ADVOCACY
IN ACTION
Occupational therapy helps Canadians live, work, and participate. CAOT advocates for the profession and the people it serves.
As the national association for occupational therapy, CAOT advocates at the federal level to ensure occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are recognized, integrated, and funded across Canada’s health and social systems.
We engage with government, shape policy, and work to remove barriers that limit access to occupational therapy services.
Take Action on Current Advocacy Campaigns
Student Loan Forgiveness: Include OTs
The federal government expanded Canada’s Student Loan Forgiveness to include ten new professions to address workforce shortages in rural and remote communities. Occupational therapy was not included.
OTs and OTAs are essential providers in these communities. This exclusion limits recruitment and access to care where it’s needed most.
Add your voice in less than 2 minutes.
Ask for OT: Insurance Coverage for Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy supports Canadians in managing health conditions, recovering from injury, and returning to work. Yet many benefit plans provide little to no coverage for occupational therapy services.
This limits access for clients and restricts OTs ability to deliver continuous care.
Learn how to advocate for better coverage.
Find Out What’s Happening in Advocacy
CAOT’s advocacy work is ongoing. Stay up to date on federal policy developments, priorities, and opportunities to engage. Click here to sign up.
You can also view the latest CAOT news on our website by following the link below!
Government Relations
OTs and OTAs make vital contributions to health and wellbeing across Canada. Yet the policies, funding frameworks, and workforce strategies that shape the profession do not always reflect that reality.
As a CAOT member, you have a national association working on your behalf at the federal level, where these decisions are being made.
CAOT engages directly with government, advises decision makers, and works with national partners to ensure occupational therapy is recognized, funded, and reflected in the policies that matter most to your practice and your clients.
Every CAOT member strengthens the national voice of occupational therapy. We work to amplify your voice.
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CAOT prepares evidence-informed briefs and recommendations for federal departments, parliamentary committees, and national consultations, ensuring occupational therapy is represented where policy is shaped.
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CAOT works alongside national health organizations and sector partners to advance shared priorities at the federal level.
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CAOT engages directly with Members of Parliament and Senators to ensure occupational therapy is understood and reflected in legislation, programs, and policy.
CAOT equips members with the tools and information needed to engage effectively in their own communities.
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CAOT brings the voice of occupational therapy into the public conversation through media engagement, opinion editorials, and advocacy events.
Key Advocacy Priorities
Occupational Therapy Across Every Stage of Life
OTs and OTAs contribute to health, recovery, and participation across every stage of life. CAOT advocates to ensure the profession is recognized and funded in federal policies that shape access to care.
Occupational Therapy and Mental Health
Occupational therapy recognizes that mental health is lived in everyday life. OTs and OTAs help Canadians re-engage with the meaningful occupations, roles, and routines that support wellbeing. CAOT advocates for the inclusion of occupational therapy in national mental health policy and funding.
A Strong Occupational Therapy Workforce
Access to occupational therapy depends on a workforce that is supported, sustainable, and equitably distributed across Canada. CAOT advocates for the federal investments and policy conditions needed to build and sustain occupational therapy services in every community.