FOMTRAC is pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Massage Therapy Competency Framework Modernization Project.

Since project launch in February 2026, significant work has been undertaken to better understand the diverse environments, roles, and responsibilities that characterize contemporary massage therapy practice across Canada. This work has included literature review, contextual exploration, engagement with subject matter experts, and collection of information regarding practice settings and professional activities.

Context Analysis Completed

We are pleased to report that the project’s context exploration and preliminary data gathering activities have now been completed.

The project team has identified and examined a broad range of massage therapy practice contexts across Canada, including private practice, multidisciplinary clinics, hospital and hospice settings, community health environments, sports medicine, wellness settings, and mobile practice models. Information gathered through these activities is now being analyzed to identify common themes, practice expectations, and factors that influence professional practice across jurisdictions.

This important phase of the project helps ensure that the future competency framework accurately reflects the realities of contemporary massage therapy practice and the evolving needs of patients, practitioners, employers, educators, and regulators.

Steering Committee Progress Review

The FOMTRAC Steering Committee recently met to review project progress and confirm the next phase of work.

The Steering Committee and project consultant have now confirmed that the project has successfully completed its exploratory research and information-gathering activities and is ready to advance to competency identification and framework development activities.

The Committee expressed its appreciation for the contributions of the Development Committee, whose expertise continues to support a rigorous and evidence-informed development process.

What’s Next?

The project is now entering the Drafting and Development phase, which will continue through Summer 2026.

During this stage, the project team will work with the Development Committee to:

• Analyze and synthesize information gathered during the exploration phase;
• Identify the competencies required for contemporary massage therapy practice;
• Develop the structure and content of the competency framework; and
• Ensure the framework reflects the diversity of practice contexts across Canada.

Our Journey to Strengthen Massage Therapy Competencies

As illustrated in the updated project roadmap, upcoming phases will include review and feedback activities in Fall 2026, followed by broader stakeholder consultation and finalization activities through early 2027.

Thank You

FOMTRAC extends its appreciation to the members of the Steering Committee, Development Committee, participating practitioners, regulators, and stakeholders who continue to contribute their expertise and insights to this important national initiative.

Together, we are building a contemporary competency framework that will support safe, effective, and responsive massage therapy practice across Canada.

For project updates and information, please continue to visit the FOMTRAC website.

Working together to strengthen massage therapy regulation in the public interest