On Monday November 29, 2010, the OPA was invited by Tim Hudak (leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, and official leader of the Opposition at Queen's Park), to meet with him and his caucus to take part in a round table discussion on Ontario's Public Safety.  Directors Roberta Scott and Glen Gillies attended representing the OPA's board and membership.

Various stakeholders attended this roundtable representing policing agencies, fire services, coalitions against bullying, victims services, crimestoppers and internet safety councils.  Each group had 1-2 minutes to introduce themselves and speak on their top priorities for 2011 and beyond, in terms of public safety for Ontarians.

When it was the OPA's turn, Director Glen Gillies gave a historical review of Paramedic services in Ontario, a condensed history of the OPA and a narrative on the ever changing dynamics of the profession of a Paramedic.  He outlined the key focus for the OPA in 2011 being that of Self Regulation and the OPA's petition currently before the HPRAC review committee.  He asked Mr. Hudak and the PC caucus's support in  moving forward the OPA's goal of self regulation in 2011 without any further delays.  He also went on to discuss other health and safety issues facing Ontario's paramedics when it comes to accessibility issues when responding to highrise buildings and the importance of flat forward access, thus eliminating the many flights of stairs in many low-rise and high end building complexes, he also pushed for changes in the building codes to improve accessibility of Paramedics and their stretchers full of equipment in elevators.

Other issues discussed at the table included improved emergency communications, Ontario's "Move Over" Law, uniform visibility, legislative review of outdated documents pertaining to our profession and overall vehicle design to improve safety for the patient and Paramedic.

This initial meeting with the Provincial PC caucus was brief, but there will be follow-up meetings in the months to come.  The chief strategist for the Ontario PC Party ensured that he had the OPA's contact information, and has requested a more detailed description of our focus issues to be sent to the caucus for review.

The OPA looks forward to these meetings as we will bring the profesional practice and safety issues facing Ontario's Paramedics to the forefront for 2011.