Frequently Asked Questions

  • If the College revokes my professional corporation’s certificate of authorization, how do I get it back?

    If the College revokes a certificate of authorization, the professional corporation must apply for a new one and meet the eligibility requirements in effect at the time, which includes submitting the required information and paying the fees.

  • Should I set up my practice as a professional corporation?

    The decision whether or not to set up your practice as a professional corporation will depend on a number of factors including the nature of your practice, with whom you practice, your personal financial circumstances and the financial circumstances of your practice.  All these factors must be considered in light of the advantages and disadvantages of the professional corporation model.

    In most cases, it is advisable to obtain advice on these matters from professionals skilled in assessing financial circumstances and the legal aspects of corporations.  The College recommends that you discuss your plans for professional incorporation with your accountant and lawyer before proceeding.

  • I am already practising through a corporation that does not comply with the rules for a professional corporation. Do I need to change or convert that business corporation to a professional corporation?

    If the corporation is going to practise naturopathy, it must be converted into a naturopathic professional corporation operating under a certificate of authorization.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of setting up my practice as a professional corporation?

    As noted above, the advantages and disadvantages of setting up your practice as a professional corporation will depend to a large degree on your personal circumstances as well as the circumstances of your practice.

    Generally speaking, the College understands that much of the benefit of the professional corporation relates to the way corporations are taxed.  However, it should be noted that the restricted ownership structure of the professional corporation might negate some of these benefits.  As such the College recommends that you discuss your plans for professional incorporation with your accountant and lawyer before proceeding.

  • What is the difference between a professional corporation and a practice management corporation?

    From the College’s perspective, the main difference is that a practice management corporation cannot practise naturopathy.  As such a certificate of authorization is not required for a practice management corporation.  Your legal and business advisors can provide specific advice relevant to your circumstances.

  • My colleagues and I, some of whom are members of other health professions, have set up a corporation to manage our clinic. Do we have to register our corporation with the College and obtain a certificate of authorization?

    As noted previously, there are differences between professional corporations and those that manage practices.  A corporation that manages a practice is not permitted to practise a regulated health profession and hence is not required to register with this College or the Colleges of their shareholders.

  • How long is the process for setting up and registering a professional corporation?

    The College cannot provide information on how long it takes to obtain Articles of Incorporation from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.  Registrants are advised to contact the Ministry directly at www.ontario.ca/ministry-government-and-consumer-services for information on how to set up a professional corporation and the timing of this process.

    Once a registrant submits an application to the College for a Certificate of Authorization for a professional corporation, the College will endeavour to process the application within 30 days.  Naturally, the College can only meet this goal if the application is submitted with all the required supporting documents and fees.

  • What is an acceptable name for my professional corporation?

    There are a number of restrictions on the names of professional corporations.  Briefly, the names of professional corporations must:

    • Include the words “Professional Corporation” or “société professionnelle”.
    • Include the surname of one or more shareholders of the corporation as the surname is set out in the College register.
    • Indicate the health profession practiced by the shareholders as authorized in the Naturopathy Act, 2007 (i.e., “naturopathy” or “naturopathic”); [TIP: “naturopathy” is the term authorized in the Act and “naturopathic” would be an acceptable derivation however, “naturopathic medicine” would not reflect the terminology in the Naturopathy Act and would therefore not be acceptable.].

    and must not:

    • Include any information other than that permitted under the Business Corporation Act or the regulations.
    • Include any professional titles or designations (e.g., “Dr.”, “Doctor”, “Naturopathic Doctor” or “ND”).
    • Violate the provision of any other Act.
    • Have a number name.

    Despite these restrictions, the corporation name may also include the shareholders’ given name, one or more of the shareholder’s initials or a combination of his or her given name and initials.

    For detailed information, please refer to section 3.2 of the Business Corporation Act and Ontario Regulation 39/02 under the Regulated Health Professions Act, both of which are included in the College information package on professional corporations.  It is also wise to consult with the College before setting up your corporation to ensure that the name is appropriate and thus avoid the need to change this name after applying to the College.

