FAQ
What is the TPA going to do for me?
Given its convenient location in Ontario’s capital, the TPA will be instrumental in supporting incredible initiatives that have already been put in motion by the OPA. The next few years will produce enormous rewards for paramedics. Here is a short list of some of our initiatives:
we will build a strong united voice in Toronto that will finally allow us to represent professional Paramedic issues and patient-care concerns in front of the public and in the media
through extensive networking with the media and other groups, we will ensure community recognition of Toronto Paramedics as professionals
we will make sure Toronto Paramedics participate in critical issues that have the potential to affect the future of our profession
we will ensure effective representation of Toronto Paramedics at the local, provincial and national level
we will represent the special interest of Toronto Paramedics on local and provincial steering committees, Medical Advisory Groups, and Special Task Groups, etc.
we will work towards investigating the need for an Ontario College of Paramedics
we will work with other political and professional bodies for accreditation and reciprocity in Paramedicine
we will ensure Paramedics are included in special legislation (currently including police and fire) that will give us access to early retirement with full pension at age 55
we will support the Paramedic Benevolent Fund
we will publicly support local charities
we will network with Paramedics from different chapters in order to reach these very important common goals
Is $22.00/month a lot of money to ask for an association?
Actually, compared to other Medical Professionals and Paramedic associations, we are one of the lowest membership dues in the province of Ontario.
The OPA and PAC have spent years building their public image and have both become widely recognized by politicians.
Here are some annual rates of other associations so you can compare (note most association rates include union dues - so please calculate accordingly):
Is it possible for me to get involved?
Absolutely, an association can only be as strong as it's membership and everybody is encouraged to get involved. If each paramedic contributes 1 day per year, we can have incredible achievements.
How do I get involved?
The first step is to become a member. Once you are a member you can either become elected to the Executive, be part of a committee, or attend meetings where you may express your views and vote on issues.
Can I still participate in projects if I'm not on the Board of Directors?
Of course, if you are a member you can spearhead or get involved in any project you wish as long as the Board of Directors has approved it as an official TPA project. For a project to be approved, it must win a majority vote by the Board of Directors.
What are some of the tangible benefits of membership?
automatic membership in the Ontario Paramedic Association (OPA) and Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC)
OPA certificate, wallet ID card, windshield sticker and information package
automatic enrolment in the Paramedic Benevolent Fund ($3000 to your spouse or Next of Kin and a $1000 scholarship for your children, if you are killed in the line of duty)
a free subscription to Canadian Emergency News Magazine which contains the OPA and PPAO Newsletters
a discount subscription to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services Magazine
discounts for continuing medical education, events, seminars, workshops, and conferences sponsored by the OPA
discounts for corporate services & purchases as well as the OPA MasterCard program
What are some of the intangible benefits of membership?
to have a strong united voice in Toronto representing professional Paramedic issues
community recognition of Paramedics as professionals
an opportunity to participate in critical issues affecting the future of our profession
effective representation at council meetings and government hearings
a medium through which to become the authors of our own fate
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 knowledge)
an association that will work with other political and professional bodies for accreditation and reciprocity in Paramedicine
access to continuing medical education
opportunity to become involved in injury & illness prevention activities as well as charities
opportunity to network with Paramedics from around the world through the OPA list server and our Internet homepage torontoparamedic.com (launched in the fall of 2003)
What is self regulation/ college of paramedicine?
Does the TPA support a college or self-regulation?
Yes, we advocate for the vocation to become a profession. Paramedicine already has many of the characteristics of a profession. However, in Ontario it currently lacks two key components, namely, a self-governing regulatory body and the protection of the title of “paramedic". A College of Paramedics will protect the title by preventing unregulated, unqualified or unlicensed individuals from adopting the title. It will also enhance paramedics' interprofessional collaboration with allied health professions.