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Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids & Equitable Access

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On April 17, SAC submitted feedback to Health Canada’s consultation on the Draft Guidance on Managing Applications for Medical Device Licenses, emphasizing our concerns related to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and the need for appropriate regulatory oversight.

On May 2, we also sent a letter to Mr. Greg Orencsak, the Deputy Minister of Health Canada, highlighting the importance of ensuring public safety, consumer education, and product effectiveness through strong regulatory measures for OTC hearing aids in Canada.

Read Health Canada’s Response

We are currently finalizing a position paper, to be released in July, that highlights the role of audiologists and the government when it comes to OTC hearing aids in Canada. This paper calls for measures to ensure public safety, product quality, and informed consumer access. SAC believes that if implemented properly, OTC hearing aids could help to improve access to hearing healthcare in Canada for some. SAC also believes that audiologists are essential in safeguarding hearing health by providing expert assessments, tailored recommendations, and ongoing support.

University of Saskatchewan School of Rehabilitation Sciences Celebrates 60th Anniversary Gala

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On May 23, 2025, the University of Saskatchewan marked the 60th anniversary of its School of Rehabilitation Sciences with a special gala event celebrating the past, present, and future of rehabilitation education in the province.

As a part of this celebration, SAC-Saskatchewan Regional Advocacy Manager Jennifer Cameron-Turley was invited to speak about the profound impact the school’s newest offering – the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program (MSLP) – will have on the profession and on communities across the province. The program is set to welcome its first cohort in September 2026.

Also, in attendance to help celebrate were Saskatchewan Regional Advocacy Committee member and S-LP Randa Tomczak, and University of Saskatchewan S-LP Implementation Coordinator and S-LP Kara Broks.

Jennifer and Kara Broks at U of S 60th Rehab Sciences Gala Jennifer and Randa at U of S 60th Rehab Sciences Gala

The MSLP program at the University of Saskatchewan will be the newest speech-language pathology program in Canada and the first of its kind in the province.

See more information about the new program here.

Listen to YXE Underground on Apple Podcasts: Kara Broks and Tami Turner talk about designing the province’s first Master’s programs in Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology and share with listeners why this work means so much to them.

SAC-Ontario Meets on Scope of Practice Expansion Developments

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In early May, SAC-Ontario attended another productive meeting with the Ministry of Health’s Health Workforce Regulatory Oversight Branch to advance recommendations for expanding scope of practice. Our team emphasized the need for amendments that allow S-LPs and audiologists to work to their full competencies, ultimately improving system efficiency, reducing delays, and enhancing patient outcomes.

We thank our members for sharing their frontline experiences, which continue to shape and strengthen our advocacy. As we prepare formal submissions and maintain active dialogue with the Ministry, we welcome further insights and data from all practice settings.

Ontario and Manitoba Sign Agreement to Boost Interprovincial Trade and Labour Mobility

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On May 15, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Manitoba signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to remove trade and labour mobility barriers between the provinces. In support of Ontario’s recent  Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, the agreement aims to streamline the movement of goods, services, and qualified workers.

For Ontario’s S-LPs and audiologists, this marks an important step toward greater workforce mobility. The MOU could lead to:

  • simplified credential recognition across provinces;
  • increased flexibility to practise remotely or in-person across jurisdictions; and
  • increased access to communication health services for underserved communities.

As interprovincial collaboration grows, SAC will continue to advocate for policies that support health workforce mobility and improved patient outcomes nationwide.

SAC-Alberta Monitoring Bill 55: Health Statutes Amendment Act

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Passed into law on May 7, 2025, Bill 55 introduces significant changes to Alberta’s healthcare system, particularly in the governance and delivery of public health services.

Key highlights:

  • Public Health Reorganization: All public health functions from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to a newly created agency, Primary Care Alberta.
  • Impact on Front-Line Programs: Services such as newborn screenings, communicable disease control, well-baby clinics, routine immunizations, and health promotion programs will be transferred to the new agency.
  • Government Oversight: Medical officers of health will now report directly to the provincial government rather than AHS.

These changes have also introduced some temporary uncertainty as it remains unclear which AHS employees will be affected. Negotiations with the various healthcare unions in Alberta may be required to determine the outcome of staff reallocations.

Lastly, this legislation has caused public health experts to raise questions about the independence of the healthcare system and what effects having more direct control by the Premier and cabinet ministers may have.

SAC-Alberta is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to seek opportunities to attend consultation sessions and raise the concerns of SAC members.

You can read more in this news article.

Ontario Government Reintroduces Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025

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On May 15, the Ontario government reintroduced the Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act, 2025. This legislation is part of a broader $114 million investment to improve access to community and social programs that help seniors stay active, healthy, and supported at home and in care settings

Key highlights of the proposed legislation include:

  • mandatory dementia care programs in all long-term care homes;
  • strengthened rights for residents to receive ongoing support from family and friends;
  • recognition of cultural, linguistic, religious, and spiritual needs, including increased access to French-language services; and
  • new offences related to the abuse or neglect of long-term care home residents and enhanced investigation practices.

