Minister of Health Hon. Mark Holland Asserts Support for the Profession of Physiotherapy at Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress 2024

Vancouver, BC — The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, asserted his support for the valuable expertise and skillset that physiotherapy professionals bring to the Canadian health care system on Wednesday when he met with members and representatives of the profession at the 2024 Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) Congress in Vancouver.

CPA President Allison Stene, along with a national representation of academics, leading researchers, physiotherapy professionals, physiotherapy students and top clinicians, met with the Minister to celebrate the extension of the Canada Student Financial Assistance (CSFA) program to include physiotherapists working in underserved rural and remote communities.

They also discussed the monumental Scope of Practice Initiative, which seeks to optimize the breadth of skill sets for physiotherapy professionals in Canada, and which served as a preview on the upcoming National Physiotherapy Month which will be celebrated in May.

“Physiotherapy professionals provide Canadians with essential expertise, rehabilitative care, and treatment, that enables all of us to live more active, healthier lives,” the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, said. “I am pleased to have addressed the CPA’s National Congress ahead of National Physiotherapy Month, where we will celebrate the central role that physiotherapists play in improving health outcomes for all Canadians.”

“We are grateful that the government is recognizing the power of the physiotherapy profession by expanding the CSFA program to include the profession, and we were honoured that Minister Holland joined us today to celebrate this win.” said Allison Stene, President of the CPA. “With National Physiotherapy Month in May, we are leveraging this momentum and remain focused on working alongside our government partners towards the optimization and standardization of the physiotherapy Scope of Practice.”

The CPA Annual Congress hosts a gathering of physiotherapy professionals to participate in community engagement, research, education, workshops, plenaries, keynotes, and networking opportunities. The event wraps up Saturday.

About the CPA

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) represents physiotherapy professionals, including registered physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants, physiotherapy technologists, and students across Canada. Physiotherapy professionals provide essential rehabilitative care and treatment, enabling Canadians to live well and actively participate in all facets of their lives.

Media Contact

Rani Chatoorgoon
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
rchatoorgoon@physiotherapy.ca