<P> In 1991, the Ontario Medical Association agreed to become a province - wide closed shop, making the OMA union a monopoly . Critics argue that this measure has restricted the supply of doctors to guarantee its members' incomes . </P> <P> In September 2008, the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontarian government agreed to a new four - year contract that will see doctors receive a 12.25% pay raise . The new agreement is expected to cost Ontarians an extra $1 billion . Referring to the agreement, Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty said, "One of the things that we've got to do, of course, is ensure that we're competitive...to attract and keep doctors here in Ontario ...". </P> <P> In December 2008, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada reported a critical shortage of obstetricians and gynaecologists . The report stated that 1,370 obstetricians were practicing in Canada and that number is expected to fall by at least one - third within five years . The society is asking the government to increase the number of medical school spots for obstetrics and gynecologists by 30 per cent a year for three years and also recommended rotating placements of doctors into smaller communities to encourage them to take up residence there . </P> <P> Each province regulates its medical profession through a self - governing College of Physicians and Surgeons, which is responsible for licensing physicians, setting practice standards, and investigating and disciplining its members . </P>

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