Amanda Johnston RMT

01/27/2026

🤞🏻💜🤞🏻

A government response was recently received to the petition presented to parliament in November 2025 that requested HST/GST exemption for massage therapy in Canada.

The federal Minister of Finance, François-Philippe Champagne, indicated that the government understands that massage therapy is regulated in five provinces, and reiterated that HST/GST exemption is not automatic, and requires a formal application to the Minister of Finance.

Champagne confirmed that a formal request for exemption has been received and is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance.

Review Minister Champagne's response: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=451-00271

We will be using this encouraging response to support our request for a follow-up meeting with Remi Gagnon, Policy Advisor for the Ministry of Finance. We met with him this summer and spoke about how HST exemption would improve healthcare access and ensure that massage therapy is aligned with other regulated health professions regulated in five provinces.

We look forward to providing further updates as this issue progresses.

01/26/2026

A transparent moment 💜

As of February 1, HST will be added to massage therapy treatment rates rather than included.

I’ve been doing some deeper work on the business side of my practice (hello, .money financial coaching 👋🏼) and realized this was a necessary step to keep things sustainable long-term.

Grateful for this community — and still dreaming of HST exemption for RMTs in Ontario one day 🤞🏼

Thank you for your understanding and continued investment and trust in our work together.

Warmly,
AJRMT xo

01/24/2026

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
💜❄️💜

Inspired by:

“If you choose to see the beauty in winter, you will have more joy in your life.”
— Andy Goldsworthy

01/24/2026

This business IS personal…
💜💜💜

This reel has both nothing and everything to do with my business.

Because moving with joy, being in nature, time with the people who nourish my soul, music, food, and cats… are some of the things that make my life wonderful.

And I often struggle with the expectation of “professional” vs “personal.”
That expectation of separation—because for me, it’s always both.

I am not an RMT.

(Okay okay… let me explain 🙃)

Registered Massage Therapy is what I do to support my living. I LOVE what I get to do—but it is not who I am.

I am Amanda.
Aka magic hands, Manda, and in earlier versions… Pickle Breath or Amanada from Canada (because why not add another “a” 😆).

This year, we’re doing things a little differently.
More intentional.
More connected.
More authentic.
More personal.
While still honouring professionalism in a world—and an industry—that isn’t always sure what to do with this “massage therapy thing.”

💜

I’m Amanda.
A heart-centered healing human who is grateful to therapeutically connect with other healing humans… and honestly, just to connect in general.

The RMT framework has given me incredible skills and tools that make connection more accessible.
And it has also created barriers.

This mixed bag is where we get to share experiences, for a shared time, on this wellness journey.

To those—personally and/or professionally—I’ve had the honour of sharing time and space with: thank you. I think of you often and send love and gratitude for the ways you’ve imprinted me with lessons and blessings that continue to shape me.

And to my Tall Guy—thank you for getting me, loving all versions of me, and sharing life with me and Harry. I love you mucho. XO

I’m doing my best.
I’m finding my way.
And I’m not done yet.

Here’s to future connections, without expectations. 💜💜💜

Let’s see where this goes.

Until then,
AJRMT xo

01/24/2026

❄️ WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY – PLEASE READ ❄️

Port Hope Police would like to advise the community that freezing temperatures have begun tonight and are expected to continue through the weekend.

In addition, a significant snowstorm is forecast for Sunday, with up to 30 cm of snow expected. Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly, and visibility and road conditions could become hazardous.

We ask residents to please:
• Stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary
• Drive with extreme caution if you must be on the roads
• Check on elderly family members, friends, and neighbours, especially those who may need assistance
• Ensure pets are safe and have proper shelter
• Dress warmly and limit time outdoors in extreme cold

Emergency services will be responding as needed, but your cooperation helps keep everyone safe.

Please continue to monitor weather updates and official advisories.

Stay safe, stay warm, and look out for one another, Port Hope. 💙❄️

01/15/2026

❄️ Winter Weather & Cold/Flu Season Reminder ❄️

Your safety and health come first!

