MPP Gélinas calls for HST to be removed from treatments delivered by Registered Massage Therapists

QUEEN'S PARK — NDP Shadow Minister for Health, France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) announced the tabling of a new bill: Massage Therapy Tax Act, 2025. The Bill would remove the unfair tax treatment levied against services provided by Registered Massage Therapists (RMT). Registered Massage Therapists are regulated health professionals, Ontarians access their services to manage pain, rehabilitate injuries, and improve mental and physical well-being. Currently their patients have to pay 13% HST on any services from a Registered Massage Therapist, unlike other health care professionals.

"Massage therapy is healthcare and should not be taxed”, said MPP Gélinas. “It should be made accessible to all those in need, regardless of their financial situation. Removing the HST from Massage Therapy services is an important small change we can make to move our province in the right direction."

As Ontario faces an affordability crisis, rents, groceries, gas and transit, are pushing the cost of living higher. Reducing the cost of massage therapy treatments by 13% lowers a barrier to access, meaning more people will be able to access this care.

"Massage Therapy services are regulated in five provinces and clearly meet the definition of Health Care Services” said MPP Gélinas. “Unfortunately, neither the federal or provincial government are taking action to expand access to a service that treats or relieves injury and disability while improving quality of life. Ontario can take the lead to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients and encourage earlier intervention for pain and injury provided by Regulated Massage Therapists."

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"Having to pay HST on massage therapy means fewer Ontarians can afford the relief provided by Registered Massage Therapists for musculoskeletal pain. The RMTAO fully supports this important bill, which seeks to take the HST off the services offered by RMTs and align the tax treatment with that of other regulated health practitioners. With this change, we can remove this financial obstacle and ensure Ontarians can access the right care, when and where they need it"

Michael Feraday
Executive Director and CEO
Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario

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