  • Do I have to change the name of my practice so that it is the same as the name of my professional corporation?

    Not necessarily. The rules for the names of professional corporations mean that your current practice name will probably not qualify as an appropriate name for your professional corporation.  Since it may be confusing for your patients if you change your practice name to match the name of your professional corporation, the rules permit professional corporations to practice under different names.  However, any material that includes your practice name (e.g., letterhead, invoices, receipts) should also have the corporation name on it if the two are different.  Owners of professional corporations are required to inform the College of every practice name under which the professional corporation practices. Naturally, there is nothing to prevent you from using the name of your professional corporation as the name of your practice.

  • What kinds of activities can a professional corporation undertake?

    As noted above, the Business Corporations Act provides that the only business that professional corporations are permitted to undertake is the practice of the profession and activities that are related to or ancillary to the practice of the profession.  This includes the temporary investment of surplus funds earned by the corporation. The practice of another profession (e.g., massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic) is not “related to or ancillary” to the practice of naturopathy and cannot be practised by or through a professional corporation. Practitioners of these professions need to obtain their own professional corporation with a certificate of authorization from another College.

  • Who is permitted to be a shareholder, officer or director of a professional corporation?

    Section 3.2 of the Business Corporations Act requires that all shares of a professional corporation be owned by one or more members of the same profession.  The same section also requires that all officers or directors of a professional corporation be shareholders of the professional corporation.  Since shareholders must be members of the same profession, and officers and directors must be shareholders, only members of the same profession can be officers or directors.[1]

    [1] See Frequently Asked Questions section for information on holding companies.

  • Can my spouse be a shareholder, officer or director of my professional corporation if she/he is not a naturopathic doctor?

    No – shareholders in a professional corporation must be members of the same profession.  In addition all officers and directors must be shareholders so this means that only members of the same profession can be officers or directors.

  • Can a holding company be a shareholder of a naturopathic professional corporation?

    Yes – holding companies are permitted to hold shares of a naturopathic professional corporation so long as all of the shareholders of the holding company’s shares are registered naturopathic doctors with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

  • As a registered naturopathic doctor and part owner of a professional corporation, what is my personal responsibility for the inappropriate activities of the professional corporation?

    Section 3.4 of the Business Corporations Act makes it clear that the shareholders of professional corporations remain responsible for the activities of the professional corporation.  This means that the activities of the corporation reflect directly upon the shareholders’ responsibility to uphold professional standards.  In addition, shareholders of professional corporations retain their liability for professional liability claims made against the corporation in respect of errors and omissions that were made or occurred while the person was a shareholder of the corporations.

    To make it clear that the professional corporation cannot be used as a means of avoiding professional responsibilities, section 3.4 also contains a clause that deems the act of a professional corporation to be the acts of the shareholders, employees or agents of the corporation, as the case may be.

  • Can the College revoke my professional corporation’s certificate of authorization?

    Yes – The College can revoke a professional corporation’s certificate of authorization in a number of circumstances.  These include:

    • The corporation ceases to be eligible to hold a certificate of authorization.
    • The corporation ceases to practise the profession in respect of which the certificate of authorization was issued.
    • The corporation fails to comply with one or more of the requirements for a renewal of the certificate of authorization.
    • The corporation carries on any business that is not the practice of the profession governed by the College or activities related to or ancillary to the practice of that profession.
    • The corporation fails to notify the Registrar of a change in shareholders.
  • If the College revokes my professional corporation’s certificate of authorization, how do I get it back?

    If the College revokes a certificate of authorization, the professional corporation must apply for a new one and meet the eligibility requirements in effect at the time, which includes submitting the required information and paying the fees.

  • How often am I supposed to provide the College with updates on changing information about my professional corporation?

    The College has a by-law that governs the kind of information that a professional corporation must provide to the College and when it must be provided.

