July 18, 2002.

Dear Family Physician:

RE: AN URGENT APPEAL TO YOU (PART I)

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The Coalition of Family Physicians of Ontario (COFP) is on the move. Recently, we have undertaken a number of dynamic initiatives to ensure that your association remains relevant and vital to Family Physicians.

As you are likely aware by now, your COFP Executive has been working with the Levine Financial Group to develop a comprehensive insurance program to assist Family Physicians in upgrading their current insurance levels at the lowest cost possible. So far, the response to our survey and proposal has been outstanding. Since the benefits of this plan will only be available to COFP members, we are convinced that Family Physicians across the province will quickly come to the conclusion that membership in COFP truly does have its rewards.

I am also pleased to inform you that we have recently engaged the services of PoliTrain Inc., an organization that specializes in Political Action. Their team of expert consultants has already begun to develop and set in motion an impressive strategic plan which will assist COFP in delivering an effective message to government, as well as providing us with advocacy training, lobbying and public relations assistance.

As you can see, the Coalition of Family Physicians of Ontario is definitely moving forward. But we need your help.

I am making an urgent appeal to you because, as Family Physicians, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads in our relationship with Government. Family Physicians play a unique role in Ontario. We must educate Government as to that role, and make sure that we are protected.

Family Physicians across the province have made it clear how unhappy they are with the status quo. We want change – real change. You have told us of your frustrations, delivering the best possible family health care in a system that is poorly administered and underfunded. You have explained most eloquently how it feels to work so hard on behalf of your patients, only to be attacked by elected officials and the media. You have expressed your disappointment in the last two deals negotiated on your behalf – deals that did little to reverse your dwindling bottom line or decrease your stress level.

The Executive of the Coalition of Family Physicians of Ontario understands what you are feeling. We are Family Physicians, too. Like you, we feel we have not been protected by a 1.9% pay increase. Apart from COFP’s efforts, we have not been protected on issues as diverse as Primary Care Reform, RBRVS and the Medical Review Committee.

You have made it clear that this situation is intolerable and that something has to be done about it. Well, the time has come for action. Real action. Political Action.

Let me explain. The next provincial election will most likely occur sometime in 2003. Negotiations with the Ministry of Health are scheduled to get under way shortly thereafter. Obviously, there is no time to lose if we are to make a difference.

We need to begin organizing right away in order to prepare to influence these two crucial events. We need to dramatically increase COFP’s membership. We need to identify and train those of us best suited to deal with elected officials and the media. We need to ensure that your voice is heard at the Negotiating Table.

Your COFP Executive has been listening and we have heard you loudly and clearly. We agree that the time has come to take a stance. We are not afraid to say what we believe is wrong with our health-care system and offer tangible solutions to fix it. And we are definitely not afraid to stand up to government and tell them what we want. We need your support to get these messages to them and to the public. Needless to say, these activities cost money.

In order for us to develop and finance a credible campaign, we need to increase our membership, because the stronger our numbers, the stronger our voice. We also need to raise a great deal of money as quickly as possible. We need to finance the activities of a province-wide Political Action Campaign, and pay for public relations advice and lobbying training. We need to act now, long before the Election is called. Obviously, we have a lot to do and very little time to do it.

If what I’ve had to say to you in this letter makes sense, then you owe it to yourself and every other Family Physician in Ontario to step forward and show you’re serious. Winning the hearts and minds of the people of this province will not be an easy task. It’s going to take a lot of resources to ensure our message gets out there.

Without you making a serious commitment today, none of this will be possible.

Please complete the attached Membership/Pledge Form and return by fax by August 5 to 416-412-7297. We would urge you to become a member (if you haven’t already done so) of our Association, and make an additional donation towards our Political Action Campaign. Even if you do not choose to become a member at this time, I’d urge you to consider supporting the Coalition’s Political Action, Lobbying and Advocacy Activities by making a donation of $250, $500 or $1,000.

Together, we really can make a difference.

Thank you,

Douglas Mark, MD

President – Coalition of Family Physicians of Ontario

 P.S.    According to OHIP Bulletin 4382, the increase to the Schedule of Benefits that was negotiated on your behalf by the OMA has just been cut in half – from 1.9% to 1.0%. If you want to make a difference, it’s vital that you act now. Please join our fight so that Family Physicians can finally get what we deserve!                       

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