TORONTO – The College of Dietitians of Ontario took an active role at the annual general meeting of the Health Profession Regulators of Ontario (HPRO), an event featuring remarks from Ontario Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones. The meeting, which took place on June 23rd, was an invaluable opportunity for healthcare regulators to share information, collaborate in person, and engage with the Ministry of Health on shared priorities.
CDO Registrar & Executive Director Melanie Woodbeck shared insights on the College’s accomplishments in governance modernization. Reflecting on a seven-year governance journey, Melanie outlined key governance reforms, challenges and outcomes that have strengthened governance at the College.
“We’re grateful for the leadership of our Board members, who have shown great dedication to ongoing learning and a stewardship mindset throughout the course of reform.” explains Melanie.
HPRO comprises 26 regulatory colleges that regulate 29 distinct professions, including the dietetics profession, in Ontario. Registered Dietitians are part of the almost 400,000 healthcare professionals regulated by HPRO colleges.
Melanie continues to serve on the HPRO management committee and was elected for a second term. During the meeting, she delivered the Indigenous land acknowledgment, reflecting on the importance of National Indigenous Peoples Day, which occurs annually on June 21st.
Minister Jones delivers remarks on access, removing barriers
Ontario’s healthcare registrars met with Minister Sylvia Jones, whose remarks at the AGM focused on removing barriers to the healthcare professions to ensure Ontarians have easier access to the connected and convenient care they need and deserve.
The Minister also discussed progress made on registering interprovincial healthcare professionals more efficiently, introducing scope of practice changes that benefit the public, and progress made on expanding primary care.
CDO has been proactive in this regard. The College is amending its registration policies to improve access to the profession following legislative amendments that came into force in May 2025.
The Minister posed for a photo with College registrars at the AGM. Seated, from left to right, are Melanie Woodbeck (CDO), Maureen Boon (CMTO), Minister Sylvia Jones, Daniel Faulkner (RCDSO), and Nicole Zwiers (COCOO).
Pictured standing, from left to right, are Elinor Larney (COTO), Glenn Pettifer (CDHO), John Tzountzouris (CMLTO), Carole Hamp (CRTO), Susan James (OCP), Sylvie Crawford (CNO), Roderick Tom-Ying (CDO), Basil Ziv (CHO), Deborah Adams (CRPO), and Jo-Ann Willson (COO).