    The by-laws state that every member of the College shall, for every professional corporation of which the Member is a shareholder, provide in writing the following information on the application and annual renewal forms for a certificate of authorization, upon the written request of the Registrar, within 30 days and upon any change in the information within 30 days of the change:

    1. The name of the professional corporation as registered with the Ministry of Government Services.
    2. Any business names used by the professional corporation.
    3. The name, as set out in the register, and registration number of each shareholder of the professional corporation.
    4. The name, as set out in the register, of each officer and director of the professional corporation, and the title or office held by each officer and director.
    5. The principal practice address, telephone number, facsimile number and email address of the professional corporation.
    6. The address and telephone number of all other locations, other than residences of clients, at which the professional services offered by the professional corporation are provided.
    7. A brief description of the professional activities carried out by the professional corporation.

     It is important to note that professional corporations are required to provide the College with updates to this information within 30 days of any change.

  • Why do I have to obtain Articles of Incorporation from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and then register the corporation with the College as well?

    While this model may seem to be unnecessarily complex, the Business Corporations Act requires professional corporations to obtain their Articles of Incorporation from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and their certificate of authorization from the organization that regulates their profession.

    The College understands that this process is intended to ensure that the shareholders, officers and directors of professional corporations understand their professional responsibility respecting the activities of their corporations.  In addition, the responsibilities that have been delegated to regulatory agencies are justified on the basis that regulatory agencies must retain authority over their members and the ability to grant, and to revoke certificates of authorization is a means of maintaining this kind of authority.

  • Why has the College chosen to regulate professional corporations?

    The College and other regulatory bodies did not choose to regulate professional corporations.  Rather, the government chose to delegate this role to regulatory bodies as an additional duty, above and beyond their duties to regulate individual members.

  • Why is the College charging professional corporations to register and obtain certificates of authorization? Since the owners and shareholders of professional corporations have to be College members anyways, doesn’t it mean we are paying twice?

    In most respects, corporations, including professional corporations, are entities that are treated in the law much like individuals.  This means that although they may be owned by members of the College, the professional corporation is distinct from its owners and must be treated as such.

    Furthermore, the requirement for the College to record and monitor substantial amounts of information about professional corporations that is different from the kind of information kept on individual members requires the College to establish separate processes for record keeping, administration, and management of professional corporations.  As such, a separate fee for professional corporations was established.

  • What is the College doing to help keep people safe during in-person exam sessions?

    The College has put in place additional measures and protocols to help mitigate the risk of transmission. These include but are not limited to reduced registration caps, exam day screening (both prior to and on exam day), the mandating of masks and additional PPE, regular disinfecting of clinic and classroom areas, removing practical assessments which would require candidates to unmask (e.g., certain cranial nerve tests) as well as imposing physical distanced seating plans for written exams and staggered rotation schedules.

  • Will I be refunded if the exam is postponed or cancelled?

    In the case of an examination cancellation, candidates will be provided with a reimbursement form for the exam fee. In the case of an exam postponement, candidates will be provided with the option of being automatically enrolled for the postponed exam or being refunded the exam fee. Costs incurred by the candidate in travelling in for an exam (e.g., flights or accommodations) remain the responsibility of the candidate.

  • How will I know that an exam has been postponed or cancelled?

    The College posts exam updates in the news section and the home page of the College website to alert candidates when postponements and cancellations are imminent or have occurred. If an exam is postponed or cancelled, information will be posted to the home page, the exam schedule page, and the exam info page for that examination. All candidates registered for that exam session will also be contacted directly by e-mail.

  • How far in advance of the exam are decisions made regarding exam postponements or cancellations?

    Decisions on whether to postpone or cancel an exam are made as soon as possible, but no later than one week prior to the scheduled exam.

  • When does an exam postponement or cancellation occur?

