I cannot comment on the state of the medical system in Ontario although 3 years without a contract does seem like a rather long time. What I can comment on from experience is binding arbitration. Of course they would like it - everybody does. But what happens with binding arbitration. It is the step ladder effect. The group looks around and demands slightly more than their neighbour or the highest paid similar group at the time. It ensures ongoing increases in compensation independent of merit (i.e. police, fire fighters, etc). So I would strongly suggest the Province NOT agree to binding arbitration as a way of resuming talks.