Advocacy Priority

Health Human Resources

Today’s healthcare system is complex and there are too few occupational therapists to meet the needs of Ontarians. There are many underlying reasons for this shortage including:

  • Too few graduating occupational therapists
  • Inequity in pay across the healthcare system
  • Slow adoption of models of care involving occupational therapist assistants (OTAs)
  • Not enough providers in rural and remote areas
  • Government focus on a few professions while ignoring many others
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Background

The Ontario healthcare system has historically been underfunded, and health human resources planning has been reactionary. Governments have planned for short term needs without considering long-term trends. We have been aware of an aging population (the Baby Boomers) with a smaller generation following them for decades, but adequate measures have not been put in place to care for this older group. As health professionals retire there are fewer professionals to fill the gaps, particularly as the need for healthcare services increases.

Ontario has the second lowest ratio of occupational therapists to population in Canada. In 2024 Ontario had 3.5 OTs per 10,000 people – below the national average of 3.8 per 10,000 (CIHI). In occupational therapy, we know that the number of new therapists entering the profession (either through graduation or international accreditation) is not keeping up with the demand for providers.

Priorities

More Student Spots

Increase student spots at existing university programs, or consider adding additional university programs.

Preceptorship Uptake

Incentivize preceptors, a key requirement of university programs and the profession’s regulator.

Care Models with OTAs

Explore the fuller integration of OTAs into care programs, helping to increase capacity across the board.

Pay Equity Across Settings

Ensure OTs are compensated similarly whether they work in the community, a hospital or another setting.

Downloads And Updates

Letter to Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES) - October 2025

Download

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