    Examinations will be postponed or cancelled if provincial restrictions a) result in a full or partial lockdown or stay at home order for the GTA where examinations are run, or b) limit indoor gatherings to 25 individuals or less. An exam may also be postponed or cancelled if it’s determined that the associated risk to exam candidates and exam staff outweighs the potential negative impact in not running the exam.

  • Why aren’t all entry-to-practise (ETP) examinations offered online during the pandemic?

    Wherever possible, the College has moved the administration of its ETP examinations to a secure online delivery and proctoring platform, just like with the Ontario Clinical Sciences and Ontario Biomedical multiple-choice examinations. There are however certain exams, such as the Ontario Clinical (Practical) examinations, which cannot be administered via virtual means as doing so doesn’t offer the means to effectively assess a candidate’s hands-on practical competencies and skill. For these in-person examinations, the College has set contingency back-up exam dates to ensure candidates still have a fair and equal opportunity to sit ETP examinations if postponements occur.

  • What is the Payment Plan Program?

    To assist in lessening the burden of annual registration renewal fees on the profession during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the College has provided a means for Registrants to pay their 2021-22 registration renewal fees in a series of 10 equal payment installments rather than in one lump sum.

  • Who is eligible to participate?

    Anyone registered with the College at the time of renewal (General or Inactive class).

  • How many payments will I be required to make?

    Ten equal payments are required.

  • When are payments deducted?

    On the 1st of each month or the 1st business day of each month (if the first falls on a holiday or weekend) starting April 1, 2021, with the last deduction being withdrawn on January 2, 2022.

  • How much will I be required to pay each month?

    Registrants in the General class will pay $181.80 each month for 10 months.

    Registrants in the Inactive class will pay $91.20 each month for 10 months.

  • How do I enrol in the Program?

    You will have the option of enroling in the Program while completing your online information return form. Once in the Declaration section of the form:

    • Review the noted “Payment Plan Program” information.
    • Click “Yes” if you wish to enrol in the Program.
    • Review the “Terms and Conditions” of participation in the Program.
    • Provide your banking details as indicated on the form.
    • Click on the “I agree to the terms and conditions” button.

     

    Complete the remaining Declaration sections of the online information return form and submit the form.

    Please have your banking information available before you begin.

    NOTE: if you select NO to enroling in the Program and have submitted your form, you cannot go back and enrol in the Program.

  • What is the deadline for enrolment in the Program?

    5:00 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2021

  • What happens if I default on a payment?

    Defaulting on payment will result in the immediate termination of your enrolment in the Program. A $35 plus HST non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee and a $285 plus HST ($322.05) late renewal fee will be applied to your account on top of any outstanding balance. All unpaid fees will be due and payable within 30 days of the date of termination.

    If no action to remedy the default is taken within 30 days, your certificate of registration will be suspended for non-payment of fees.

    If a payment is not honoured by your financial institution, and the fault rests with your financial institution, it is your responsibility to provide evidence and demonstrate the bank error.

  • Can I still participate in the Program if I accidentally paid my full registration fee?

    Enrolment in the Program cannot be offered once the registration fee has been paid.

  • How do I terminate my enrolment in the Program?

    To cancel your enrolment in the Program, you must notify the Registration Department by e-mail at registration@collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca at least 15 days before the next payment withdrawal date. All outstanding fees will be due and payable within 30 days of the date of the cancellation notice.

  • What happens if I change my class of registration while enroled in the Program?

    Changing your class of registration part way through the year will result in immediate termination of your enrolment in the Program.

    You will not be permitted to restart the payment plan for payment of any fees owing as part of the class change.

    The College will not refund any portion of the annual registration fee already paid.

  • What happens if I decide to resign part-way through the registration year?

    Resigning part way through the year will result in immediate termination of your enrolment in the Program and payment of the remaining balance will be due before the resignation is granted. The College will not refund any portion of the annual registration fee already paid.

  • When will I be able to access my tax receipt for my 2021 renewal fees?

