A ratification vote will open today

May 4, 2018

Hello Members:

As I announced in my April 23 President’s Letter, a tentative agreement has been reached regarding a financial reopener on our main agreement with government (the AMA Agreement) and the status on the Strategic Agreement related to physician bargaining with Alberta Health Services. It is now up to physicians to accept or reject the proposals through a ratification vote.

Last night the Representative Forum met in Edmonton and Calgary. The sites were linked by videoconference and delegates who were unable to attend in person joined by webcast.

The purpose of the meeting was to receive a presentation on the tentative package of amendments. It is the Board’s task to determine if a tentative agreement warrants being sent to the membership for a vote, but our practice is to consult with the RF before making that decision. At last night’s meeting, there was an excellent exchange of information and input. At the conclusion, delegates told the Board that they were supportive of holding a ratification vote. After considering this input, the Board has directed that we will proceed to a vote and encourage eligible members to support ratification.

Now, it’s up to you!

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Electronic voting will open later today and close on Tuesday, May 29, at 4 p.m.

On the AMA members-only webpage, we have posted the ratification package that contains everything you need to (i) learn about the tentative agreement package and then (ii) cast your vote. This includes summaries and explanatory documents, videos, the legal documents (on which you will actually be voting), and the VOTE NOW button when you are ready to do so.

To access the information and voting link, you can:

1. 1. Find the link in an email you will receive from “AMA Voting”
   2. Visit the AMA ratification webpage 
   3. Visit www.albertadoctors.org and click the Voting banner at the top

In all cases, member login is required.

ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION

As I mentioned in my April 23 letter, we will be holding information sessions about the tentative agreement package as follows:

1. 1. IN PERSON
      • • Monday, May 7, in Calgary, 7 – 9 p.m.
          Coast Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre
          Plaza 1 Room
          1316 33 St NE
        • Tuesday, May 8, in Edmonton, 7 – 9 p.m.
          DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton
          Pallisades Room
          16615 109 Ave NW
   2. ATTEND ONLINE, LIVE
      The above information sessions can be attended online via live webcast (with ability to ask questions). The webcast link is available on the AMA ratification webpage; we encourage you to test your device prior to the webcast to ensure you can access it.
   3. VIEW A VIDEO at your convenience
      We recorded the presentation given at the Special RF meeting and posted it on the AMA ratification webpage. You can watch the video and send me questions if you wish.

This is an important agreement package that recognizes the contributions of physicians and positions us well to deal with challenges facing us in the future. Be sure to cast your vote.

I look forward to interacting with many of you in the weeks ahead. Your emails are always welcome at president@albertadoctors.org. As usual, you can also post comments as follows:

• Comment publicly below on this President’s Letter.
• Share your perspectives with colleagues in our Discussion Board for members only (member login required).

At your service,

Neil D.J. Cooper, MD, FRCPC, Dip. Sport Med.
President

P.S. We work hard to maintain our member distribution lists in excellent shape. Every time we send, though, there are some who do not receive the information because of firewalls or other technical issues. Please help spread the word that this important vote is underway. If you encounter a colleague who didn’t receive this President’s Letter or the “AMA Voting” email, or just isn’t sure how to vote, direct them to the AMA website at www.albertadoctors.org.