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Jordan’s Principle: Advocates Sound Alarm Over Future Funding and Why It Matters for Our Professions

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Recent reporting by CBC highlights growing concerns about the future of Jordan’s Principle, a vital program ensuring First Nations children receive timely access to health, education, and social services-including speech-language pathology and audiology care. While Ottawa has committed $1.033 billion to maintain the program, no new funding has been announced, raising fears about sustainability and service delays.

This issue underscores the importance of SAC, specifically:

  • Access to Care in Indigenous and Remote Communities: SAC calls for streamlined Jordan’s Principle reimbursement processes, increased federal investment in Indigenous-led speech and hearing health initiatives, and expanded telehealth/mobile clinics.
  • Health Human Resources: Sustainable funding models are essential to recruit and retain professionals who deliver these services, particularly in more rural and remote communities.
  • Early Detection and Intervention: Delays in care can have lifelong impacts on children’s development-reinforcing our push for national Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) guidelines and integration of S-LPs and audiologists in early childhood programs.

Stay informed by following SAC’s advocacy updates on this important work. The results of the Jordan’s Principle survey that was issued to members in September 2025 will be shared soon and will help in these advocacy efforts.

 

 

Alberta Bill 2: Back to School Act

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Alberta’s Bill 2 (Back to School Act) was passed in the legislature on October 27th, 2025, to end the teachers’ strike by imposing a collective agreement and legislating teachers back to work. The use of the rarely utilized notwithstanding clause, which permits the government to suspend certain rights guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has resulted in a sudden end to the 2025 Alberta teacher’s strike.

For speech‑language pathologists and audiologists in schools, this will likely mean sudden schedule changes, assessment and therapy backlogs, and extra administrative coordination as schools reintegrate staff and students; privately contracted clinicians who work with schools may face referral delays and altered communication routes as the backlogs are worked through.

SAC will continue to monitor the situation and provide our members with relevant updates.

Federal Budget 2025: Key Updates for S-LPs, Audiologists, and CHAs

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The 2025 Federal Budget marks a return to fiscal restraint, emphasizing infrastructure, capital investment, workforce stabilization and new criteria for the use of health transfers. Several of the items included in the Budget create important advocacy opportunities for speech-language pathologists (S-LPs), audiologists, and communication health assistants (CHAs).

Canada Health Act Clarification: A Pivotal Policy Shift

A major development for the professions is the newly announced Canada Health Act (CHA) Services Policy, which takes effect April 1, 2026. The policy clarifies that provinces and territories must ensure public insurance coverage for “medically necessary physician-equivalent services” delivered by other regulated health professionals.

This federal interpretation, enforced through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT), provides a powerful advocacy tool for S-LPs, audiologists and CHAs to pursue provincial inclusion of essential communication, hearing, and swallowing services within publicly funded care. SAC will continue to engage with partners to ensure this policy translates into meaningful access improvements for Canadians.

Health Workforce and Credential Recognition

To address ongoing health human resource (HHR) shortages, the Budget introduces a Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Action Fund, providing $97 million over five years starting in 2026–27. This fund aims to streamline the licensing process for internationally trained professionals in healthcare and other in-demand fields.

SAC welcomes this investment but emphasizes that domestic recruitment and retention remain critical. We continue to call on the federal government to:

  • expand the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program to include S-LPs and audiologists;
  • invest in graduate training capacity and student placement supports; and
  • prioritize S-LPs, audiologists, and CHAs in national health workforce planning efforts.

Access to Care and Equity Initiatives

Budget 2025 commits $115.7 million over four years to reduce costs for Canadians applying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), a measure that will directly benefit clients, by providing compensation to professionals who are authorized to certify impairments related to speaking and hearing, such as S-LPs and audiologists.

The Budget also confirms continued funding for Jordan’s Principle through 2025–26, safeguarding access to vital services for First Nations children. SAC continues to advocate for:

  • increased federal investment in Indigenous-led speech and hearing health initiatives; and
  • expanded telehealth and mobile clinic programs to reach remote and underserved communities.