If winter weather makes travel unsafe or you’re feeling unwell during cold & flu season, please cancel or reschedule your appointment.

❄️🤧 No cancellation fee in these situations—just let me know as soon as you can.

Stay safe and be well! 💜💜💜

Xo, AJRMT

01/13/2026

THANK YOU, 2025 💜💜💜

For the journey.
For places both hard and soft.
For opportunities and challenges.
For the lessons and the blessings.
For new perspectives and locations.

For germinating so many beautiful seeds to be cultivated in 2026.

2025 was for rooting, shedding and preparing.
2026 is for rising and flourishing.

HELL0 2026! 💜💜💜

Wishing you all ease as we navigate the coming year together!

Until then…

XO, AJRMT

12/29/2025

OUT OF OFFICE: Returning Jan 5, 2026 💜💜💜

After a very full 2025, I’m honouring something just as important as showing up:

rest 💜💜💜

Taking time to pause, breathe, and do nothing—without guilt.

💜

As a massage therapist, I know healing doesn’t happen only on the table. It happens when we listen to our bodies, soften the nervous system, and allow space for integration.

💜

This quiet time refills my cup so I can continue to serve from a grounded, heart-centered place.

Deeply grateful for every client, every conversation, and every moment of trust this year.

💜

Thank you for being part of the journey. Here’s to rest, renewal, and moving forward with intention for all the 2026 has to offer. ✨

Until then…

Xo, AJRMT

12/12/2025

Please sign the petition! 💜🙏🏼💜

We are getting closer to HST Exemption for Registered Massage Therapy!!!

Thank you Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario for your continued advocacy in this important matter.

This week, a Private Member's Bill supporting HST exemption for Ontario RMTs was introduced, a direct result of RMTAO advocacy and member efforts this past year, notably at our October 2025 Queen's Park Day.

MPP France Gélinas, the NDP Health Critic, introduced the Massage Therapy Tax Act, 2025. Under this Act, the Minister of Health is mandated to take every necessary measure, including introducing legislation, to bring the tax treatment of massage therapy services provided by Ontario RMTs into alignment with the tax treatment of services provided by other practitioners.

The Bill has already passed its first reading, marking an exciting first step. While additional readings are required for it to proceed, this early success is an important step forward, thanks to our advocacy efforts.

To increase support for the Bill as it goes through the legislative process, MPP Gélinas has created a petition to support the removal of HST from massage therapy services. We encourage you to sign this petition and share it widely with your networks to support the Bill's success.

Sign the petition: https://francegelinas.ca/remove-the-hst-from-massage-therapy-services-retirez-la-tvh-des-services-de-massotherapeutes/

MPP Gélinas also shared a press release today to increase awareness of and support for this issue. This would be a great resource to share to help spread the word.

Share the press release: https://www.ontariondp.ca/news/mpp-g-linas-calls-hst-be-removed-treatments-delivered-registered-massage-therapists

This is an important and encouraging step in our efforts towards HST exemption. This was made possible due to the support of members who have continued to bring this issue forward, as well as the culmination of continuous advocacy efforts by the RMTAO.

We will provide you with updates as soon as they become available.

11/10/2025

Snowy Monday Vibes 💜❄️💜

Wishing you all a cozy warm Monday as we adjust to the first snowy day of the season!

Xo, AJRMT

08/07/2025

OUT OF OFFICE: Aug 6-12, 2025 💜✌🏻💜

Mid-summer week off with lots of time with special women in my life.

Yesterday, I celebrated my bestie’s 50th birthday at .

Today, rest and pack and possible afternoon hangs with my sister for her birthday eve.

Tomorrow, I head to Wolfe Island for one of my favourite weekends of the year with my whimsical whitby women for the always magical and island shenanigans. 💜✨💜

AND THEN, my dear dear college roommate, , is adventuring from Ohio to Wolfe Island for 2 nights of catching up! We haven’t seen each other in 25 years. Amanada from Canada is ready for you!
💜🇨🇦💜

Will be back at the clinic on Wed Aug 13. At least that’s the plan. 🙃

Until then….

XO, AJRMT