Proposed changes to By-law No. 60 regarding annual registration fee

Absolutely ridiculous. 6 years ago your organization gained 4000+ new members with Sonographers being required to join. That is an incredible amount of extra $ from registration fees for an already established organization. And now 36 % increase on top of that is criminal Especially for little value we as Sonographers see from you. Not impressed. Where does this money go? I would like to see a full breakdown of finances.

Dear CMRITO Council, I hope this message finds you well. As a dedicated member of CMRITO, I am writing to express the concerns shared by many of my colleagues regarding the recent announcement of the significant $173 fee increase. While we understand that rising costs can necessitate adjustments to fees, many members, including myself, feel that there has not been sufficient explanation or transparency provided to justify this steep increase. After reviewing the financial statements for 2023 and previous years, I noticed that while the reports include high-level revenue and expenditure figures, they lack the necessary breakdowns or explanations for key expense categories. Specifically, there is no clear understanding of: What constitutes the increase in human resources, legal fees, and operational costs over the past few years. The rationale behind ongoing capital and intangible asset investments and how these investments directly benefit the membership or contribute to the College’s operational improvements. Without this context, it is difficult for members to fully understand how their fees are being utilized and whether the fee increase is truly warranted. The Annual Report mentions several important developments, such as the creation of an emergency class of registration and updates to the Quality Assurance (QA) program. However, there is no specific explanation for why these developments would require an additional $2,029,636 in annual revenue. While operational changes are outlined, none seem to necessitate such a significant fee increase. Furthermore, the financial reports do not provide any forward-looking projections or anticipated costs for upcoming projects or regulatory changes. Given the substantial revenue increase, it is important for the College to communicate: Whether there are any significant upcoming projects that justify this increase. If operational costs are expected to grow, and if so, what specific areas are contributing to this growth. While the Annual Report references organizational growth and future planning, it provides no clear financial projections or detailed breakdown of anticipated expenses related to this growth. Members would benefit from understanding the exact nature of these future expenditures and how they justify such a dramatic increase in fees. I understand from the recent fee review report that the College has been experiencing annual deficits, with concerns raised by the auditors regarding the financial sustainability of the organization. However, based on my review of the financial statements and historical expense growth, it appears that the College has maintained a balanced budget in recent years. The proposed fee increase would likely result in a substantial surplus (estimated at nearly $1.88 million) by the year 2028, which is difficult to justify without clear plans for significant new expenditures or a detailed explanation of why this reserve is necessary. Additionally, the recommendation of building reserves to cover 4.5 months of expenses by 2028, while prudent, lacks clarity on why such a large reserve is essential at this time. Given the College's financial position and the historical trend of expenses growing by $300,000 to $400,000 per year, I would recommend a more moderate fee increase of $10 to $15 per member, rather than the current proposal of $173. This would allow the College to meet its future financial needs while remaining fair and reasonable to members who are concerned about the impact of such a large increase. I kindly request that the CMRITO provide more transparency to its members by offering: A breakdown of expenses in each major category, so we can better understand where our fees are being spent. Projections of future expenses and any upcoming projects or regulatory changes that necessitate the proposed fee increase. A clear explanation of how the additional $2,029,636 in revenue per year will be used to benefit

It is too expensive

No thank you. It would be appreciated if some sort of financial statement could be provided to justify the stated increase and where the additional funds will go. Also, it would be better tolerated with numerous annual incremental increases vs the stated single large one.

