medically necessary pharmaceuticals that are safe, effective, available when and where needed and reasonably priced. The CMA is an active member of the Pan-Canadian Collaborative on Education for Improved Opioid Prescribing, which is chaired by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. The CMA's position is that opioids are important for managing pain, but prescribing them must be based on evidence and include careful assessment and monitoring. The CMA endorsed the collaborative's clinical guideline for opioids, initially published by CMAJ and updated in 2017 by the Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre. The CMA identified potential risks of cannabis use and has addressed them in submissions to House of Commons standing committees. Following the introduction of the Cannabis Act, the association provided guidance to the federal government on a regulatory framework to protect children and youth. Health and technology Advances in technology could bridge the physical divide between doctors and patients, thereby reducing wait times and health care costs. Technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and robotics hold significant promise for patients and physicians, particularly for a country like Canada with its large land base and numerous remote communities. In early 2019, the CMA launched a Virtual Care Task Force alongside the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada to explore the barriers affecting the effective implementation of virtual care in the Canadian health system. Recommendations are expected in early 2020. Physician health and wellness Physician health and wellness has become a key priority of the CMA. In 2018, a national snapshot report released by the CMA showed that while physicians report high resiliency, they also experience high levels of burnout and depression, particularly residents and women. To help respond to this growing issue, the CMA has implemented a physician health and wellness department led by Dr. Caroline Gérin-Lajoie. An environmental scan is underway to further identify key issues and possible solutions. Controversy In 2009, the CMA was criticized for partnering with Pfizer to launch a continuing medical education program. Provincial and territorial medical associations Doctors of BC Alberta Medical Association Saskatchewan Medical Association Doctors Manitoba Ontario Medical Association Quebec Medical Association (French: Association médicale du Québec) New Brunswick Medical Society Doctors Nova Scotia Medical Society of PEI Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association Northwest Territories Medical Association Yukon Medical Association Corporate structure The size of the elected board of directors