AFHTO has learned the Ministry is working on a framework for granting exceptions to the “employee requirement” that appears in all Funding Agreements. They expect the draft to be completed in the next few weeks. AFHTO was told that, at minimum, we would get advance notice of the content of this framework. AFHTO continues to request the opportunity to review and give feedback on the draft framework for exceptions so that problems can be identified and solved before the Agreements move into implementation. AFHTO has a very successful track record in this regard, given past work in pulling together working groups from member FHTs to give constructive feedback and attempt to solve problems with the Ministry on such issues as the move to 5-year funding, NP-SERT and the new smoking cessation program. AFHTO first notified FHTs about the potential problem with the “employee requirement” clause on March 25, and survey results indicated this would pose significant implementation challenges for many FHTs. As noted in that March 25 e-mail, the “employee requirement” was introduced with the intent to meet a government-wide directive from Ministry of Government Services (MGS) implemented last September for all transfer payment agencies. In the last few days AFHTO has discussed these concerns with the Minister’s Office (MO) and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). We welcomed news that the MO is working with the FHT Unit and MGS to find reasonable and workable solutions to fulfil the intended purpose of the directive while minimizing the risk of destabilizing staffing arrangements and service delivery in FHTs. The OMA shares AFHTO’s concerns, and our two organizations are working collaboratively in seeking solutions. In the meantime AFHTO has learned that some FHTs have yet to receive an extension date for signing their Agreement. Other FHTs have received a response to their specific problems in implementing the “employee requirement” with a message that says, “The Ministry realizes that there may be isolated circumstances where exemptions will require consideration. … The ministry is not encouraging exceptions and very rarely will approve unless extreme circumstances.” AFHTO continues to recommend to those FHTs who have not yet signed the Agreement:
- Do not rush into signing the Agreement until your FHT is comfortable with the requirements and the timeframe for implementation.
- If the “employee requirement” poses problems for your FHT, wait to see the Ministry’s framework for granting exceptions.
- Continue to work with your Ministry consultant to seek clarification on other issues affecting your FHT.
- Seek legal advice as needed to deal with your FHT’s unique situation.
- Please continue to keep AFHTO in the loop. AFHTO remains ready to gather FHT opinions, coordinate discussion, and facilitate resolution of issues that are common among FHTs.
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