Whereas recruiting and retaining physicians remains a key concern for all rural and northern communities who are at particular risk of physician shortages; and

Whereas the Government of Ontario has previously recognized the particular needs of Northern and Rural communities with the creation of the RNPGA; and

Whereas the RNPGA is no longer an effective or competitive incentive program in retaining or attracting physicians to rural and Northern communities; and

Whereas there is a particular need to enhance the emergency room funding within the RNPGA contract to ensure consistency among northern RNPGA and non RNPGA hospitals;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association request the Government of Ontario to negotiate quickly, through the Ontario Medical Association, a more effective and proper funding agreement for attracting and retaining physicians in rural and Northern communities.

Adopted by the NOMA Board of Directors, November 2010