On February 10, 2023, NDP MPPs Jill Andrew (Toronto-St. Paul's) and France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) held a press conference to announce re-tabling of their co-sponsored bill: Make Psychotherapy Tax-Free Act, 2023.
They were joined by Maryann Istiloglu, OAMHP's Executive Director, and RPs Caroline Rosta and Ashley Miller.
This bill was originally tabled in April 2022, and will be tabled on February 21, 2023. Its aim is to remove the unfair tax treatment levied against Registered Psychotherapists, who are the only mental health professionals that have to charge their clients 13% in HST.
As OAMHP members are already aware: An additional HST charge puts mental health care further out of reach of vulnerable Ontarians who need therapy. With the additional tax, psychotherapy is only available to a fortunate few who can afford to pay.
We need a full spectrum of mental health professionals to support the growing range of mental health supports needed by a vastly diverse population. A tax on one place is an unnecessary barrier, is a burden on access and is counter intuitive to a team approach.
How can you take action?
1. Share the NDP's petition to end the HST and increase access to mental health care for all Ontarians.
Script of message you can use
I am calling/writing to ask that you vote for the NDP’s Private Members’ Bill, Make Psychotherapy Tax-Free Act, 2023. It will be re-tabled on February 21, 2023.
The Bill’s aim is for the HST to be removed from therapy services provided by Registered Psychotherapists.
Since the pandemic, there has been an increased need for mental health care in Ontario. An additional HST charge makes it difficult for people to get help.
We need a full spectrum of mental health professionals to support the growing range of mental health supports needed by a vastly diverse population. A tax on one place is an unnecessary barrier, is a burden on access and is counter intuitive to a team approach.
Your support is essential to getting this unfair tax removed, and to ensuring better health care for all Ontarians.
3. Be present at the Bill reading on February 21, 2023
OAMHP members' presence would show the government that mental health professionals support this Bill. If you are interested in attending, please send your name to OAMHP's Executive Director at executive-director@oamhp.ca.