    A tax receipt will be issued and available upon your completion of the Program (i.e., having made full payment of your 2021 registration fees) in January 2022.

  • Am I able to pay off the remaining balance before January 2022?

    Yes. As payments through the Program are made, an updated ‘outstanding invoice balance’ will be available via your user portal. This may be paid off at any time using a credit card (VISA or Mastercard). Payment of this outstanding balance will immediately terminate your enrolment in the Payment Plan program and cancel any pending withdrawals from your banking institution.

  • What are the terms and conditions for enrolment in the Program?

    The following Terms and Conditions apply to the Payment Plan:

    1. I understand the deadline for enrolment is 5:00 p.m. EDT March 31, 2021 and that enrolment after this deadline cannot be accepted.
    2. I understand that the Payment Plan Program will allow me to pay my Registration fees in 10 equal payments through pre-authorised debit (PAD) from my bank account, in the amounts of $181.80 (including HST) for General Class Registrants and $91.20 (including HST) for Inactive Registrants.
    3. I understand that I can cancel my enrolment at any time by notifying the College in writing, or by logging in to the Registrant Portal and paying all outstanding fees, a minimum of 15 days before the next month’s withdrawal date. Failure to do so will result in the processing of the next month’s PAD.
    4. I agree and understand that a default of a single payment will result in:
      1. The immediate termination of my enrolment in the Payment Plan Program.
      2. The application of a $322.05 (including HST) late renewal fee to my account with the College.
      3. Possible charges of $39.55 (including HST) for non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee to my account with the College.
    5. I agree and understand that, in the event of termination (whether due to my own cancelation or termination by the College for default of payment), all unpaid fees will be due and payable within 30 days of the date of cancelation or
    6. I further agree and understand that, if the outstanding fees are not received within 30 days of the date of termination or cancelation, my certificate of registration will be suspended for non-payment of
    7. I also understand that if my registration is suspended, a reinstatement fee will be payable to the College before I may begin to practise once again.
    8. I understand and agree that participation in the College of Naturopaths of Ontario Payment Plan Program is entirely optional and that by entering into the Payment Plan Program, I have explicitly agreed to the Terms and Conditions set out herein.
  • When is the registration renewal period?

    Registration renewal opens 9:00 a.m. EST on February 18 and closes 5:00 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2021. Your completed Information Return form and registration fee or payment plan enrolment must be received by 5:00 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2021.

  • Why do I have to renew my registration?
    • It is a legal requirement to be registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (the College) in order to practise naturopathy in Ontario. It is illegal if you do not renew your registration for 2021 and continue to practise. The College will initiate legal action as required in these cases.
  • I forgot my username/password. What do I do now?
    • Your username is the e-mail address you used to set up your College account. Make sure you created your new login to access your College user portal as per the “CONO Registrants & Client Portal” e-mail that was sent to all Registrants on December 16, 2020, following the College’s launch of the new Alinity system. If you cannot find these instructions, please ensure you have checked your e-mail’s junk/spam folders prior to contacting the Registration Department at registration@collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca for assistance.
    • If you do not remember your password, click the “forgot my password” link on your College account login page. You will receive an e-mail with a link to reset your password; this will be sent to the contact e-mail address the College has on file for you.
  • Why can I only renew online?

    For ease of receipt, review, and use of data, information must be submitted electronically. Receiving the information electronically ensures that the College does not have to manually input data to our database which saves time and money for the College. These savings allow us to keep fees at the lowest level possible.

  • How can I renew online if I don’t have a computer or internet access?

    If you are unable to complete the form online, please review the Accommodation Request section of the Information Return Guide – General Class or Information Return Guide – Inactive Class.

     

  • I did not receive a renewal notice. Do I still have to renew my registration?

    Registrants who do not receive the renewal e-mail notice are still responsible for submitting their Information Return and paying their fees on time as well as any late fees incurred due to their annual registration fee being paid after the deadline. It is each Registrant’s responsibility to ensure they have paid their annual registration fee and submitted the Information Return by the deadline date.

