A Few September Reminders, a 2-Minute Action on Bill C-5, and your PCMR Feedback
Dear SGFP Members,
As we head into a busy fall, here are a few quick reminders to help you stay connected with SGFP, plus a two-minute advocacy opportunity.
SGFP On-Call: Fall Schedule Now Open (back after popular demand)
Your SGFP leadership is inviting you to connect: book a time in our current round of SGFP On-Call, 1:1 conversations available throughout September and October. Register here.
AGM & Townhall: Register by September 8
Our in-person Annual General Meeting and Townhall takes place Thursday, September 17 at the Benmiller Inn near Goderich. Dinner is provided, but registration is required. Register here by September 8 to confirm your spot.
Let’s Talk Billing: Next Session September 9
Our next Let’s Talk Billing session, open to all billing models, takes place September 9 from 12–1 p.m.. These sessions have been well attended, with lots of great information shared each time — we hope you’ll join us. Register in advance.
Take Action: Support Bill S-5 (Connected Care for Canadians Act)
The Canadian Medical Association has a simple online form you can use to send a letter to your federal Member of Parliament in support of Bill S-5, the Connected Care for Canadians Act. SGFP was proud to put ourselves forward last winter to help get this legislation resurrected, and we’re now asking members to help see it through. It only takes about two minutes. Send a Letter.
Thank You for Your Digital Health Feedback
My letter from two weeks ago on the PCMR RFP generated a lot of member feedback. We want to thank you for your passion, your letters, and your input. We shared it directly with the leadership team at Ontario Health, who in turn, expressed appreciation. Your message was clear: you support the vision for a provincial clinical record system, but want confidence that it will be secure, usable, well supported, and implemented in a way that protects clinical time and strengthens, rather than disrupts, patient care. We’re committed to sharing what we learn as the RFP progresses, and to advocating for a strong family physician voice at every step.
To those of you with some time off, I hope you enjoy a restful long weekend. To those of you working, thank you for continuing to be there for your patients. As always, thank you for staying engaged with SGFP..
Warm Regards,
Dr. Dave Barber, Chair, SGFP
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Other Resources
Attention Surgical Assistants within SGFP
The OMA Surgical Assistants Forum invites you to its hybrid CME Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Humber River Hospital. Join surgical assistant physicians from across Ontario for a full day of CME, expert speakers, and opportunities to connect with colleagues. For more information and to sign up, see the registration link.
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OntarioMD’s Digital Health Conference 2026 Keynotes
Healthcare leaders sharing practical insights on leadership, innovation and the future of digital health.
- Dr. Alika Lafontaine is an anesthesiologist, author of The Outrage Cure and first Indigenous president of the CMA.
- Dr. Michael Evans is a physician, educator and health innovator transforming the way health information is communicated.
- Dr. Nandini Gupta is an advanced heart failure cardiologist, educator, and Art in Medicine founder.
- Dr. Chandi Chandrasena is OntarioMD’s CMO, family physician and recognized digital health and AI leader.
Early bird registration extended exclusively for the SGFP with code SGFP50D – save $100 until Sept. 11!
Resource Sharing: If you have information about a news item, policy, survey or event you wish to share with SGFP members, please review the criteria and provide the following required information for us to include in this section of the newsletter. Please send this submission to: ChairLetterSGFP@outlook.com