Read our digital newsletter for practice advisories on AI and on social media; information about our consultation on the Professional Standards for Midwives (including a webinar recording link); a renewal reminder; the College’s new Board and Executive Committee Members; Board highlights; and more!
Practice Advice: AI in Midwifery Care
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding into the health care environment. AI tools like automated decision-making systems, generative AI systems, and ambient listening-based charting tools have the potential to enhance clinical education, reduce clinical errors through predictive models, and automate routine tasks to save time and streamline workflow. On the flip side, AI use presents risks, such as “hallucinations,” bias, information provided without evidence, user over-reliance, and skill erosion, among others. The principles of the Professional Standards for Midwives outline the expectations of midwives in all areas of their work; these principles extend to the use of AI.
Practice Advice: Meeting Professional Standards When Using Social Media
Midwives must take care to ensure their online activity meets their Professional Standards. Before engaging online, midwives should consider whether their conduct demonstrates integrity, professionalism, appropriate boundaries, and protects client privacy. What midwives present to the public on social media reflects information provided by a trusted professional.
Integrity is an essential principle in the Professional Standards for Midwives and a fundamental quality of a midwife. Every midwife has a duty to practise truthfully and honestly, in the best interest of their clients. Failing to do so could be considered professional misconduct.
Registrant Reminder: Time to Renew!
Midwives: it’s time to renew your registration and update your Public Register information! Some midwives will also be required to declare completion of the Professional Development Portfolio and submit their active practice requirements to meet the October 1, 2026 deadline.
The whole process should take about 45 minutes, and we encourage you to get started as soon as possible. If you submit early, our staff can help resolve potential problems.
To successfully maintain your registration in 2026, please review all information outlined on our website to get started.
Professional Standards for Midwives Consultation
The College’s primary obligation to the public is to ensure that members of the profession are qualified, skilled, and competent in the area in which they practise. The Professional Standards for Midwives describe what is expected of all midwives registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario. Standards set the minimum requirements for midwives’ practice and conduct, contributing to best outcomes for clients. The standards are also written for the public so that people who receive midwifery care know what to expect from their midwife.
We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Professional Standards to ensure our standards are clear, equitable, and enforceable; contributing to the delivery of safe and effective midwifery care. The consultation is open until September 21, 2026.
Webinar on the Proposed Changes to the Professional Standards for Midwives
On August 6, we held a webinar for midwives about the proposed changes to the Professional Standards for Midwives. We’ve posted the recording to our website – take a look and share your feedback on our website.
The College of Midwives of Ontario 2026-27 Board and Executive Committee
At the June Board meeting, the College launched its 2026-27 governance year. The Board approved the slate of Board Directors and accepted the acclamations of a new Executive Committee. Alexia Singh, RM, is the new Chair of the Board for the College of Midwives of Ontario and shares some reflections in the post linked below.
Thank you to Claire, Edan, and Samantha
At the June Board meeting, the terms of two Professional Directors, Claire Ramlogan-Salanga, and Edan Thomas; as well as one Public Non-Board Committee Member, Samantha Heiydt, came to a close. The College is deeply grateful for the contributions of Claire, Edan, and Samantha. Registrar and CEO, Kelly Dobbin, shared further words of thanks in her Registrar Report which we’ve posted on our website.
Board Meeting Highlights – June 24, 2026
The College’s Board met on June 24, 2026. At their June meeting, the College’s Board started their new governance year, accepted the results from the College’s external Board effectiveness review, approved the Midwifery Practice Requirement Policy, approved the annual financial statements, annual committee reports, and more. Board materials are available online and we have highlighted a few key items.
Board and Committee Training: Indigenous Approaches to Midwifery, Childbirth, and Reconciliation in Ontario
On June 23, 2026, the College’s Board, committee members, and staff convened to attend a cultural awareness training entitled Indigenous Approaches to Midwifery, Childbirth, and Reconciliation in Ontario. This session connects to work the College is undertaking to develop a Reconciliation Action plan, under Strategic Priority 2: Advance Access, Equity, and Reconciliation.
Third-Party Board Effectiveness Review
At their June meeting, the Board accepted the final report from the Third-Party Board Effectiveness Review. Brian O’Riordan and Maia MacNiven, the consultants from DABOR Consulting and TBG MacNiven who conducted the review, joined the meeting to present the findings and recommendations
Wrapping Up the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan
On March 31, 2026, the College successfully completed its five-year Strategic Plan. We’re proud to share the 2021-2026 Operational Plan Final Report, which highlights the accomplishments and activities undertaken in the 2025-26 fiscal year to complete the plan.
Our last strategic plan focused on developing and maintaining a model of regulation that is agile, responsive, and proactive, as well as fostering trust and demonstrating accountability with the public and the profession. We are proud of the progress that we made on these objectives.
Registrar-CEO Quarterly Report for the June 2026 Board Meeting
In advance of the College’s Board Meetings, the Registrar-CEO prepares her report to help assure the Board that the College operates effectively and achieves its strategic goals, and that the Registrar performs per the expected duties outlined in the Board’s Governance Policies.
College of Midwives of Ontario 2026-2029 Strategic Plan
In case you missed it: The College’s new strategic plan came into effect on April 1, 2026. We’re proud of our new plan, which moves us forward in areas of equity, reconciliation, engagement, collaboration, and in our regulatory duties set out in legislation.
Read more about our strategic priorities for 2026-2029, and the guiding principles that will shape all our work going forward.
Save the Date: Webinar on Intimate Partner Violence
We’re working with several health regulatory colleges on an upcoming webinar on intimate partner violence to be held on Tuesday, September 22 at noon. Please save the date as more information will follow.
We’re collaborating on this webinar for midwives based on a recommendation from the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee. The Committee recently reviewed 15 deaths from intimate partner violence or domestic violence with the aim of reducing the risk of harm to those who experience or who are at risk of domestic violence and intimate partner violence.
Information Sessions: McMaster University’s New Master of Science in Midwifery Program
McMaster University is inviting midwives to attend an upcoming information session on their new Master of Science in Midwifery Program. Information sessions are being held this fall, with applications closing on November 30, 2026.