  • Do I need to submit a new photo for the public register as part of my renewal?

    No, submission of a new photo is not required as part of the renewal process; Registrants are notified individually when a new photo is required.

  • Can someone else (spouse, office manager, etc.) renew on my behalf?

    You must complete the renewal form yourself. You are making legal declarations which someone else cannot do on your behalf.

  • Will I receive a new certificate of registration?

    Once you have paid your registration fee and successfully completed the Information Return for the 2021 registration year, you will be able to download your new certificate of registration by selecting “Certificate” found under “Current Certificate” on your Registrant account and under the “Download Registration” tab, displayed on the left-hand side.

  • How can I get an income tax receipt?

    Once your full payment has been received, a receipt will be available for download on your Registrant account by clicking on “include paid” under “My Invoices” and select the receipt icon. Please allow 24 hours for the receipt to be generated. You will also have access to your receipts from previous payments made to the College, categorised by year. If participating in the Payment Plan Program, this tax receipt will not be available until the balance owing on your registration fee for 2021 is $0.

  • I will be on maternity/parental leave for a year. How should I renew?
    • If you are on leave and not practising the profession, you can either remain registered in the General class of registration or change to the Inactive class.
    • If you decide to change class during the renewal period, you have until 5:00 p.m. EDT on March 17, 2021 (General and Inactive).
  • I am moving to another province or jurisdiction. Should I renew my registration?
    • If you do not renew your registration and allow it to lapse, your certificate of registration will be suspended and will be subsequently revoked after two years. This revocation of your certificate will be noted on the College’s public register.
    • If you are moving to another province or jurisdiction, you may wish to consider one of the following options:
      • renewing in your current class of registration;
      • changing your class of registration to the Inactive class, before 5:00 p.m. EDT March 17, 2021; or
      • resigning your registration before the March 31, 2021 renewal deadline.
    • When deciding, consider whether you are planning to return to Ontario and if so, when. You need to also remember that if you resign and later wish to reapply for registration, you will be considered a new applicant and must meet the entry-to-practise requirements in effect at the time of your reapplication, including examinations and any related fees that will be required. If you plan to practise outside Ontario for a short period of time, changing your class of registration to the Inactive class may be a more suitable alternative.
  • What resources are available to help me better understand the renewal process?

    In addition to the Registration Renewal FAQs, Information Return Guides (both for General class and Inactive class) are available on the College website. These Guides explain each section of the information return, including what data is being collected. Registrants are advised to refer to the Guide while filling out the online Information Return form.

  • What is the deadline for completing my renewal?
    • The deadline for completing the Information Return form and submitting payment or enrolling in the Payment Plan Program is 5:00 p.m. EDT March 31, 2021. A late fee of $285 + HST will apply if neither payment nor payment plan enrolment is made by the deadline.
    • The information return and payment portions of renewal are now integrated under the new Alinity system. Registrants will be required to complete their information return and pay their renewal fee or enroll in the Payment Plan Program as part of the same process in order to be renewed (see C4 of these FAQs).
    • In some instances, data will need to be checked by staff prior to the Registrant being permitted to pay their fee. Depending on the volume, this may take staff up to five business days. We therefore strongly recommend not to leave completing your registration renewal until the last minute to avoid frustration and the potential of incurring the late fee.
  • What happens if I miss the deadline for paying my registration fees?
    • A Registrant who does not pay the fees by the deadline (5:00 p.m. EDT on March 31), will incur a late fee of $285 + HST ($322.05) and will receive a Notice of Intent to Suspend. The Registrant will be given 30 days to pay the required fees.
    • Payment plan enrolment will not be available after 5:00 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2021.
    • If no payment is received within those 30 days, the Registrant will be suspended and will no longer be authorised to practise the profession. A formal notice will be sent to the Registrant confirming the suspension and an additional registration reinstatement fee of $247 + HST ($279.11) will be applied.
  • What happens if I miss the deadline for submitting my Information Return?
    • A Registrant who does not successfully complete and submit the Information Return by the deadline (5:00 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2021), will not be able to complete the renewal payment and will incur an administrative fee, in addition to receiving Notice of Intent to Suspend. The Registrant will be given 30 days to submit the Information Return and pay the required fee.
    • If both the fee and the Information Return are not received within those 30 days, the Registrant will be suspended and will no longer be authorised to practise the profession. A formal notice will be sent to the Registrant confirming the suspension and an additional registration reinstatement fee of $247 + HST ($279.11) will be applied.
  • What is my registration fee for 2021?
    • The fee for renewing your registration with the College is $1,609 + HST ($1818) for the General class of registration and $807 + HST ($912) for the Inactive class.


