OAG Press Release

August 3, 2016

COALITION OF ONTARIO DOCTORS

We want you to be the first to know that the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has invalidated the OMA's approach to proxies for the Aug. 14, 2016 General Meeting, concluding that they need to be re-issued in a more fair and balanced form. The Coalition of Ontario Doctors fought for these provisions and welcomes the judge's ruling.

The OMA, until today, has attempted to exploit every advantage possible to ensure a "For" vote. Today, that ends.

This is a big win for all physicians -- you will now have more say in the issues at hand. There will be less ambiguity about the contents of the meeting and how to cast your vote in a way that ensures your voice is heard clearly.

However, the repercussion of the OMA's misstep is that a NEW PROXY form will need to be issued to all physicians to accurately reflect the agenda.

THE NEW PROXY WILL ASK MEMBERS TO VOTE ON ALL 3 OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

1. The OMA should not have the authority to negotiate without the inclusion of binding arbitration
2. The question of whether the tentative PSA should be ratified
3. Future negotiations should require OMA Section Chairs to be fully apprised throughout

At the start of this process we approached the OMA. We attempted to ensure the original form of proxy accurately reflected the petition and ensure the meeting was conducted properly -- our efforts were rebuffed.

This is a significant blow to the OMA's fast attempts to ram the PSA through. In addition, we have received confirmation the OMA cannot raise any additional motions of significance at the meeting.

We have fought to give you a say – now this decision levels the playing field and gives you even more say.

We will send more details as they become clear. For now the fact is that due to the OMA's missteps all votes will need to be recast.

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