The Ontario government has launched an ambitious $3.4 billion Primary Care Action Plan, aiming to ensure every resident in Ontario has access to a primary care provider by 2029. This regional commitment is set to transform health care for millions, strengthening the province’s leading position in comprehensive patient services.

Major Investment in Primary Care Teams Across Ontario

Nearly 200 primary care teams across the province are receiving support from this initiative, including the prominent Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre in Toronto. This centre notably surpassed its patient attachment goal by enrolling more than 5,300 Ontarians, underscoring the effectiveness of dedicated interprofessional care approaches within regional communities.

Connecting Two Million More Residents to Care

The action plan intends to link approximately two million additional people to primary care providers, such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner. By expanding access, Ontario hopes to alleviate pressure on local emergency departments, contributing to broader emergency department relief efforts and enhancing care in both large cities and smaller communities.

Ontario Health Continues to Lead Nationally

Ontario Health reports that nearly 90% of the province’s population is currently connected to a primary care provider—the most extensive coverage in Canada. The province is further improving clinical integration by implementing a provincewide medical record system, designed to streamline patient information sharing and support coordinated care among various health professionals.

Supporting a Growing and Diversified Health Workforce

To meet rising demands, Ontario has added more than 20,000 new physicians since 2018, including a significant 14% increase in family doctors. The province also introduced expedited pathways for U.S.-licensed nurses and doctors to practice locally, enhancing the health workforce and expanding patient capacity for both urban and rural communities. These measures are crucial steps in meeting the growing health needs of Ontario’s diverse population.

Encouraging Seamless Patient Connections with Health Care Connect

Ontario residents seeking a regular family doctor, nurse practitioner, or primary care team are encouraged to register through Health Care Connect. The program streamlines connections between patients and care providers, improving access and ensuring that individuals and families receive ongoing support close to home.

Commitment to Comprehensive Health Care Investment

This significant health care investment underlines Ontario’s steadfast commitment to providing accessible, high-quality, and coordinated services for all its communities. By delivering care that is both patient-centered and regionally accessible, the government aims to strengthen outcomes and ensure a healthier future for all. Regional residents are encouraged to participate and make use of expanded resources and improved systems introduced as part of the Primary Care Action Plan.