachment, and continuity of care by assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients within their scope, strengthening interprofessional teams and improving patient outcomes across Ontario. Read the article: https://healthworkforce.ca/what-works/team-based-primary-care-from-silos-to-synergy/

01/22/2026

Are you an internationally educated physiotherapist (IEPT) starting your professional journey in Ontario? OPA is here to support you every step of the way.

Join OPA (with CPA) and receive 50% off your first year of membership and professional liability insurance, plus access to resources, community connections, events, and professional supports to help you succeed in practice.

Learn more about support for IEPTs and how to get started in Ontario: https://www.opa.on.ca/for-members/iept/ -a-member

01/20/2026

As part of our ongoing compensation advocacy for physiotherapists across Ontario, Ontario Physiotherapy Association is collecting sector-based compensation & fee data—and we still need your input. Our last surveys were conducted in 2022, and we know the landscape has changed. Your responses directly inform OPA’s Fee Guideline and strengthen our advocacy with the Ministry of Health, private insurers, WSIB, and auto sector stakeholders.

🔹 Work in more than one sector? Please complete all surveys that apply
🔹 Open to both members and non-members
🔹 The more responses we receive, the stronger and more representative the data

Your experience matters. Help ensure physiotherapists’ compensation is accurately reflected across Ontario: https://www.opa.on.ca/2026/01/08/working-toward-fees-and-salaries-that-reflect-your-value/

01/15/2026

The Government of Canada has expanded the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program to include physiotherapists, recognizing the profession's essential role. This victory reflects more than a decade of advocacy by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association/Association canadienne de physiothérapie.

By reducing financial barriers for graduates willing to serve underserved communities, the program supports a sustainable health workforce and improves access to rehabilitation services. It sends a clear message: physiotherapy work is valued, and serving communities with the greatest need is supported and encouraged.

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans/repay/assistance/student-loan-forgiveness.html