The CMA Survey Reflects Your Reality. Here’s How We’re Acting on It.

Dear SGFP Members,

Last month, the Canadian Medical Association, working with the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, released national survey results highlighting the staggering administrative burden facing physicians across Canada. The data once again confirms what we have seen in previous surveys and what we experience in our own practices and lives. The toll on joy in work, recruitment, and retention is real, measurable, and growing.

I want to share the important work your SGFP is doing to address this critical issue.

Although we tackle some administrative burden challenges directly, much of our effort is focused at the system level advocating for the structures, processes, and governance needed to solve these problems sustainably. We know this can feel removed from clinic life, but these system-level gaps are exactly what drive the frustrations you experience every day.

Our work is about changing that.

Creating a Shared Vision: The Patient’s Medical Home: Right now, we have a reactionary, patchwork approach that isn’t improving our daily working lives. Our PMH position paper outlines a principle-based and evidence-supported model for high-functioning family practice. 

Structures that Work: Strengthening PCNs: PCNs exist across Ontario, but their functioning is inconsistent and too often ineffective. Our PCN position paper describes what physician-led, accountable primary care structures should look like.

Digital Tools that Help, Not Hinder: Too often, the systems we rely on add to the load instead of easing it. Our Digital Health Principles outline what family doctors need from the system.

If you’re interested in the details behind  this work, I encourage you to explore the position papers linked above. They detail the practical steps we believe can reduce burden and create joy in family medicine.

Thank you for your continued leadership and resilience. The challenges highlighted in the CMA/CFIB survey reflect your daily reality, and they underscore why this work matters. Together, we will create the conditions for meaningful change.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Dave Barber

Chair, SGFP

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