ADVOCACY
IN ACTION
Let’s make occupational therapy accessible to all Canadians, in every community.
CAOT is your partner in advancing the profession by advocating nationally for the impact OTs and OTAs deliver every day. Through policy and system-level influence, we work to ensure occupational therapy is recognized, integrated, and funded across Canada’s healthcare and social settings, improving access and outcomes for Canadians.
If you would like to become more involved in occupational therapy advocacy and health policy, please send us an email at advocacy@caot.ca
Participate in Advocacy
Inclusion in Canada’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program
The federal government expanded Canada’s Student Loan Forgiveness to include ten new health professions – but not occupational therapy.
This decision overlooks the essential role OTs play in rural and remote communities, where access to healthcare is most limited.
Ask for OT: Inclusion of Occupational Therapy in Insurance Coverage
We know occupational therapy coverage is essential to help Canadians stay engaged in the activities that matter most.
Yet, many benefit plans lack OT coverage or provide insufficient funding — leaving people without the care they need. It’s time for change.
Find Out What’s Happening in Advocacy
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You can also view the latest CAOT news on our website by following the link below!
Government Relations
OTs are essential to Canada’s healthcare system, providing the support that helps people live healthier, more independent lives. Yet OTs are being left out of key policies such as student loan forgiveness.
It’s clear the federal government does not understand the role that OTs play in team-based care, and we must do more work to raise awareness of the value OTs bring to the communities we serve. This is where we are focusing our advocacy efforts, and we need your help to get the word out.
Let’s work together to ensure the role of OTs is valued and recognized, and that the occupational therapy workforce is empowered, supported, and enabled to work to its full scope of practice.
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CAOT represents occupational therapy at the national level, advocating for OTs to practice to their full scope, strengthen the workforce, support Canadians’ access to vital care, and shape national policy.
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We achieve this by advising decision-makers and working with partners to amplify the impact of occupational therapy across Canada.
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External Communications – Op-Eds, Editorials, Press Conference
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Our elections toolkit was created to help you promote occupational therapy to candidates as a key solution for rehabilitating our healthcare system back to function and health. Download it here.
Key Advocacy Priorities
OTs are Essential
OTs Support Mental Health
A Healthy Workface to Meet Canada’s Needs