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Colleagues:
I know, I know, another email to read. However, there is lots going on, so let’s get to it:
Toronto Star Story on Advanced Payments for Physicians
Many of you have already emailed the OMA about the story in the Toronto Star saying there was a deal for physicians. The deal purports to offer “cash advances” to doctors to “save clinics.” To be clear the government leaked this story to the press without making a formal offer to the OMA. They did not inform the OMA’s Negotiations Task Force (NTF) or the Board before leaking this story. We only got the offer around 11:00 am this morning. There is NO AGREEMENT.
Why did the government leak this? Well first, just remember it’s what governments do. Remember when they leaked an offer to the press during our negotiations process a couple of years ago? Or when they leaked stuff when they tried to take away arbitration? It’s just part of a political game they play to try to make themselves look good. “See how reasonable we’ve been.” “We’re offering such a good deal.” That sort of thing. It’s part of the game of politics.
And don’t get upset about it (I’m not). It was the poet Horace who said, “In adversity, remember to keep an even mind.” It’s not easy to do that, especially given how much adversity we are facing. But don’t sweat the political gamesmanship. Let the NTF deal with it.
The second reason the government leaked this of course, is because the advocacy we are doing on your behalf is working. We have had multiple news reports about how health care infrastructure is at risk without appropriate funding (see here, here, and here). Many of our own physicians are blogging to tell their own stories (see here, here, and here). If you are on Twitter, check out #DoTheRightThing – and you will see hundreds if not thousands of tweets from physicians urging the government to fund health care infrastructure. Our official news release on this issue is here. If you want to direct patients, have them go to our patient facing website: www.protecthealthcare.ca.
The OMA Board has the government’s attention. We will continue to advocate strongly for EVERY physician. The advocacy campaign will continue. I urge all of you to continue to tweet, post on Facebook, share www.protecthealthcare.ca and our stories. Every little bit helps.
The OMA Board and I will be unrelenting in our pursuit of a fair solution for all physicians so we can protect our health care infrastructure. At this point, it looks like the offer is not acceptable. But we will continue to discuss with government for a fair solution.
President-Elect Poll Under Way
Just a quick reminder that the President-Elect Poll is now under way. As with last year, the poll will be non-binding, but will give your Council delegates valuable information about your wishes as they elect the next President-Elect. You can view the candidates’ statements here. The TownHall with the candidates is here for your viewing pleasure. Finally – you can vote here. The poll closes Friday, April 24 at 2 p.m.
This Weekend
It is once again sunny for most of Ontario today. I know, I know, I sound like a broken record at this point – but it’s important to get some fresh air people. I know that you are all worried about your patients, funding your clinics, paying your bills and your families. But none of that will matter if you yourself aren’t healthy. You all matter to your patients, and your loved ones.
And you matter to me.
Go get some vitamin D already…
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