Dear supporters,

I wanted to share an important and encouraging development.

Following my outreach, I received a formal response from Maureen Boon, CEO and Registrar of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). In her letter, she acknowledged my experience and confirmed that the CMTO recognizes client abuse as a serious issue affecting RMTs. She also affirmed that more support is needed for practitioners and that policy reviews are currently underway.

Specifically, she stated that the CMTO is:

-Reviewing client discharge and practice exclusion guidance
-Consulting health system partners, including the RMTAO
-Monitoring developments across other jurisdictions
-And that this process will be informed by the concerns I raised
While this work will take time, it’s meaningful to know that the regulatory body is listening. This is a step forward.

In the meantime, the CMTO has encouraged RMTs to:

Develop their own practice safety policies
Be aware of their right to refuse care to abusive clients
Seek support from public health, police, and mental health resources when needed
This recognition is important—but it must lead to action. That’s why I’m continuing to advocate for a Patient Code of Conduct under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and for trauma-informed guidance at every level of the system.

Here is a copy of her full email:

"Hi Ashley:

I am sorry to hear about your experience of abuse and glad to hear you are engaging with supports to promote your safety and wellbeing. I can also appreciate the challenges of advocating for yourself, and hope that your on-going discussions with the RMTAO will lead to positive outcomes.

CMTO recognizes that client abuse is an important issue and agrees that additional support is needed for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs/MTs).

CMTO is currently reviewing client discharge and practice exclusion requirements and working towards providing additional guidance to the profession. As a part of this process, we are engaged in discussions with health system partners, including the RMTAO, and monitoring developments in other jurisdictions. This work will take some time, but it will be informed by the information you have provided.

I’d like to reiterate that RMTs/MTs have the right to practice in safe environments and can refuse to provide care to clients who are abusive.

RMTs/MTs are encouraged to develop and implement practice policies to ensure their safety, and may find it helpful to consult with the following resources:

Government of Ontario: Understanding the Law on Workplace Violence and Harassment
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Violence/Bullying
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Working Alone
 

In addition to implementing such policies, it would also be important to remain aware of supports and resources for recovering from experiences with client abuse. RMTs/MTs are encouraged to consult with local police services, public health units and other mental health agencies in their area.

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns and suggestions. Please stay connected to CMTO for updates related to work on this topic.

If you have any additional questions about practice resources for RMTs/MTs, please don’t hesitate to contact practicespecialist@cmto.com .

Have a good weekend.

Sincerely,

 
Maureen Boon (she/her/hers)"

If you haven’t already, please continue sharing this petition. The more voices we gather, the harder we are to ignore.

In care and solidarity,
Ashley Culp, RMT