Complementary initiatives have also been detailed and include the expansion of dementia supports, community-based services for seniors at home, and the development of AI tools for the early detection of osteoporosis.

As S-LPs and audiologists deliver a wide range of services to seniors, these investments have the potential to expand access to vital communication health services. SAC will continue to monitor developments and advocate for the integration of the professions into long-term care and community-based services for seniors.

SAC-Saskatchewan Working to Improve Access to ENT Specialists in Saskatchewan

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SAC-Saskatchewan is working to improve access to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists in Saskatchewan by supporting a direct referral pathway from S-LPS and audiologists. The current system requires patients to see a family physician before being referred to an ENT, a step that can delay care and create unnecessary barriers for patients who have already been assessed by an S-LP or audiologists.

To address this, we are continuing to work with representatives from the College of Speech Language Pathologists & Audiologists Saskatchewan (CSASK) and a working group composed of S-LPs and audiologists. Together, we’re advocating for a more efficient system that recognizes the expertise of regulated professionals to initiate referrals when appropriate.

As part of this imitative, we met with the University of Saskatchewan Division Lead in Otolaryngology, Dr. Russ Murphy, and gained some excellent feedback regarding referral criteria. We have also met with a representative from another association who has been successful in going through the direct referral process.

Next, SAC-SK will continue working with partners to refine referral criteria and explore the steps required to implement this model in Saskatchewan. This work is an important part of our broader efforts to improve access to timely, patient-centered care in the province.

SAC-SK is working with CSASK, CAA, and a provincial working group to improve access to ENT specialists in Saskatchewan through direct referrals from S-LPs and audiologists.

We’ve submitted a joint letter with CSASK to the Saskatchewan Medical Association and continue to consult with groups who’ve implemented similar pathways.

Alberta Announces the Decentralization of the Ministry of Health

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On May 16th, 2025, Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith, announced the decentralization of the Ministry of Health. In line with the broader decision to split Alberta Health Services into several smaller agencies, each new healthcare body is now overseen by its own Minister.

This decision is largely congruent with the Government of Alberta’s plans to have more specialized agencies oversee the various pillars of healthcare.

As of May 16th, 2025, the new portfolios and their related ministers are as follows:

  • Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services
  • Matt Jones, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services
  • Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
  • Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services.

Many questions remain about how these changes will affect healthcare professionals, S-LPs, audiologists, and other rehabilitative medicine specialists. It is not yet clear which agency will oversee these roles or how services will be coordinated under the new structure.

SAC is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to keep members informed as more details become available.

For more background, see this article.

Assistive Devices Program May 2025 Update

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SAC has recently received a growing number of inquiries about the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). We are pleased to share that we will be meeting with ADP to discuss long-term solutions, including the formal recognition of audiologists as the front-line professionals responsible for prescribing hearing aids.

SAC strongly supports streamlining the patient journey in hearing healthcare. Updates to current guidelines are necessary to protect the public, uphold standards of care, and ensure equitable access to safe, high-quality hearing services for all Ontarians.

We will continue to engage with members, stakeholders, and ADP, and we look forward to sharing future developments.

Ontario’s 2025 Budget Released

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Read the official news release here.

On May 15, 2025, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, released the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario. The budget details measures to protect the province’s economy amidst U.S. tariffs and highlights plans to build infrastructure, enhance healthcare access, expand public services, and support workers and businesses.  

Notable Highlights for SAC Members

The 2025 Ontario Budget presents opportunities for the communication health sector with targeted investments that align with SAC’s priorities and advocacy efforts. From reducing wait times through improved diagnostic and primary care access to expanding interprofessional teams, these developments position S-LPs and audiologists to play a greater role in the future of Ontario’s healthcare system. 

Labour Mobility

The budget reiterated the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act (first announced in April 2025), which aims to enhance interprovincial trade and labour mobility by expanding “As of Right” rules. This will remove barriers, cut red tape, and allow more certified and regulated professionals, including health care workers, to practice in Ontario with limited restrictions.

Primary Care Investment

The province is investing $1.8B in Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan to connect every Ontarian with a family doctor or care team by 2029. This includes $235M in 2025–2026 for up to 80 new or expanded care teams, and $300M for new teaching clinics to train future providers. 

Surgical and Diagnostic Expansion

Up to $280 million will be invested over two years to expand Integrated Community Health Service Centres. These centres will provide MRI, CT scans, endoscopy, and orthopedic surgeries, aiming to reduce backlogs and improve access to diagnostics and procedures in community settings. 

Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

The government is increasing funding by $175 million in 2025–2026, bringing the program’s total investment to $779 million. The OAP supports services including applied behaviour analysis, mental health, speech-language pathology, and occupational therapy. 

SAC will continue to monitor developments related to Ontario’s 2025 budget and actively engage with government stakeholders to ensure the voices of speech-language pathologists and audiologists help shape the outcomes of these investments.
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