OPA Advocacy
Read the 2023 OPA Advocacy Report
Read the latest activity from OPA advocacy projects and development at the Association.
Members in Training (MIT) Section
Medical students, psychiatry residents and fellows training in Ontario are considered Members in Training (MIT).
With annual membership, MITs access a wide range of privileges, benefits, and opportunities: see more here.
MTO Reporting Requirements Task Force
Chair: Dr. Angela Ho
The MTO Reporting Requirements Task Force was created in 2018 in response to concerns about the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario's (MTO) changes to the requirements for reporting medically unfit drivers. Dr Angela O Ho is liaising with the MTO on these matters. Read more
Task Force: Access and Models of Care Delivery
Initiative Task Force was struck to examine issues relating to access to mental health care and models of care delivery to achieve it. Improving "wait-times" to obtain mental health care requires adequate infrastructure and supports to provide effective care, such as a stepped care approach, team-based supports, and appropriate financial considerations for direct and indirect care. Dr. Angela O. Ho is the current “Access” Initiative Lead. Read more
Task Force: Psychotherapy Initiative
The Psychotherapy Initiative was created to highlight the importance of psychotherapy (in all its forms) as a treatment in the mental health toolkit. As the stigma around mental illness and its treatment perpetuates myths about the effectiveness of psychotherapy, advocacy around education and access have become increasingly key. Dr. Renata M. Villela, the OPA's current Psychotherapy Initiative Lead, is committed to raising awareness about the benefits of psychotherapy and to highlighting psychotherapy projects in the community and beyond. Read more.
Task Force: Indigenous Health
Indigenous rights and Indigenous health have become increasingly important priorities for Canada, and, here at the OPA, we agree with and support this essential priority. Read more.
How to Get Involved
We are always looking for more engagement at the OPA. There are many ways to become engaged with the organization:
1. Membership - Members are the engine that keeps OPA running. Please make sure that you are a member of the OPA. There are various membership categories and we hope to recruit and retain our members.
2. Council - OPA Council has a new slate on an annual basis. We are always looking for more councillors as members rotate off of Council. OPA Council usually meets in person 3-4 times per year and has regular conference calls throughout the year. Members of Council also have the opportunity to join OPA Executive. OPA members interested in joining Council will be asked to submit a CV and a brief statement of interest.
3. Sections - Currently OPA has several sections including Addictions, Psychotherapy as well as the Members-in-Training sections. If you have a particular interest that aligns with our sections let us know and we can put you in direct contact with the section lead.
4. Committees and Task Forces - from time to time, Council may strike an ad-hoc committee or task force on a particular issue. Sometimes the very topic of the task force or committee comes from an engaged OPA member who wishes to champion or lead on a particular issue. If you have any ideas for new committees or task forces, please contact us.
If anyone is interested in becoming more active in the organization, please contact the OPA office.