I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding the recent announcement of a 37% increase in fees for members. This decision is particularly troubling, especially given the lack of tangible benefits or improvements in services provided to us. As a member of CMRITO, I have always valued the mission and vision of our organization. However, this significant increase in fees without any corresponding enhancements in services or member support raises serious questions about the company’s priorities and commitment to its members. Many of us joined with the expectation of receiving value that justifies our investment. Unfortunately, I have yet to see any meaningful improvements or new offerings that warrant this drastic increase. Instead, this fee hike feels like a burden, especially in challenging economic times. I urge you to reconsider this decision and engage with your members to provide clarity on how these funds will be used. It is crucial for members to feel valued and supported, and without that, trust in the organization is diminished. I believe a more pertinent question is why organizational cuts have not been implemented first. The excessive rental agreement for a seldom-used building raises concerns, as do the staffing levels—specifically, whether the current team of 36 members is necessary given the limited activities within the organization. As the regulatory body representing our profession, your efforts to promote and support us during these challenging times have been minimal. We have observed a significant lack of advocacy, particularly regarding pandemic pay, which raises questions about the decision-making process—how is it that kitchen staff received pandemic pay and we did not? Overall, I see little value in CMRITO receiving additional funds from our already underpaid salaries. Until there is a clear justification for your costs and salaries for each individual, along with a detailed breakdown of their responsibilities, I cannot support any fee increases. It is essential to understand why such an increase is necessary and what measures have been taken to avoid raising our fees so dramatically. DO NOT RAISE OUR FEES!! We will lose even more technologist in a field that is already struggling. I for one am two year away from leaving this underappreciated profession and your lack of advocacy does not help.

Absolutely I do not agree with any increasing the registration fee. Already All Canadians are under immense Financial Constraints & Pressure with Rising Living Expenses & Inflation

That’s an outrageous increase. I feel like this college does nothing for me. I’ve been in the career several years now and what do I know about what you’ve done for me? Nothing. Now you want more money? Laughable. You couldn’t even argue for us to get the pandemic pay with the province when we were left out of legislation, yet other careers/profession who were left had had colleges who DID fight successfully. To me you seem useless. Make it make sense. Especially knowing other provinces this type of organization doesn’t even exist. Now you want more? During a time when you know Canadians are hurting for money, approaching a recession, you should truly be ashamed of yourselves.

I think the increase in the annual registration fee is too much. Totally unreasonable and unrealistic. If you really have to make any increase make it a smaller amount.

I understand that your expenses are going up but so is cost of living. I would hope you have cut all unnecessary costs. This large increase is ridiculous. Smaller amounts over a few years, if necessary would be easier.

i do not agree to the proposed changes to the annual fee. I am unsure of what CMRITO needs to spend more on annually when we don't have any benefits from them. What are we spending more money on?

Please don't increase this amount all at once. People are struggling with the cost of living and this dramatic of an increase is crazy. Increase little by little each year where necessary but not all at once. We are already struggling to promote ourselves as a career and this will be a deterrent

I think the amount is too much, there is sudden jumb from 400 to 600 plus amount. Our salaries are not increased with the same ratio as the registration fee. Besides there are other fee we pay like liability insurance. CMRITO doesn't provide any benefits which other organization do for e.g Sonocan provide access to medical journals , video lectures as well as insurance.

Not impressed.. That’s quite a steep increase… I can understand 50$ more but 200$, not for it at all..

37% increase for annual registration is too much, I know almost everything increase but this is to much . We don't even get that enough increase in our salary to compensate everyday expenses. Please adjust the amount if you really care for us. Thank you

The argument that other professions have higher fees is not a valid justification for raising ours. We shouldn’t have our dues increased just because others are paying more. In fact, we already pay more in fees than many other provinces. Why is this increase happening when CMRITO is already in surplus?

ridiculously ripe off, my pay doesn't increase 37% yearly as fast as your registration annual fee

I don’t believe this 37% increase is fair.

I am against this egregious increase of fees. When the cost of living is at an all time high and families are struggling to pay for groceries and for the homes they live in, this added cost is a slap in the face of the loyal members YOU depend on. If you could provide anything at all that would benefit the members of this group - such as providing free education for the hours YOU require us to have or PLI - then perhaps this would be an appropriate increase. Sadly, there has been no mention of anything that would actually benefit the members of this group. We will only receive more of the nothing that you provide at a higher cost. I am so sad that the CMRITO would take advantage of its members in such a way, knowing the only way to avoid this payment is by resigning. Shame on the CMRITO for not being able to come together with its members and find a better model for a steady fee increase.

I disagree with raising our college fee. It is becoming unaffordable for a lot of us who have dependents and have one source of income. If there are not enough members to keep up with inflation for your own salaries, may be its time to rethink how to promote our profession or join forces with other allied health.

I find this to be too much of a jump. I want to make sure all other areas have been considered and other possible cuts have been made. May I suggest difference in services, have office space rents been looked at, etc.... This is way too much of an increase all at once. Should not have waited so long for a gradual increase...very disappointing.