FAQ

Who appointed the first Board of Directors?

The idea to start a paramedic association in Peel began in 2004 after the death of Paramedic Murray Charland. A group of Paramedics felt that a non labour based organization that was inclusive for all PRPS staff, was needed to help promote the Profession, and support our staff in ways not available at the time within the confines of the Regional or Union structure. This group wanted the organization to be transparent and be created in a way to ensure it's longevity. In 2004, the PPA was incorporated as the first Paramedic Charity under the Canada Revenue Agency. Part of this incorporation required the application to have a listed board of directors.The original group assumed the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer until the first AGM which was held in 2005.

Will I get a chance to elect an Executive?

Yes, the Executive is comprised of Officers and Directors. Elections now occur every 2 years. Full members (both Paramedic and non Paramedic staff) may run for any position on the Executive.

Will the PPA engage in labour bargaining?

No. It is not the intention of the PPA to be involved in any labour issue. We will strictly deal with patient care and professional issues. In addition, as a registered charity we are not permitted under CRA regulations to participate in Labour issues. Paramedics in Peel Region are represented by OPSEU Local 277. It is this union who is responsible for all labour issues.

Why should I join?

Please refer to the benefits of being a member and keep in mind that politicians tend to choose the path of least resistance. We need to ensure that we do not provide them with that path. The paramedic association also allows paramedics to have an official consolidated voice and steer our profession.

Where will my annual membership dues go?

The PPA currently charges $20/month ($240/year) per member and that amount includes Legal Expense Insurance for all members.

Of that amount, the Ontario Paramedic Association receives $84/year

Of that amount, the Paramedic Association of Canada receives $15/year and Canadian Paramedicine Magazine receives $26/year.

As you can see, PPA dues give you membership in 3 organizations + 1 national magazine subscription.

Isn't $20.00/month a lot of money to ask for an association?

Actually, compared to other Medical Professionals and Paramedic associations, $20/month is one of the lowest membership dues in the province of Ontario. Your $20/month actually gives you membership to 3 associations (PPA, OPA, and PAC).

The OPA and PAC have spent years building their public image and have both become widely recognized by politicians..

Is it possible for me to get involved?

Absolutely, an association can only be as strong as it's membership and everybody is encouraged to get involved. If each paramedic contributes 1 day per year, we can have incredible achievements.

How do I get involved?

The first step is to become a member. Once you are a member you can either become elected to the Executive, be part of a committee, or attend meetings where you may express your views and vote on issues.

Can I still participate in projects if I'm not on the Board of Directors?

Of course, if you are a member you can spearhead or get involved in any project you wish as long as the Board of Directors has approved it as an official PPA project. For a project to be approved, it must win a majority vote by the Board of Directors.

What if I am not a Paramedic, can I still join the PPA?

Yes, anyone with special interest (Communications Officers, Logistics Technicians, Management, Paramedic Students, support staff, etc) can join the PPA.

The dues to become an associate member are $17/month or $204/year.

The dues to become a student member are $89.65 (Year 1), $89.65 (Year 2) or $159.65 (Year 1 & 2).

What if I'm already a member of the OPA?

Your OPA membership dues will be adjusted so that you will not incur any extra costs. Once you have joined the PPA, your local association will then be responsible for renewing your annual membership with the OPA & PAC.

What are some of the tangible benefits of membership?

automatic membership in the Ontario Paramedic Association (OPA) and Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC)
OPA certificate, wallet ID card, windshield sticker and information package
automatic enrolment in the Paramedic Benevolent Fund ($3000 to your spouse or Next of Kin and a $1000 scholarship for your children, if you are killed in the line of duty)
a free subscription to Canadian Paramedicine Magazine
a discount subscription to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) Magazine
discounts for continuing medical education, events, seminars, workshops, and conferences sponsored by the OPA
discounts for corporate services & purchases as well as the OPA MasterCard program

What are some of the intangible benefits of membership?

to have a strong united voice in Peel representing professional Paramedic issues
community recognition of Paramedics as professionals
an opportunity to participate in critical issues affecting the future of our profession
effective representation at council meetings and government hearings
a medium through which to become the authors of our own fate
an association that will work toward establishing an education system which is equitable (i.e. one in which Paramedic education is available through academic institutions for all who wish to further their knowledge)
an association that will work with other political and professional bodies for accreditation and reciprocity in Paramedicine
access to continuing medical education
opportunity to become involved in injury & illness prevention activities as well as charities
opportunity to network with Paramedics from around the world through the OPA listserver and our Internet homepage peelparamedics.ca
opportunity to represent Paramedics on steering committees, Medical Advisory Groups, Special Task Groups, etc.