Ontario is bolstering its health care system with a landmark $3.4 billion investment in primary care, part of a sweeping effort to ensure every resident has access to a family doctor or primary care team by 2029. With nearly 90 percent of Ontarians already linked to essential health services, the province aims to extend this critical access to approximately two million more people in the coming years.

Expanding Access Through the Primary Care Action Plan

The primary care action plan launched by the Ontario government is among the largest health care initiatives in the region’s recent history. By targeting gaps in patient access, the plan aims to deliver on the promise of high-quality, timely health services across all communities. This ambitious strategy supports additional funding for 199 new and expanded primary care teams. These teams are expected to connect as many as 800,000 Ontarians, with future funding rounds projected to support another half a million residents.

Local Success: Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team

As part of the funding rollout, the Sunnybrook Academic family health team has received more than $1 million, demonstrating significant results. Nearly 2,600 patients have been newly connected to care through this team, achieving over 99 percent of its initial target. Stakeholders view these outcomes as a strong model for other regions in Ontario seeking to expand their own health care connect initiatives.

Integrating Technology and Records for Seamless Care

Alongside financial investment, the province is emphasizing technological integration within the medical record system. Efforts to streamline electronic health records are underway, aiming to unify care teams and reduce administrative workload. For patients, this means more coordinated and continuous care — an outcome that aligns closely with the goals of the primary care action plan and the needs of diverse Ontario communities.

Growing Ontario’s Health Workforce

Ontario’s expanded health care funding since 2018 has enabled the recruitment of over 20,000 health professionals, including a noteworthy increase in family doctors. The province has also opened pathways for recruiting U.S.-trained nurses and physicians. This robust health workforce growth directly addresses regional shortages, improves patient access, and reduces the burden on emergency departments.

Impacts on Communities Across Ontario

The Ontario government’s comprehensive approach brings tangible benefits to families and individuals in both rural and urban areas. Enhanced primary care means more people can access preventive services, receive ongoing medical treatment, and obtain referrals to specialists when needed. At the community level, greater availability of family doctors and primary care teams fosters patient-provider relationships and delivers care closer to home, easing strain on hospitals and emergency care facilities.

Ongoing Commitment to Improved Care

By investing in both personnel and infrastructure, Ontario is charting a course for long-term health care improvement. Health care connect programs, boosted health care funding, and innovative medical record systems are expected to create a more responsive and efficient health system. The Ontario government’s commitment to connecting residents with a family doctor or primary care team remains central to its vision for a healthier future across the province.