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Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COALITION OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF ONTARIO LAUNCHES MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

 (July 18, 2002, Toronto, Ontario) – The Coalition of Family Physicians of Ontario (COFP) launched a province-wide membership drive today with a letter from COFP President Dr. Douglas Mark to every family physician in Ontario. The letter, entitled An Urgent Appeal to You, explains that family physicians are at a “critical crossroads” in their relationship with government, and urges them to join the Coalition’s fight so that the role of family physicians can be “protected.”

 “Family physicians across the province have made it clear how unhappy they are with the status quo,” said Dr. Mark, a family physician practicing in Toronto. “They have told us how frustrated they are, delivering family health care in a system that is poorly administered and under funded.” Dr. Mark pointed out that he had been especially touched by those family physicians who had described how disheartening it feels to work long hours on behalf of their patients, only to be attacked by elected officials and the media. “Talk to any family physician and you’ll hear the same thing. This situation is intolerable and must be changed.”

In addition to launching its membership drive, the Coalition has also engaged the services of PoliTrain Inc., which Dr. Mark describes as an organization that “specializes in political action.” PoliTrain’s team of consultants has been working with COFP over the past few weeks to develop a strategic plan that will help the Coalition to deliver a strong and effective message to government, as well as providing Coalition members with advocacy training, lobbying and public relations assistance.

Dr. Mark explained the urgent need for COFP to act immediately. “The next provincial election is in all likelihood less than a year away. Fee-for-service negotiations with the Ministry of Health are scheduled to get underway by the end of 2003. Obviously, if we’re to make a difference, there’s no time to lose.”

The membership recruitment letter – the first in a series, according to Dr. Mark – goes on to explain the importance of raising a significant amount of money as quickly as possible in order to finance a strong political action campaign. The letter also describes how family physicians feel let down by both the 1.9% pay increase negotiated on their behalf, and the fact their voices have not been heard on issues as diverse as Primary Care Reform, RBRVS and the Medical Review Committee.

“It’s crucial that we begin organizing right away,” said Dr. Mark. “Although the Coalition already represents one-third of Ontario’s family physicians, we plan to dramatically increase our membership. We will be identifying and training key family physicians to deal with elected officials and the media. Of even greater urgency, we need to ensure that our voice is heard at the negotiating table.”

The Coalition of Family Physicians of Ontario is a member-driven, grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the rights and independence of family physicians all across the province.

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Contact:
Stephen Skyvington
Vice President – PoliTrain Inc.
Phone: (416) 985-2239
E-Mail: politrain@aol.com

Douglas Mark, MD
President – Coalition of Family Physicians of Ontario
Phone: (416) 412-1474
E-Mail: dmark@cofp.com                                                          

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