About the Special RF

June 8, 2017

Dear Member:

The Representative Forum (RF) meets on Saturday, June 10 in Calgary to further address the topic of income equity. This special RF will build on the direction that the Spring RF meeting provided. At the Spring RF, the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) was charged to proceed with work toward income equity. The RF approved using an Adjusted Net Daily Income (ANDI) model and reallocation as tools to meet a five-year timeline which was set by the RF.

A proposed outline for implementation is to be brought to the Fall 2017 RF. This special meeting, therefore, is not intended to be a working session to debate numbers, calculations or technical issues. Instead, subject to the will of the RF, we would like to provide delegates with information about how we will consult and engage sections in the technical work to be done, how that information will be used, and how decisions will be made as we build the five-year plan (which will, itself, contain more consultation, engagement and evaluation).

Motions will also be a big part of Saturday’s meeting. There was a sense that we left Spring RF with unfinished business in terms of motions for which there was not sufficient discussion time. We are, therefore, providing this opportunity to work through them and to examine others. Everyone who submitted a motion that was not addressed has had the opportunity to resubmit; and in the same or an amended form. Other motions may also be brought forward.

The Board of Directors met this past weekend and devoted considerable time to discussion of achieving an effective, open and two-way process toward income equity with sections and members. We will be looking to the RF delegates for their advice and insight on what will work best, our plans for engaging them and where they think we need more work or emphasis. This RF will not be the culmination of our consultations; but rather will serve as a continuation of an ongoing dialogue as we embark upon this process. This is an undertaking which requires careful thought and a tempered approach. The Board has heard the direction of members through their RF delegates, and is proceeding in a fair, inclusive and transparent manner.

Over many years I have been impressed with the wisdom that the RF has demonstrated and the collegiality of the discussions there. The Spring RF was no exception. These are weighty and controversial topics; yet at the Spring meeting, speakers who rose did so with clear efforts to acknowledge the concerns of others who may hold different opinions. I am confident this will once again be the case on June 10. It is important that we treat each other with fairness and respect in all our endeavors. We are at the forefront of a conversation which is beginning across the country. It is incumbent upon us to ensure we do our best for our members, our profession and the patients we serve.

If you have thoughts or input, you may wish to touch base with your RF delegate(s) or section executive before the weekend. Of course you may also write to me any time at president@albertadoctors.org or leave a comment below.

Yours truly,

Padraic E. Carr, BMedSc, MD, FRCPC, DABPN
President

P.S. As you may know, voting is underway for the position of AMA President-Elect for 2017-18. Voting closes 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15. If you haven’t voted yet, find information on our two candidates and the voting process here:
www.albertadoctors.org/leaders-partners/leaders/officers/pres-elect-election (Member log-in required.) Be sure to cast your vote!