An attempt by a breakaway group of Ontario doctors has failed in their attempts to overthrow top executives at the Ontario Medical Association.

The non-confidence vote passed with a 55% majority yesterday at a special meeting in Toronto, but it failed to achieve the required two thirds majority.

A motion to oust president Virginia Walley passed with a 50% vote; motions to remove the 5 remaining executive also failed.

The session was called on behalf of 25 members of the OMA’s council to address the issued of leadership. The dissident group says the leadership has contributed to an environment where doctors are routinely marginalized, disrespected, insulted and ignored by the current provincial government.

In a statement released after the vote, the Ontario Medical Association said doctors in Ontario affirmed their confidence in their elected leaders.