Advocacy
Keeping Canadians Working: CPA Calls for Strategic Investment in Physiotherapy
May 14, 2026
Ottawa, ON
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) is calling on the Government of Canada to make targeted investments in physiotherapy to strengthen the health system, support workforce participation, and improve access to care.
In its pre-budget submission, the CPA outlines six recommendations focused on expanding access to physiotherapy treatment, supporting community-based care, strengthening workforce capacity, and integrating physiotherapy into key priorities such as women’s health.
“Physiotherapy is a practical, cost-effective solution to some of Canada’s most pressing health and economic challenges,” said Krissy Bell, CEO of the CPA. “Timely access to physiotherapy helps Canadians recover faster, reduces pressure on hospitals, and keeps people active in the workforce.”
Canada faces growing demand for care, workforce shortages, and rising rates of chronic conditions — particularly musculoskeletal injuries, a leading cause of disability and lost productivity. The CPA’s submission highlights how timely access to physiotherapy treatment can prevent conditions from deteriorating and support faster return to work.
“Physiotherapy professionals are ready to be part of the solution,” said Allison Stene, CPA President. “By enabling full scope of practice and strengthening access to care, we can better meet the needs of Canadians across the country.”
The submission also underscores the importance of supporting community-based physiotherapy clinics as essential access points for care and workforce health, and calls for better integration of physiotherapy treatment into women’s health strategies and workforce solutions.
“Physiotherapy keeps Canadians working,” added Stene. “With the right federal support, we can improve outcomes and build a more sustainable health system.”
To read the full Canadian Physiotherapy Association 2026 Pre-Budget Submission and learn more about the CPA’s recommendations, click here.
Resources:
- The Written Submission for the Standing Committee on Finance’s Pre-budget Consultation
- The Economic Impact of Physiotherapy in Canada (Deloitte Economic Impact Study)
- A Key Player in Realizing the Action Plan for Pain in Canada (Position Paper)
- Physiotherapy Scope of Practice: Optimizing Care for People in Canada (Position Paper)
- Charting the Future of Physiotherapy Care in Canada: Public Input on Access, Standards & Scope (Polling Report)
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.
CONTACT
Gary Stordy
Director, Advocacy
gstordy@physiotherapy.ca