    NOTE: at its January 27, 2021 Council meeting, the decision was made to waive the automatic indexing of Registration fees against the Consumer Price Index for this year only.

  • How can I pay my registration fee?
    • The registration fee may be paid by credit card (Visa and MasterCard only, excluding American Express and credit-debit cards, such as Visa Debit), or by cheque, money order or bank draft payable to the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
      If you choose to pay online, please note that after successfully completing the Information Return form, you will be directed to a screen to pay the fee. You can also pay the fee found under “My Invoices” on your Registrant account dashboard.
    • If you wish to pay by cheque, money order or bank draft, please ensure that your payment is received by the College before 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 to avoid the late fee. For efficient processing, include your registration number on the cheque or money order.
    • If you choose to enrol in the Payment Plan Program (“the Program”), you must do so while completing your Information Return form. While in the form, you will be required to select “yes” to Program enrolment, agree to the terms and conditions provided for participation in the Program, and provide your banking information (prior to completing the Declarations section of the Information Return form). If you select NO, once your form is submitted you cannot change this selection. Additional information is available on the Payment Plan Program page of the College website, and on the Payment Plan Program FAQ
    • An additional fee of $35 + HST will be issued to any Registrant whose payment is returned due to nonsufficient funds (NSF) this includes payments made through the Payment Plan Program.
  • Are post-dated cheques accepted?

    No; all cheques must have a current date and may not be post-dated.

  • I’m out of the country right now; can I pay my fee when I return?

    A secure online credit card payment can be made from anywhere in the world. As such, extensions for the payment of fees are not available.

  • Am I eligible for a refund if I resign my registration during the 2021 registration year or if I change my class of registration after renewal?

    No, the College will not refund any portion of the annual registration fee when Registrants resign or change class part way through the year, and you will be required to pay any remaining balance due before the resignation is granted.

  • How do I access the Information Return form?
    • Please follow the steps below:
      • Go to the College website: https://www.collegeofnaturopaths.on.ca.
      • Click the blue Login button on the top right corner of the home page.
      • Sign into your online account by entering your username and previously created password.
        • Your username is your current e-mail address on file with the College.
        • If you do not remember your password, click on Forgot my Password to have a reset link sent to your e-mail address previously provided to the College.
        • Once you are logged in, click on the Renew button on your account dashboard under “Complete My Renewal For 2021”.
  • I started to fill out my Information Return form and had to stop part way through. What do I do now?

    Log back into your account and access the form. The information you entered to that point will be saved. Your information is retained this way until you submit your Information Return form.

  • What happens if I make a mistake when completing the information return?

    It is imperative that information you have provided to the College is complete and accurate. Submitting incorrect or inconsistent information will prevent the College from being able to report on the data received. We encourage you to take your time when completing the form and to read the questions carefully; once you have successfully submitted your form, you will not be able to go back and make edits.

    If your Information Return is found to contain errors, you will be issued a Notice of Correction and directed to update your information. An administrative fee of $50.00 + HST ($56.50) will also be applied. This fee is applied when errors are found, regardless of when in the renewal period you submitted your information return. If an error is found, you will receive notice from the College which will include directives on how to correct it.

