President's Corner : Eight Years

Dear Members,

Summer’s sunny days are finally setting in after a rather rocky beginning this year. First off, after a few months of uncertainty, CATA’s members, in a great turnout, rejected CATA’s board proposed changes at the special meeting held February 17, 2022. The changes brought forward sought to cancel the obligation to subscribe to a provincial association. At this special meeting, the answer was clear; a majority voted to maintain the status quo. There is a desire from the membership to keep provincial associations. In Québec, this was clearly expressed by the adoption of a resolution stating that CTSQ is the only representative and spokesperson for athletic therapists in Québec.

At the momen, we are actively working on an agreement in order to harmonize the procedures between provincial associations and CATA. Since CTSQ is not a subsidiary of CATA (it is an independent entity under Québec’s laws on NPO), it cannot sign off an agreement with CATA without making sure it agrees with our legal frame of reference. CTSQ suggested to CATA that we work together on a specific mandate aiming at planning the transition between the actual state of affairs of athletic therapy and the upcoming integration to the professional system. This will be happening sooner than later in Québec as we mentioned in the News section. Let's remember that our answer to the OPQ advocated for an independent order.

Now, about the academic programs, we are proud to share with you that UQTR will be welcoming its first batch of students for the new professional master’s program in athletic therapy as early as this coming September. This is the first program of its own in Canada. Concordia University also mentioned its desire to upgrade its program to a professional master, and they have already gone through the first stages of the process.

I am currently going through my eighth consecutive year as an administrator on the board, and my fourth year as president. I experienced marvellous moments with you all and I represented our membership with pride in front of various organizations and CATA, always keeping your best interests at heart. I will carry this mandate to its end and pass the torch to the next ambitious candidates. Therefore, do not hesitate to work with us, whether it's with the board, one of our various committees, or at a personal level. The future of our profession is truly exciting and stimulating. The profession and CTSQ’s membership need you!

I wish you all a great Summer! Sincerely,

Philippe Fait, CAT (C)
President