Welcome to the SEAMO Transition Hub
SEAMO is undergoing a transition to become a Registered Charity Corporation by May 1, 2026. Behind the scenes, our Transition Team has been working diligently to ensure a smooth and thoughtful process. This hub is your go-to space for updates, resources, and tools to help keep you informed and engaged along the way. We’re also committed to two-way communication — please use the Q&A feature below to submit any questions you may have (anonymously or identified), and we’ll continue shaping our messaging based on what matters most to you.
FAQs
Effective May 1, 2026, SEAMO will transition from a 32-year-old Association to a modern Corporation with a new legal structure and governance model.
A comprehensive review was conducted in 2022 with key interest holders to assess the effectiveness of SEAMO’s structure, oversight, risks, and decision-making processes. In 2023, a formal legal review was completed with Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) LLP. Based on these reviews, it was determined that SEAMO would transition from an informal business association under Queen’s University to an independent Not-for-Profit Charity Corporation.
a) Distinct legal personality (i.e., it can enter into legal agreements in its own name).
b) Limited liability (i.e., separate legal entity extends protections to Members, Board and employees).
c) Administrative simplicity (i.e., perpetual corporate existence and clearer regulatory oversight).
d) Scope and legal purpose clarified: to promote health and advance education by supporting the delivery of health care, research and education.
a) Adding skills-based positions to the board, governance best practice.
b) Eliminating some sub-committees to reduce redundancy.
c) Becoming compliant with Ontario Not-for-profit Corporations Act (ONCA).
d) More efficient, effective and timely decision-making processes.
a) Creation of a dedicated Chief Financial Officer. This role is currently shared with QHS.
b) Creation of a dedicated Chief Medical Officer. The medical lead for SEAMO is currently shared with QHS.
c) Eliminating perceived conflicts of interest.
a) The new SEAMO Board will continue to have a physician majority.
b) All Queen’s support staff that are paid using SEAMO’s Alternative Funding Plan (AFP) monies, will remain Queen’s employees. SEAMO does not anticipate changes to employment status, pension, pay, or benefits.
c) There will be no changes to physician T4, pension, benefits or Queen’s appointments for SEAMO-funded physicians.
d) There will not be any reductions to funds flowing from SEAMO to the Departmental Practice Plans resulting from SEAMOs new legal structure and governance model.
a) Departmental practice plans will require new banking arrangements external to Queen’s, to which SEAMO will flow funds.
b) DPPs will create appropriate legal and operational structures that will support funding physicians directly. SEAMO will provide funding and logistical support for this work.
SEAMO will become an independent employer. As a result, SEAMO administrative staff will transition from Queen’s to SEAMO. There are no planned changes to any of the existing SEAMO staff positions.
No. This is not about reducing costs. It’s about renewal, ensuring SEAMO has a modern, effective structure that allows it to continue supporting academic medicine for years to come.