e-1064 (North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA))

Petition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

• Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) are highly skilled healthcare professionals, who work in all areas of hospitals, the home care environment, and private practice. They are indispensable members of the multidisciplinary teams caring for patients with all manners of illness or injury, from the smallest premature infant to a grandparent facing end of life. When NAFTA was drafted, RRTs were not included in the list of approved medical professions, yet other health care professions with similar training and qualifications (diploma and three years experience), such as Medical Technologist were included. As healthcare has advanced, the role has developed from Respiratory Technician to Registered Respiratory Therapist and become more integral to the process of effective medical diagnoses, treatment, and care. It is our conviction that the countries committed to NAFTA would benefit from the inclusion of RRTs. Labour shortages in both countries are in flux and the movement of skilled workers across the border will allow knowledge and skill sharing that will expand and improve medical training and patient care. As well, many RRT programs have expanded to Bachelor degrees in Canada and the USA, meaning they now meet the educational standards expected of other NAFTA professionals.