Update from Lori Cyr- CAOT Board Director, BC

(Photo: BC Board Director Lori Cyr and CAOT Executive Director Claudia von Zweck on Parliament Hill for OT Lobby Day November 22. Lori and Claudia were joined by Ontario Director Philip Wendt for their meetings with MPs)

 

 

On Thursday, November 22, CAOT Board and staff members met with MPs from across the country to share key messages about how OTs can contribute to the health and well being of Canadians. This is the 3rd consecutive year CAOT has met with MPs on a lobby day held in conjunction with the fall Board Meeting. Topic areas are chosen to coincide with government priorities and initiatives and MPs in positions of influence on these issues are targeted. This year key messages addressed public safety (role of OT in corrections), the aging population and change to retirement age (role of OT in creating a labour market transition strategy) and labour market productivity (role of OT in supporting both employers and employees). Numerous positive outcomes were achieved, including being recognized for ongoing work, being invited to attend standing committee meetings and being introduced to key players. Advocacy work continues in using numerous and varied strategies. Should you feel like making an impact with your own MP, please contact me at Lori.Cyr@vch.ca or Kate Rexe at CAOT at krexe@caot.ca