TCMO Day at Queen’s Park

Advocating for the Future of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture in Ontario

Mark your calendars for October 28, 2024! The Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario (TCMO) is thrilled to announce our second annual TCMO Day at Queen’s Park. This event is not just a gathering; it’s a crucial opportunity for us to engage directly with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to discuss the future of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (TCMA)  in Ontario.

Last year, we made significant strides by introducing our association to key decision-makers and highlighting the powerful impact of TCMA. This year, our focus is on building on that momentum, ensuring that TCMA remains at the forefront of health policy discussions, and advocating for greater inclusion of TCMA in Ontario’s healthcare system.

The Importance of TCMA in Ontario

During the attempted deregulation of TCMA in March 2022, it became evident just how vital our services are to the community. Over 600,000 Ontarians rely on TCMA as part of their healthcare, with many viewing TCMA practitioners as their primary healthcare providers. Despite this, TCMA are still not included in government-funded community healthcare initiatives. This is a gap that must be addressed.

Our mandate at the TCMO is to support TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists and to advance our profession. It’s essential that the public, and more importantly, our government, understands the distinct qualifications and expertise of TCM-trained practitioners compared to other professionals who have limited training in TCMA. 

Why Your Attendance Matters

This year’s event is more critical than ever. The feedback we received from last year’s event was clear: to move forward with integrating TCMA into Ontario’s healthcare framework, we need to provide a comprehensive understanding of what TCMA can do for Ontarians. As practitioners, we see the profound impact of our medicine every day. Now, we need to showcase this to the government.

We need a strong turnout at Queen’s Park. Your presence will help ensure that our message is heard loud and clear: TCMA is not just complementary medicine; it is essential for the well-being of Ontarians and can play a significant role in alleviating the pressures on our over-burdened healthcare system.

Again, the board will meet with MPP’s directly and attend the legislature.  The day will culminate in a special evening reception from 5-7 pm in the Queen’s Park dining hall, featuring hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your MPP, colleagues, share your experiences, and advocate for our profession.

Please ensure you bring a piece of government issued photo identification with you for security check in at Queen’s Park.

Click here if you need to determine your current MPP and riding name.