Advocacy
A Healthier Alberta Starts Here
The Alberta Association of Physiotherapy (AAP) tirelessly champions the advancement and recognition of physiotherapy, fostering a brighter, healthier future for all Albertans.
Driving Change at the Core of Healthcare Decision-Making
We are at a crossroads. Alberta is facing a potential shortage of practitioners, shifting healthcare dynamics, and new health challenges like long COVID. The role of physiotherapists in Alberta’s healthcare, from injury recovery to preventative care, is more vital than ever.
At the AAP, we envision a future with seamless access to physiotherapy for all Albertans, addressing the looming shortage and integrating physiotherapy more deeply into our healthcare system.
This is the future we are fighting for, where every Albertan can access the quality physiotherapy they need and physiotherapists are equipped to provide exceptional care. Together, we can transform this vision into reality.
Amplifying Your Voice. Advancing Our Profession
We’re taking proactive strides to shape the future of physiotherapy. We’re meeting with crucial stakeholders and working with government agencies and Alberta Health Services. We understand that true change comes from collaboration and are steadfast in our mission to forge strong partnerships.
Our team is deeply involved in ongoing discussions and negotiations, presenting evidence-based arguments and data to highlight the critical role of physiotherapy in Alberta’s healthcare landscape. We are pushing for policy reforms and resource allocation to effectively address the impending physiotherapist shortage and bolster the delivery of physiotherapy services.
We believe in the power of collective action. Our advocacy efforts will lead to a robust, resilient, and future-ready physiotherapy sector. Our commitment is unwavering, and with the support of our members, we will continue to shape a brighter future for physiotherapy in Alberta.
2023-2025 Strategic Priorities
Empowering Physiotherapy–Building a Healthier Alberta
Advocacy for ALL Physiotherapists
Member Support and Engagement
Public Awareness and Education
Collaboration with Healthcare Stakeholders
We Stand Firm For ALL Physiotherapists
We acknowledge the rich diversity of our Alberta-based physiotherapists.
Whether in a rural or urban setting, practicing in the private sector or public domain, a budding student or a seasoned professional, we are committed to you. We stand together, championing high-quality physiotherapy standards across Alberta.
News
AAP Advocacy In Action
Leading the Charge
Meet the Team On The Front Line
Our exceptional leadership team, led by CEO Jen Panteluk and a strong board of seven seasoned physiotherapists, possesses diverse experience and knowledge. With Panteluk’s expertise in strategic planning, board governance, relationship-building, and senior leadership, combined with the cumulative decades of clinical and academic practice by the board, we have an unparalleled asset.
This broad range of experiences, from rural to urban practice, from pediatric to geriatric care, and from academic to clinical settings, provides an expansive perspective to address the needs and challenges faced by Alberta’s physiotherapy community.
Every leader is pivotal in shaping our association.
The AAP is in an excellent position to drive the profession forward, promoting physiotherapy’s vital role in Alberta’s healthcare landscape. The team’s shared vision of enhancing the reach of physiotherapy and their individual strengths equips them to navigate the evolving challenges and seize the emerging opportunities in the profession.
As we move forward, AAP leadership is committed to empowering every member, advocating for our profession, and shaping a healthier Alberta.
Advocacy Committee
The AAP board approved the terms of reference for the Association’s Advocacy Committee. This committee will provide advice to the board on the profession’s advocacy priorities, insights, and approaches.
If you would like to participate in the committee, please share more with the board at this link or the button below.
You can also download the terms of reference by clicking this button:
Internationally Educated Physiotherapists
Championing Fairness and Accessibility in Licensing
We’re fully aware of the issues that new graduates and internationally educated physical therapists (IEPTs) have faced in recent years. We understand that these challenges can cause financial and emotional stress, especially due to the uncertainties and delays in getting licensed.
We’re glad the College has proactively offered two opportunities to get licensed, helping address the existing backlog. We also appreciate that current students about to graduate and new IEPTs might be worried about what lies ahead regarding getting fully licensed in 2023 and beyond.
Our goal at the AAP is to stand up for new graduates and IEPTs and ensure the licensing process is fair, accessible, and not overly difficult. We respect the College’s duty to ensure that anyone who gets a license is up to the task, following all the necessary laws and helping maintain the public’s trust in our profession.
To make this happen, we’ll continue to use our voice to speak up for you locally with open, respectful discussions with the College and the University of Alberta and nationally to ensure a fair, sustainable and accessible process for everyone. As part of these efforts, one of our Board members is now part of the CPA’s task force on licensing exams.
Let’s Shape the Future of Physiotherapy. Together.
Your voice and your career matter. Don’t get left behind. Join your association today.
