Physician Assistants (PAs) start working in Northern Quebec to help increase access to care, A significant milestone for PAs who are now able to practice medicine coast to coast!
Ottawa, Ontario | October 1, 2024
With the pressing demand for more healthcare workers and the need for greater access to care for residents of Quebec, the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) applauds the Quebec government for taking steps to introduce Physician Assistants (PAs) into their healthcare system. The first PAs have begun to work via a pilot project in Region 18 for the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay in Northern Quebec. This is a monumental step for the province and a significant advancement for the PA profession in Canada.
“After many years of work and collaboration with the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants, followed by the involvement of the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Quebec College of Physicians, we are honoured to be the first in the province to integrate Physician Assistants into healthcare teams, and soon, as key professionals in our new Miyupimâtisîun Integrated Care Model,” says Daniel St-Amour, Executive Director, CBHSSJB.
PAs work alongside physicians to deliver comprehensive patient care. They can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications. Adding one PA to a team has the potential to increase the patient roster by at least 500. With a longstanding history of delivering safe and efficient healthcare, their role dates to the 1960s in the United States and Canadian Military. PAs have increasingly become recognized as valuable contributors to the Canadian healthcare system, particularly in Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia with the remaining jurisdictions pledging to introduce the profession in 2023.
“We could not be prouder of our profession, which now spans coast to coast, thanks in part to the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay who has helped make history for our profession.” Says CAPA President, Kirsten Luomala.
From October 17-19, 2024, PAs will gather in Ottawa for CAPA’s 25th Annual Conference to network and celebrate the momentum of the profession. With a growing demand for PAs, provincial recruiters are confirmed to attend in the hopes of attracting them to practice in their respective jurisdictions. With more positions, including the northern Quebec pilot project, comes the need to expand the number of training spots and new PA programs. This will ensure the future availability of PAs to help address the evolving needs of the Canadian healthcare landscape.
CAPA looks forward to continuing working with the Quebec government and other stakeholders to explore the introduction of PAs across the province. This includes the development of a Francophone PA training program to help meet the needs of Quebec’s healthcare system.
For More Information contact:
Kristy Corrente| Director of Advocacy and Communications
kcorrente@capa-acam.ca | 613-864-6713
About CAPA:
The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) is the leading national organization representing physician assistants in Canada. CAPA is dedicated to promoting and advancing the physician assistant profession and supporting the professional growth of its members. With a mission to be the voice of Canada’s physician assistants, advocating for and supporting the needs of the profession. CAPA provides a platform for education, advocacy, and collaboration among its members and partners.