Why join?
The OPA is not a union, it is a professional association. An association is only as strong as its membership. Having an active representative voice for professional & patient care concerns is important and essential. The OPA advocates for improvements in patient care & through local chapters, raises public awareness about the role that paramedics fulfill.
The OPA now represents over 1900 paramedics and has 12 chapters. The OPA has representatives serving on the Ontario Base Hospital Group, the Ontario EMS Directors group, and on various committees & working groups. Acting as the "voice of the profession" is the primary role of the OPA.
Paramedics in Ontario are the only health professionals not regulated by a licensing body (College) under the Regulated Health Professions Act. Because of this, paramedics are not in control of their own destiny. Paramedics currently are subject to rules & policies imposed upon them without consultation or thought to how they will affect the profession or patient care. No one knows what's best for a profession than the professionals themselves.
The OPA as with any organization needs financial support in order to obtain its objectives. The money raised from membership dues are used to finance the conference, member benefits, and the day-to-day operations.
Benefits of Membership
Tangible Benefits
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Ontario Paramedic Association certificate (new members), wallet ID card and windshield sticker & information package
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automatic membership in the Paramedic Association of Canada
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a subscription to Canadian Emergency News which contains the OPA Newsletter
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a discount coupon to subscribe to Emergency Medical Services Magazine & the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS)
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discounts for continuing medical education, events, seminars, workshops, and conferences sponsored by the OPA
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opportunity to network with Paramedics from around the world through the Paramedic listserver and our Internet homepage
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discounts for various corporate services & products
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OPA annual general meeting (AGM) and symposium
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an opportunity to participate in critical issues affecting the future of our profession
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effective representation at government hearings & on committees
Intangible Benefits
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a medium through which to become the authors of our own fate
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an association that will work toward establishing an education system which is equitable; i.e. one in which Paramedic education is available through academic institutions for all who wish to further their education
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an association that will work with other professional bodies and government for accreditation and reciprocity in Paramedicine
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access to continuing medical education
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opportunity to become involved in injury and illness prevention activities
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opportunity to form local chapters to address regional or specialty related issues
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opportunity to network with other Paramedics
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opportunity to represent Paramedics on steering committees, Medical Advisory Groups, Special Task Groups, etc.
What does it cost to be a member?
Full Membership - $84.00 / year
Full members include any certified Paramedic under the Ontario Ministry of Health definition or any certified EMCA.
**Note: all Paramedics & EMCA's are required to be FULL members.
Includes voting status at all annual and Special meetings of the OPA, plus all previously mentioned benefits as well as eligibility to be elected to the OPA board.
Associate Membership - $70.00 / year
Associate members are persons interested in the field of Paramedicine. This would include, as an example, retired paramedics, allied health professionals, EMS Dispatchers, fire and police services personnel.
**Please note: Paramedics & EMCA's are not permitted to join as associate members.
Includes all benefits previously listed (except Associate Members do not have “voting status” or eligibility for election to the OPA board).
*NEW* Paramedic Student Membership - $40.00 / year
The OPA has created a special membership level for paramedic students to help provide them with the same opportunities as our other members but at a significantly lowered rates.
Paramedic Student Members must be enrolled in a recognized Primary Care Paramedic program in Ontario. Year of graduation must be included on your application.
**Please note: Paramedic Students must us the separate membership form indicated below. Upon graduation, you must notify us to receive FULL Member status.
Includes all benefits previously listed (except Paramedic Student Members do not have “voting status” or eligibility for election to the OPA board).
Corporate Membership - $400.00 / year
Corporate memberships are granted to Corporations / organizations involved or interested in Paramedicine or Emergency Medical Services.
Includes preferential opportunities for exhibiting at OPA events plus all benefits previously listed (except “voting status” & eligibility for election to the OPA board.
Join on-line using a credit card on our secure server:
>> Click here to go to the OPA Store
Join by mail or fax:
1. Download the membership form and follow the instructions below.
>> Click here for printable Membership Application form
The forms are Adobe Acrobat files. Click here if you do not have the Adobe Reader plug-in. This link will open a new window.
2. Once the form has been retrieved, print out a copy. It is formatted to fit a standard 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper.
3. Fill out the required information.
4. Once the form information is complete, you can either;
a) Fax it (888) OPA-LINE or,
b) Mail it
Ontario Paramedic Association
Mapleridge RPO, Box210161875 Lansdowne St. W Peterborough, OntarioK9J 8M7For more information call (888) OPA-LINE
Questions may also be sent to our Registrar via e-mail.
Click here to contact the registrar