About Us
History
The Ontario Physician Assistants Association first became an idea in 2018 in response to a judicial review at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), which saw the PAs included as part of OPSEU. This went against the wishes of the PAs at that hospital, as well as PAs from around the province who watched these events unfold with concern for their future.
As a result, a group of PAs, with early support from the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA), and CLAC, launched the OPAA. OPAA is now an independent organization that is the only union specifically for PAs across the province, with bargaining rights at seven different hospitals and representing more than 150 members.
Our vision is to grow to be the union of choice for PAs, providing professional representation, both in your workplace and at the bargaining table, for this unique and growing profession. We’re excited to grow our community in the years to come and hope that you’ll join us!
Purpose
(From our Constitution)
The purpose of the association is to organize Physician Assistants in Ontario in order to establish justice in the workplace, to promote the particular, unique, and mutual workplace interests of its representees through collective bargaining, advocacy, and other means of mutual air or protection.
Participating Hospitals
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
OPAA Board
Colbourne Moro
St. Joseph’s Hospital Hamilton
Colbourne Moro has worked as a Physician Assistant for five years and currently works in Acute Care Surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital Hamilton, where he serves as the OPAA Steward. Prior to his current position, Colbourne worked in Critical Care and Multi-Organ Transplant in Hamilton and Toronto, respectively. As part of the OPAA, Colbourne has worked closely with his colleagues to determine their labour priorities and to support the labour relations between the OPAA and St. Joseph’s Hospital Hamilton. Colbourne currently lives in Hamilton and enjoys golfing, waterskiing, and Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey.
Alex Marian
Sinai Health
Valerie Derbecker
Brantford General Hospital
Valerie Derbecker graduated from the McMaster Physician Assistant program in 2012. She started her career at Brantford General Hospital as part of the career start grant and has been employed in the Emergency Department ever since. Her experience also includes trackside medical with NASCAR, family medicine, and as a PA program clinical facilitator with several years as a bedside POCUS instructor. During her time as Vice President of the OPAA board, she has overseen base wage increases, shift premiums and provided a strong and united voice at the bargaining table. Her goal is to continue to advocate for PA recognition and mentorship to increase the value and importance of PAs within the medical profession. Valerie enjoys hiking with her family, drinking tea, gardening, and baking!
Harvir Hans
Sunnybrook Hospital