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CAO monitors existing and proposed federal laws and policy which have a vision and eye care component. CAO uses a Government Relations firm to assist in working with federal MPs and public servants to inform them about the priorities of the profession of Optometry. This page includes information and resources related to Federal Government Relations and Programs.

Key documents related to the regulation of cosmetic contact lenses:

• Cosmetic Contact Lenses

GST Documents

• GST Implications of Cost Sharing by Optometrists (PDF)
• La TPS et le partage des coûts par les optométristes (PDF)
• GST Overview – Prepared by the Ontario Association of Optometrists (PDF)

Hillwatch Inc.: A full service government relations firm

Hillwatch combines traditional advocacy strengths with the latest digital campaigning techniques. Hillwatch Inc. concentrates on developing winning strategies, solving client problems and creating new business opportunities. They are trusted advisors and strong advocates who craft win/win solutions. CAO has worked with Hillwatch since 2000. See their website for additional information and resources related to the federal government.

• Hillwatch

Links to federal and provincial legislation, documents and websites:

• Interim Federal Health Program / Programme fédéral de santé intérimaire
• Health Human Resource StrategyFederal initiative to promote health human resource planning
• Department of Justice Laws Web siteA good source for federal statutes
• Labour MobilityCoordinates the federal role in promoting labour mobility in Canada
• Health Canada warns public about coloured contact lensesNews release issued in collaboration with CAO and other groups
• Health Care Coordination InitiativeHCCI has a mandate to coordinate federal programs for RCMP, Health Canada, Veterans Affairs, DND with third parties
• Health CanadaHome page for HC website
• Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)CIHI is a good source of health reports. Robust search function
• Job Futures WebsiteSite for students considering their career. Includes section on optometry.
• National Children’s AllianceFederal initiative to promote children’s health and wellness
• Office of the Privacy Commissioner of CanadaResponsible for Federal privacy legislation
• Electronic Commerce BranchResponsible for encouraging the development and adoption of e-business in Canada.
• Government Electronic DirectorySite to locate federal government officials
• The National Primary Health Care Awareness Strategy (NPHCAS)Federal initiative to promote primary health care

Contact CAO at info@opto.ca if you have suggested links to add to this page.