President's Report

John MacDonald

Over the last six years that I have been involved with the CRHSPP governance, it has been a pleasure to see our organization s growth. Each year our membership has increased which has meant that for a long time we have not had to implement a significant dues increase. We hope and expect that this will remain the case. As well, the number of third party payers requesting our annual Directory for reimbursement purposes has increased over time. And recently, the move to new offices in downtown Ottawa gives more space to carry out the Register s work.

Parallel to our growth has come increasing demands upon the organization s resources, both financial and human. Our focus continues to address both national and provincial concerns pertaining to credentialing and clinical practice in health care. These issues are also acquiring an international dimension as the globalization of professional services begins to affect Psychology.

Within our mandate, there exist a host of clinical practice issues. Given the commitment to be cautious on increasing our expenditures, our Executive has identified a critical need to place priorities upon our activities. This priorizing needs to take into account the input from the CRHSPP Council (Board of Directors), the provincial regulatory and societal associations, and from you - the psychologists across Canada, who are listed in the Register.

Over the last 1 « years the Executive have attended the annual general meetings of a number of provincial associations to dialogue on all issues and concerns. In 1997, we attended meetings in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario (as part of their 50th year celebratory anniversary) and Quebec. Feedback has been favorable. We have received both kudos and (euphemistically called) areas in which to improve. From every Association visited, has come the request that such attendances should be continued. In 1998, we plan to attend meetings in other provinces. Look for use and engage in a constructive dialogue about your concerns as a practising psychologist.

Very soon, all listees will be receiving by mail a survey with a request to rank order in importance the activities that CRHSPP should undertake. This will afford the opportunity for input from those who cannot attend their provincial meetings. Please give careful thought to this questionnaire. We hope for a high return rate.

Both these communication approaches afford the opportunity for maximum input from our Board and members. With such feedback, our priorizing proceeds on the basis of what is wanted, rather than planning strategic directions in a vacuum.

As a concluding comment, I am pleased to report my observation that CRHSPP is well positioned to address the issues of psychological practice in our evolving health care system. I am also pleased to report that CRHSPP is in the midst of a national recruitment drive. Thousands of our new brochures have been sent to psychologists throughout the country. A solid response will lead to more colleagues in CRHSPP, as well as help us maintain a sound financial and organizational base. I think our future is very bright.