Research and Innovation Ecosystem

Budget 2025 reinforces Canada’s commitment to research and innovation with a $1.7 billion International Talent Attraction Strategy and $5 billion Health Infrastructure Fund, alongside targeted investments in life sciences and commercialization. These initiatives have the potential to advance evidence-based care and health system sustainability.

SAC will continue to monitor the implementation of these measures and advocate for policies that strengthen access to communication and hearing care across Canada.

Speech-Language Pathologists Included in Ontario’s Next Steps to Improve Health-Care Access

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Today, the Ontario government announced consultations on expanding the scope of practice for several regulated health professionals including speech-language pathologists (S-LPs), with the goal of improving access to care and enabling health providers to fully apply their expertise.

For S-LPs, the proposed changes include granting authority to order and perform certain diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. SAC is pleased to note that this recommendation reflects one of the key proposals included in our recent scope of practice submission. As per the Ontario Regulatory Registry, “Authorizing speech-language pathologists to order X-rays for the purposes of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and to order the application of soundwaves for diagnostic ultrasounds for the purposes of assessing and managing speech disorders” is a proposed change to support greater access to diagnostic imaging.

These proposed measures align with the government’s Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, which is focused on strengthening Ontario’s healthcare system by enabling more professionals to provide frontline services. SAC welcomes the province’s commitment to expanding the authority of regulated health professionals, including S-LPs, and looks forward to ongoing progress. We will continue to share updates as they become available.

Read the full news release here.

Learn more about the consultation on proposed changes to scope of practice for several regulated health professions to support greater access to diagnostic imaging.

Maximizing Student Placement Capacity in Advance of the New S-LP Program at the University of Saskatchewan

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This July, SAC-Saskatchewan Regional Advocacy Manager met with Mark Wyatt, Assistant Deputy Minister of Advanced Education, along with representatives from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ministry of Advanced Education (MOAE). The discussion focused on supporting clinicians supervising students on clinical placements in preparation for the new speech-language pathology program at the U of S, set to open in September 2026.

Several approaches to strengthen placement capacity were highlighted during the meeting. The SHA reported that funding has been secured for an S-LP Preceptor Coordinator to manage placement requests across the authority. We emphasized that clinicians already carry heavy caseloads and that management-level support will be critical during the early stages of placements, when supervision demands are highest. Potential incentives to support preceptors discussed included daily clinical rate payments, continuing education, and professional development opportunities.

Representatives from the U of S shared updates on ongoing stakeholder meetings with health, education, and private practice partners. They also noted housing challenges for students in rural and remote areas, with virtual placements being considered as one possible solution.

SAC also raised the need for student housing supports to improve access to placements in underserved regions. ADM Wyatt committed to connecting SAC with the Ministry of Education to explore school-based placement opportunities. Additionally, the Ministries of Health and Advanced Education will explore involving private employers to expand clinical placement capacity beyond the SHA.

What SAC Members Need to Know About Bill C-5

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Bill C-5 presents an opportunity to modernize labour mobility and service delivery for health professionals across Canada. By establishing a statutory framework to reduce federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility, the bill could improve access to services—particularly through virtual care—and ease cross-jurisdictional practice for regulated professionals such as speech-language pathologists and audiologists. However, its success will depend heavily on how provinces, regulators, and Indigenous rights-holders are engaged in its implementation and whether they support or oppose the changes.

Below are some of the key takeaways of the Bill:

  1. A Framework for Future Change

Bill C-5 lays the foundation for reducing internal trade and labour mobility barriers across Canada. While implementation details remain limited, the legislation may signal a shift toward greater support for cross-jurisdictional practice. This could lead to improved mobility for professionals working across provincial and territorial boundaries.

  1. Respect for Provincial Regulatory Authority

The bill does not override provincial jurisdiction over professional regulation. Instead, it aims to harmonize existing regulations by recognizing comparable standards across jurisdictions. This is particularly relevant in professions like speech-language pathology and audiology, where scopes of practice and credentialing requirements can differ significantly by province.

  1. Potential to Expand Telehealth Access

By streamlining recognition of professional credentials, Bill C-5 could reduce administrative hurdles for clinicians providing virtual care across provincial lines. This has the potential to improve access to speech-language pathology and audiology services, especially in underserved or remote areas.

