Ontario doctors and the Wynne government have reached a tentative deal on a process that would send future contract disputes to binding arbitration.

Next step is for members of the Ontario Medical Association to vote on it June 17.

If they approve it then that would mean in future if the two sides cannot reach a contract, they would try mediation and failing that, binding arbitration which would impose terms of an agreement.

Premier Kathleen Wynne calls it a first step towards renewed discussions for a new Physician Services Agreement.

Doctors have been without one for three years and just recently restarted negotiations with the province.

Health Minister Eric Hoskins says he’s optimistic the government can reach a deal with doctors.