Without a services agreement for four years, Ontario’s doctors are to return to the negotiating table next month.

(Joe Raedle / File / Getty Images)

The Ontario Medical Association, which has about 44,000 members, says it agreed to the resumption of talks after the incoming Ford government reached out.

The OMA says the move’s a ”welcome change” in the tone of discussions with Queen’s Park.

Days scheduled for arbitration in early July will now be used for negotiation aimed at reaching a new agreement.

Last summer the doctors voted 65% in favour of a deal that sends contract disputes to binding arbitration.

Under the deal, there first must be an effort at negotiation, and if no deal’s reached, then the two sides go to mediation before moving on to binding arbitration.