The Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario Welcomes Record Investments for Ontario Medical Labs in Budget 2024

Hamilton ON (March 2024): The Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) welcomes the record investments for Ontario medical lab professionals in the 2024 Ontario Budget. These investments will bolster the province’s laboratory workforce and will help to ensure Ontarians can receive timely access to tests and results that impact their care.

The Budget includes a commitment to add an additional 700 education seats for Medical Laboratory Technologists, Medical Lab Technicians, Medical Radiation and Imaging Technologists, and Medical Radiation Extenders. The province is also working with colleges to explore and pilot compressed programs for Pharmacy Technicians and Medical Radiation Technologists so more qualified professionals can enter the workforce sooner.

“This is a historic milestone in the medical laboratory profession in Ontario. This investment of additional seats means more lab professionals preparing to join the workforce, addressing the urgent shortage of Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) in our healthcare system. We thank the government for acknowledging this need and for action being taken.” - Michelle Hoad, CEO MLPAO

These investments build on measures announced in the 2023 Ontario Budget including the expansion of the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant to include Medical Laboratory Technology and Medical Laboratory Science Programs that allow eligible students in programs at Cambrian and St. Clair Colleges to receive financial assistance during their studies. The program provides full, upfront funding for tuition, books and other direct educational costs to students in return for working and caring for people in the region where they studied for a term of service after they graduate.

MLPAO will continue to work with the Government of Ontario and other stakeholders to continue advocating for the profession. We will be participating in Med Lab Week April 14 - 20, 2024 with our campaign #WeTestForThat to put a face to the life-saving work lab professionals do and provide a more personal connection for the general population as we continue to advocate for labs.

About the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO)

The Medical Laboratory Professionals' Association of Ontario (MLPAO) is a non-profit health professional organization founded in 1963 with members across the province, advocating on behalf of Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) and Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians (MLA/Ts). Combined, Ontario medical laboratory professionals process and interpret 280+ million lab tests annually and are the fourth largest healthcare profession after doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mlpao.org/ and https://twitter.com/MLPAOnews

Michelle Hoad, CAE

Chief Executive Officer

Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario

www.mlpao.org

Office: 416-485-6768 or 1-800-461-6768