In our role as advocates, the NSPA works with numerous stakeholders to highlight and reinforce the unique contributions made by physiotherapists like you. Whether working with a patient to improve mobility, decrease pain, or manage a chronic issue, those offering physiotherapy services play an important role in the delivery of comprehensive healthcare. It's essential that we advocate on behalf of our membership to ensure there is awareness about how our skills make a difference.
But we don't advocate in the dark.
The NSPA has an advocacy plan that is reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. Updates are made based on the progress of the previous year, the input of our Board, and the input of those who attend our town halls held across the province.
Nationally, we work collaboratively with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and with each provincial association to advance common interests and shared goals. We recognize the value of ensuring our voice is heard nationally as well as locally.
The NSPA's advocacy committee is committed to making a difference in healthcare in Nova Scotia. Over the next 5 years we will pursue the following objectives:
Priority: Access
Goal 1: Promote and Facilitate access to Physiotherapy Services
Objective 1: Lobby government to remove barrier to access third party insurance (Advocacy)
Priority: Value
Goal 1: Position physiotherapy in relation to future health trends and population needs
Objective 2: Address needs of equity seeking groups to improve access to physiotherapy (Advocacy)
Goal 2: Deliver high impact advocacy and lobbying on behalf of members
Objective 3: Produce advocacy toolkit to encourage advocacy opportunities within NSPA members (Advocacy)
Objective 4: Identify new and upcoming issues that require lobbying efforts
If you're interested in learning more:
Direct Access and Sun Life Federal Employee Benefit Plans
How clinicians advocated for and adapted to a telehealth model during the COVID-19 pandemic
New Graduate Re-Deployed – COVID-19 Stories
NSPA Advocacy Beyond the Pandemic
The CPA advocates strongly for physiotherapy across Canada. Please visit https://physiotherapy.ca/advocacy for educational handouts and advocacy news from CPA.