In my ongoing commitment to communicate with stakeholders, including members, I am updating you on some recent initiatives at CCO. I am interested in ensuring CCO is open and responsive, and receptive to modernizing and strengthening its efforts to serve and protect the public interest.
National Meeting – November 16, 2019, Calgary, Alberta
On November 16, 2019, CCO co-hosted, with the Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association (CCPA), a meeting of all chiropractic regulators from across Canada, to discuss best practices and challenges around such common issues as scope of practice, advertising claims and social media. A working group has been established with national representation and will be spearheaded by the Federation of Canadian Chiropractic. All regulators have an interest in ensuring patients across the country receive chiropractic care that is consistent, ethical, competent, and compliant with standards of practice which are harmonized nationally to the extent possible (provincial legislation differs somewhat across the country). It is a big task, but I have confidence we can work collaboratively at a national level, and with a focus on enhanced public protection.
National Meeting of Canadian Chiropractic Regulators and CCPA – November 16,2019
Every chiropractic regulator in Canada has examples of best practices from which we can all learn and consider adopting and adapting in our own provinces. I look forward to the ongoing dialogue and action plan developed in conjunction with other regulators, many of whom have taken important steps to enhance public protection
There are many provisions already in place in Ontario, that are specifically designed to ensure safe, ethical and competent chiropractic care to patients, including
S-001: Chiropractic Scope of Practice,
S-016: Advertising,
G-016: Advertising and
G-012: Use of Social Media. These provisions and others are regularly reviewed by the relevant committee. CCO standards of practice, guidelines and policies are reviewed and enforced through the complaints and discipline process as well as through comprehensive peer assessments as part of our quality assurance program.
Future of Health Regulation
On November 29, 2019, CCO Council and staff were pleased to welcome Ms Deanna Williams, who has extensive local and international experience in health regulation, to speak to us on the “
Use of Learnings to Maximize Regulatory Performance.” Ms Williams’ presentation was followed by a presentation from Ms Rebecca Durcan, Steinecke Maciura LeBlanc, who stimulated continued conversation around effective regulation and also addressed Council on the recently released report from the government of British Columbia dated November 2019 and entitled
“Modernizing the provincial health profession regulatory framework: A paper for consultation” . CCO will be looking for opportunities to work collaboratively with government and with other regulators in Ontario (particularly those with common controlled acts such as communicating a diagnosis), as well as continue to work with chiropractic regulators across Canada to modernize health regulation legislation and our accountability to the public.
Ms Williams addressing Council, November 29, 2019
Ms Durcan addressing Council, November 29, 2019
Recent Media
A
National Post article dated December 6, 2019 by longtime critics of chiropractic Wayne MacPhail and Paul Benedetti, unfortunately mischaracterized the decision of CCO Council regarding changes to CCO’s by-laws. Linked here is
CCO’s response dated October 10, 2019 to the free-lance reporters’ enquiries, prior to publication.
It is important to remember that CCO Council is comprised not just of chiropractors who are elected by their peers in different districts across Ontario, but by six or seven public members, appointed by the provincial government, with a mandate to participate on CCO Council and committees and to facilitate CCO’s responsibilities under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. Every member of Council, elected and appointed, has a vote with respect to matters before Council, and CCO is pleased that public members are in leadership positions on Council and as Chairs of statutory committees. I am reminded of the significant input and guidance from CCO’s public members in decision making over the past several months, including changes to S-001: Scope of practice, the position statement on vaccination, as well as the by-law amendments to the composition of Council that creates a fair representative balance to Council while reducing the risks associated with real or perceived conflicts of interest.
CCO has a mandate that is different from many other organizations, but I trust and expect that within our respective mandates, we can have a respectful, professional dialogue about matters of mutual interest, especially where there is disagreement about the action CCO should be taking on any policy matter. All feedback, from all stakeholders, is considered before Council approves any amendments to its provisions and typically is made public in its entirety, as was the case with respect to these changes.
I remain confident that many members of CCO can appropriately participate in the self-regulation of chiropractic in various capacities at CCO, including serving on Council, and that broad representation and a diversity of viewpoints should be encouraged, with an understanding that once elected or appointed, the mandate of all Council members is the same – protection of the public interest.
Modernizing CCO’s Office Space
After many years of careful planning, CCO is finally moved into its permanent home at 59 Hayden Street, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 0E7. This major undertaking was accomplished through the vision and commitment of many, and, as promised, was completed without any increase in members’ dues and with a focus on CCO’s strategic objective to ensure fiscal responsibility. CCO now has a suitable home to carry out its obligations which I hope many of you will have an opportunity to visit by attending Council meetings or training sessions. I am justifiably proud of this milestone and evolution in CCO’s history.
Finally, I wish each of you a wonderful holiday, and a renewed energy and commitment in 2020. I appreciate your ongoing feedback and engagement in the CCO’s important work and responsibility to guide the profession and protect the public interest.
Dr. Dennis Mizel, President
Ms Williams addressing Council, November 29, 2019