  • How can I confirm that my Information Return form was received?

    You will receive an e-mail confirming that the College has received your submission. This acknowledgment e-mail is automatically sent to the contact e-mail address on your College profile within 24 hours of submission.

  • Why do I need to submit information again this year? Why are there so many questions?
    • The Ministry of Health mandates all Colleges to collect data that can be used for health human resources planning. The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) also requires that the College collect information from Registrants about any offences they have committed and any findings of professional misconduct.
    • The annual Information Return requires Registrants to provide specific annual data, as well as any updates and changes to the information they had provided previously to the College. Where possible, previously provided data will display as pre-populated fields. All Registrants are required to review all of their information (both previously provided and newly input) for accuracy and completeness.
  • What is being done with this data to help my patients or the profession?

    The information that you provide aids the Ministry in developing policies and programs to address the supply, distribution, education, recruitment, and retention of NDs in Ontario and will help ensure Ontarians have access to naturopathic services when and where they need them. By completing the form accurately and thoroughly, you contribute to effective government decision-making.

  • Is my personal information kept confidential when data is submitted to the Ministry?

    Yes, information submitted to the Ministry is encrypted to ensure anonymity. Protecting the privacy of our Registrants is of the utmost concern.

  • Can I change my class of registration during the renewal period?
    • Registrants who want to renew in a different class of registration (General or Inactive) for 2021 have until 5 p.m. EDT on March 17, 2021 to submit their class change application and fee so it can be approved, and the class change made, before the 5:00 p.m. EDT March 31, 2021 renewal deadline.
    • Class change applications received after March 17, 2021 will not be processed until April 1, 2021. Registrants who have not met the March 17 deadline for class changes will be expected to renew their registration in their current class of registration.
    • Not renewing on time will result in the application of a late fee and the possible suspension of your certificate of registration.
    • Class changes are handled independently of the renewal process. Should you wish to change your class of registration prior to renewing, access the Class Change application directly and submit the request by 5:00 p.m. on March 17, 2021.
    • In order for you to renew in your new class, you will have to wait for the College to notify you that your class change request has been completed.
  • What do I need to do/provide to become reinstated?
    • Requirements for reinstatement are outlined in one’s individual Notice of Suspension, and the Registration Regulation. In addition to resolving the issue which resulted in a suspension, Registrants must also:
      • pay the reinstatement fee (and all/any other fees owed to the College),
      • be in compliance with any/all orders of any Committee and any terms, conditions or limitations ordered by the QA Committee,
      • provide proof of insurance and premiums paid,
      • provide proof of current and valid CPR certification, and
      • submit a Public Register Photo Submission form (the College will advise you should this be required).
  • What do you consider “proof of payment” for insurance?

    When paying for your insurance premiums, your insurance broker will have issued you a receipt, order confirmation or statement of your account indicating a zero balance. All of these are acceptable as proof of payment (please do not send online banking information).

  • Why do I have to pay a reinstatement fee on top of the late fee?

    In accordance with the College by-laws, Registrants who are suspended and wish to regain their good standing with the College must pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the registration fee and late fee. This is a processing fee, similar to those charged by many other organizations for the staff time and costs required to complete the transaction.

  • Why do I have to renew my registration?

    It is a legal requirement to be registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (the College) in order to practise naturopathy in Ontario. It is illegal if you do not renew your registration for 2021 and continue to practise. The College will initiate legal action as required in these cases.

  • Can the College require its staff and examiners to isolate for 14-days ahead of an exam to ensure they do not get exposed and the examination can be delivered?

    The College has no authority to require any individual to either self-isolate or quarantine. The College does expect that its staff and other examination personnel will exercise good judgment in their personal lives and take all reasonable steps to protect themselves from exposure. We have seen that everyone does just that. However, as experience has also shown us, even someone remaining within one’s own “bubble” can be exposed by others within that bubble who are required to leave home or go to work.