^{April 4, 2002 - Faxed to all Ontario Family Physicians}

^{98 PERCENT SAID NO}

^{Click here to view actual fax broadcast version  (requires )}

^{RESULTS OF OUR JANUARY PETITION SENT TO EVERY ONTARIO FAMILY PHYSICIAN:}

^{Just as many of you have already heard the same 98% "no" preliminary results in the media, the final tally of 1,350 valid petitions received resulted in the same resounding 98% "NO" to the content of the Family Health Network (FHN) template agreements. This reconfirms that these agreements have many faults. Furthermore, over 97% voted "YES" for the OMA to call for a referendum. Unfortunately, there is no sign of a referendum’s being called.}

^{At OMA council in January, we fought hard to present these results, but we were not allowed to do so until after the vote to distribute the urban templates was called. The final approved conditional motion was: "That Council allow the distribution of the General FHN Templates (without approval) to the membership, while recognizing that significant inadequacies still exist as documented in the General and Family Practice letter of January 8, 2002"---This letter is to be included with the information package sent to all those interested.}

^{This final motion was influenced by the hard work of our organization and the OMA GPFP section (which includes active COFP members). We would have preferred not to have these contracts released for the reasons stated in our previous bulletins. (See www.cofp.com) However, our dedication and hard work were influential in making this a partial win since it clearly states that the OMA does not approve of the agreements. This reconfirms that the agreements have many faults. Interested physicians must be wary of the major shortcomings.}

^{While we are being constantly reassured that these FHN agreements are voluntary, the Ontario government publicly stated its goal for 80% of family physicians to be contracted in 2 years. Already, it is clear that any I.T. offerings will be limited to FHNs. What do you think will happen next?}

^{We are already aware of one family physician that received an estimated FHN income that was over $40,000 too high. Fortunately, the physician discovered the error and found that the potential income would be far lower than in FFS. This physician has received a correction and apology from OFHN for the mistake. Beware, if you do choose to "run" your numbers, then please check your results carefully!}

^{We repeat, primary care can be enhanced for all family doctors by providing adequate funding, affordable and practical I.T., benefits, ancillary health providers, province-wide integrated "telehealth", more doctors, less bureaucracy and more public health promotion.}

^{Lastly, we ask you to consider this. What do you think would be the status of your future without our influence? Can you afford not to support us in our efforts to protect your rights and interests? We are convinced that you can’t. If you are not already one of our members, then why not join now?}

^{and the}

^{PLEASE HELP US DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF THIS LETTER TO ALL OUR COLLEAGUES,}

^{IN HOSPITAL BOXES, BULLETIN BOARDS AND OFFICES}

^{Thanks very much to all of you who have renewed your memberships. We especially thank and welcome all members who joined for the first time. We are very excited with the excellent response to our January drive. This should be one of the best years yet for our organization’s growth. Without your financial support, we would not be able to continue our work.}

^{If you are not one of our members: For those of you who feel that the OMA has done an exemplary job representing your needs, then we are not the organization for you. But, for family doctors who feel that their concerns have not been addressed and met by the OMA, we ask CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO JOIN US? We believe that you deserve more effective and assertive representation in the OMA, media, and government. It is our goal to continue to provide this service.}

^{We need your help too. Within the next year, Ontario physicians will be entering into the next master agreement negotiations. This will affect not only FFS, but also other APPs. To have greater influence, we need even more members. Over one third of you are members, but we need to grow more. We are forming our districts each with COFP representatives to better communicate with you to provide more feedback to support your needs. Please talk to your colleagues in your office, building, hospital, medical society and districts. Check that they have received this fax and help convince them that we are crucial for their future by our representing their real needs to provide the best care possible to their patients.}

^{We now offer the convenience of joining/renewing your memberships online at www.cofp.com.}

^{Please be sure we have your current email address. You may choose to receive only emails instead of faxes.}

^{Join us in Markham’s fabulous Embassy Suites hotel, just north of Toronto, for an excellent line-up of speakers discussing current medical topics and some current political information including the MRC Audit Process. If you are interested and do not receive a brochure within the next week, then contact us or visit us at www.cofp.com for information and registration.}