OMA And Province Still Not On Same Page In Contract Talks

Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins says he’s more than willing to return to the bargaining table with doctors. However, Hoskins isn’t promising to put any more money on the table. He says the government continues to increase their health care budget, noting it went up another $125-million this year. However, Hoskins notes most doctors are billing for every service they provide, effectively setting their own salary. Hoskins says their position hasn’t changed and they want to get back to formal negotiations. He says members with the Ontario Medical Association walked away from an agreement that was advised they accept by a facilitator. The OMA claims government action has already resulted in a 7% reduction in payments for physician services in the past year.