Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

If one of your patients has filed a complaint with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (“CMTO”), you need the expertise of a knowledgeable and skilled professional discipline lawyer by your side. ALF defends massage therapists in proceedings before the CMTO. Being the target of a patient complaint and facing allegations of professional misconduct can be anxiety-inducing, frustrating, and time-consuming. By entrusting ALF with your CMTO case, you will have an experienced and trusted advocate supporting you throughout the complaints and discipline process. We understand the potential impact that patient complaints and professional misconduct allegations can have on your reputation and financial well-being. We recognize that your livelihood can depend on having the complaint dismissed and allegations of misconduct cleared. Our lawyers work tirelessly, creatively, and relentlessly to achieve the best outcome. We also collaborate with a network of expert witnesses to help guide you through the CMTO process.

Investigations and Audits by the College

ALF’s massage therapist defence lawyers bring extensive litigation, licensing, and professional discipline experience to help massage therapists navigate the investigatory stage of a CMTO complaint and assist with CMTO audits. The earlier you retain quality defence counsel, the better the chances to protect your reputation, license, and livelihood. In an audit, we will work closely with you to ensure you are fully prepared. During an investigation, we will ensure that all relevant information demonstrating your competence and integrity is presented to the investigator, providing the College with everything it needs to dismiss any complaints against you.

Hearings at the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”)

The ICRC screens complaints and can refer a massage therapist to the Discipline Committee for a hearing on professional misconduct or incapacity. The ICRC can also issue a caution, order the therapist to complete a Specialized Continuing Remediation and Education Program (“SCERP”), or take other appropriate measures.

It is essential to consult with a lawyer for massage therapists at this stage. Even if the ICRC does not refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee, cautions or SCERPS are publicly recorded on the CMTO’s online register, which can lead to reputational and financial damage. Massage therapists have the opportunity to submit written arguments to the ICRC. ALF’s lawyers have the skill and expertise to craft persuasive and strategic submissions that can help convince the ICRC to dismiss the complaint. Taking early action to seek dismissal can save you time, protect your reputation, and secure your financial future.

Hearings Before the Discipline Committee

Hearings before the Discipline Committee involve witness testimony, cross-examination, presenting evidence, and making submissions. ALF’s team of massage therapist defence lawyers is highly experienced in these areas, with decades of experience working in tribunals and courtrooms across Ontario.

Effective cross-examination of witnesses called by the prosecution is essential to securing a dismissal of professional misconduct charges. Success requires extensive preparation, skillful questioning, and the ability to adapt to the witness's answers as they unfold. ALF’s lawyers bring these crucial skills and attributes to your defence, giving you the best chance for success.

Hearings Before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”)

If the ICRC reaches an unfair or unreasonable decision, you have the right to appeal to HPARB. These appeals involve reviewing the record of the proceedings before the ICRC, drafting legal arguments, and presenting oral arguments before a panel.

ALF’s massage therapist defence lawyers bring their experience and expertise to your case. We will scrutinize the record of your case, identifying errors and developing powerful arguments for your appeal. Our trial and appellate experience provides us with the perspective needed to properly review the record and craft the most compelling arguments.

Written advocacy is critical in appeals, and ALF’s written work is polished and persuasive. With years of experience preparing submissions in Ontario tribunals and courts, including the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada, we are fully prepared to present your case effectively in an appeal.

Judicial Review at the Divisional Court

If HPARB does not set aside a decision made by the ICRC, or if the Discipline Committee’s decision needs to be reviewed, you may seek judicial review at the Divisional Court of Ontario. Judicial reviews involve examining the record of the proceedings, drafting legal arguments, and presenting oral arguments before a panel of Ontario Superior Court judges.

ALF’s massage therapist defence lawyers have extensive experience arguing cases before the Divisional Court. We will pursue every legal avenue to help protect your reputation, your license, and your financial well-being.

Why Choose ALF?

• Proven Results: We have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for regulated professionals.

• Respected Advocacy: Our written and oral advocacy is highly regarded across tribunals and courts.

• Competitive Fees: We provide top-tier representation at reasonable rates.

Contact Us Today

If you are a massage therapist who has been the subject of a complaint, it is crucial to retain an experienced massage therapist defence lawyer immediately. ALF may be able to help you avoid serious consequences, such as reputational and financial damage.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation, whether in person, by phone, or virtually. Trust the ALF team of highly skilled massage therapist defence lawyers with proven experience to guide you through this process.