BUSINESS AND PERSONAL RESOURCES
Access resources to help you in business and life
OPA provides members the tools they need to better run their own practice, manage a department, direct a facility or practice as an employee.
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Incorporation
Member content
Login to learn more about incorporating.
Professional Corporations (Incorporating for Registered Physiotherapists)
The College also has a Professional Incorporation Guide.
Professional Corporations (Incorporating for Registered Physiotherapists)
There are two nuances to a Professional Corporation when compared to a general corporation. First, there is no alleviation of personal liability for any practical issues (i.e. malpractice). Second, all shareholders must be individuals of a ‘like practice’, i.e. you cannot have your spouse as a shareholder unless they too are a registered physiotherapist.
You must obtain certificates of authorization from the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. In addition, a Professional Corporation has a less stable business life than a business corporation due to the dependence on its members. For example, the death or disqualification of a shareholder may result in the dissolution of the corporation. Incorporating your practice could be a great idea, or another structure might be better. Tax, Liability, Increased Costs as well as Personal Lifestyle and Life Goal Planning should all be considered. The College also has a Professional Incorporation Guide.
We are happy to answer any questions the best we can.
Brian Shumak Financial Services specializes in financial and benefit planning for health professionals and waives their assessment/recommendation fees for members of the OPA in good standing. Contact us to set up a meeting at brian@brianshumak.com or (416) 577-7505.
Independent Contractor
Check out content available from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association on independent contractors.
Legislation/ Regulation
BILL 148 “Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017”
Bill 148 – Fairness Workplaces, Better Jobs Act 2017 received Royal Assent on November 27, 2017. Some of the provisions of the Bill were effectively immediately, others came into force and effect on January 1, 2018. Bill 148 amends several existing statutes, namely the Employment Standards Act (ESA), the Labour Relations Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
OPA has compiled a summary of amendments to the laws affected by Bill 148 most relevant to physiotherapists and physiotherapist assistants. This summary is meant to assist members in understanding what these changes mean to them and their businesses. This summary does not constitute legal advice and members who require more information on the impact of these changes to their specific circumstances should consult expert advisors.
Login to access the Summary.
ONTARIO HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT
A regulation under the Ontario Health and Safety Act requires that all employers in Ontario have their staff complete a basic occupational health and safety awareness training program. OPA has prepared a resource to assist our members for whom this may apply.
For more information, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (AODA)
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act was passed in 2005, to develop, implement and enforce accessibility standards that apply to all organizations (public, private, and not-for-profit) with one or more employees in Ontario. Compliance requirements began rolling out in January, 2012; all organizations with one or more employees in Ontario are required by law to comply with the AODA and its accessibility standards.
To learn more about accessibility and the AODA visit the Ministry Website.
FREE TOOLS AND RESOURCES
The Accessibility Compliance Wizard helps you find out what your business must do to comply with Ontario’s accessibility law. It includes timelines for compliance and links to resources.
OPA partnered with Accessibility Ontario, a private training and consultation organization, to provide OPA members with a free 20 minute introductory webinar on complying with AODA standards. Accessibility Ontario also provides services such as templates, training and a webinar series which are available, at a cost, to businesses who wish to use them. OPA members receive a 10% discount on two online training courses (Customer Service Standard and the IASR). To obtain the discount please contact Constance Exley.
Take advantage of additional resources available through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