  1. Indigenous Rights and Consultation

The federal government has stated that Indigenous partnership is a key component of this legislation. However, some Indigenous organizations and leaders have raised concerns that the bill may bypass the duty to consult and infringe upon territorial rights -particularly due to fast-tracking provisions tied to projects deemed in the “national interest.” These concerns have led to increased advocacy for more meaningful and transparent engagement with Indigenous communities.

SAC is monitoring the progress of this legislation and its potential implications for the professions.

Bone Conduction Device Funding Launch

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SAC is pleased to share that the Bone Conduction Device (BCD) funding program within Ontario’s Infant Hearing Program (IHP) was officially launched on July 14, 2025. Bone conduction devices are used by infants and children with permanent conductive or mixed hearing loss. The launch of this program marks a major step forward in improving access to hearing technology for children and families across the province.

This BCD funding initiative is being led by the Oversight Agency of the Infant Hearing Program in Ontario, which is comprised of Newborn Screening Ontario and the National Centre for Audiology at Western University. This funding initiative comes after years of collective advocacy and collaboration among dedicated parent advocates, audiologists, physicians, and manufacturing partners.

Key highlights of the program include:

  • Manufacturer partnerships: Funding contracts are now in place with all three major BCD manufacturers Cochlear Canada, Oticon Medical, and Med-El. These contracts will enable direct ordering and centralized invoicing.
  • Policy-driven framework: New July 2025 IHP BCD Funding Policy outlines eligibility criteria, funding coverage, and device inclusions, ensuring transparency and consistency.
  • Access and accountability: The application-based model ensures funding is confirmed before device ordering, reducing financial burden on families and enhancing oversight of public funds.

SAC applauds the continued support from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Ontario Ministry of Health in making this possible. This new funding model ensures that children across Ontario who require bone conduction devices can access the technology they need without delay or financial hardship.

For more information on fitting bone conduction devices for infants and children, view our webcast here.

SAC has joined Research Canada!

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SAC has officially joined Research Canada, a national alliance dedicated to advancing health research and innovation in Canada.

Bonnie Cooke, Director of Audiology and Tiffany Fearon, Ontario Government & Community Relations Manager, met with Research Canada in April to discuss the prospect of a strategic partnership to strengthen the voice of the professions across the country’s broader health research community.

By joining forces with Research Canada, SAC will have the opportunity to advocate more effectively for increased investment in research that supports communication health across the lifespan. This membership will open doors for increased interdisciplinary collaboration, data collection, and the exploration of innovative approaches to early detection, assessment and treatment of communication health disorders.

Learn more about Research Canada.

Improving Access to Communication Aids through ADP

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SAC has recently engaged with our S-LP membership to better understand the challenges faced when navigating Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) for communication aids. S-LPs have raised concerns about the complexity and delays involved in accessing essential communication devices that impact both clinicians and the individuals they serve.

As we gather insights from our members, our goal is to bring these perspectives forward in future discussions with ADP and offer meaningful recommendations to help make the process more accessible and efficient.

We welcome your input. If you have experience with the ADP process for acquiring communication devices, or ideas for improvement, please share your feedback to help inform our ongoing advocacy efforts by emailing advocacy@sac-oac.ca.

SAC-Saskatchewan Follows Up on Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI)

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The 2024 National Report Card from the Canadian Infant Hearing Task Force (CIHTF) revealed that little has changed since its 2019 Report Card. Despite some improvements, Saskatchewan once again received an overall grade of “Insufficient” when it comes to providing infant hearing health services through its Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program.

Following our meeting with the Saskatchewan Deputy Minister of Health, Chad Ryan, in September 2024, we continue to follow up regarding progress on this issue. A dearth of audiology positions in the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) continues to limit the ability to expand this and other provincial audiology programs. Unfortunately, recruitment and retention remain a significant issue with many current positions going unfilled, some for several years.

We will continue to advocate for our professions to be included in provincial recruitment and retention initiatives, and have asked for an additional meeting to discuss additional recruitment and retention ideas.

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