During the height of the COVID19 pandemic, government leaders like Premier Doug Ford and his Covid Vaccine task force, led by General Rick Hillier, were full of praise for physicians who went the extra mile to vaccinate Ontarians. These have turned out to be empty words given the recent government actions aimed at Dr. Elaine Ma (who heroically organized clinics that gave over 35,000 covid vaccinations). First, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) decided to audit her and demand repayment of the billings during these clinics. Then the Ontario Health Sector Appeal and Review Board (HSARB) denied her appeal. In effect, after praising her for organizing these clinics, the same government is now telling her that she has to pay for all the costs of running them herself.

Dr. Elaine Ma, along with countless other healthcare professionals in Ontario, were at the forefront, providing vital public health measures that saved lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of immense pressure and personal risk, these professionals have responded time and again to the call to service.

HSARB's decision has resulted in not just a financial burden to her, but also a moral injury towards all physicians in Ontario. Premier Doug Ford and the Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, have an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to Ontario's healthcare workers by ordering OHIP to set aside the HSARB decision and reasons.

The decision to penalize Dr. Ma for her invaluable contributions during a global pandemic sets a demoralizing precedent, and affects the morale of all health professionals who helped in these unprecedented times. It tells physicians across Canada that Ontario is no longer safe place for physicians to practice medicine.

We must support our healthcare workers, not penalize them. We the undersigned urge and plead with Premiere Doug Ford and Health Minister, Sylvia Jones to step forth and demonstrate leadership by setting aside the HSARB's decision regarding Dr. Elaine Ma and to cease to demand repayment of earned billings.

We stand with, and support Ontario’s Physicians.

DISCLAIMER: all donations are directed towards the website change.org and are not for direct support for Dr. Ma or the organizers of this petition.