Ontario funds 130 new primary care teams to connect 300,000 residents to doctors and nurses, aiming for universal access by 2026.
Province Unveils Major Primary Care Investment
The Ontario government has announced a $235 million funding package to expand and create 130 new primary care teams, aiming to connect 300,000 residents with family doctors or nurse practitioners this year. The move is part of the province’s long-term plan to ensure every Ontarian has access to primary care by 2026.
Targeting Underserved Communities
Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the teams were selected through a competitive proposal process launched in April, prioritizing communities with high numbers of residents lacking access to primary care.
“Our government is protecting Ontario’s health-care system and helping connect everyone in Ontario to a primary care provider for years to come,” said Jones during Monday’s announcement.
Strategic Plan to Tackle Doctor Shortage
The investment falls under Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan, which responds to data from the Ontario Medical Association indicating that 2.5 million Ontarians currently lack a family doctor—a number projected to grow to 4.4 million by 2026 without intervention.
Launch Timeline and Patient Enrollment
Dr. Jane Philpott, Chair of the Primary Care Action Team, said that the newly approved teams will begin seeing patients in the coming weeks and months.
“These teams will be the front door to care,” Philpott explained. “They will offer timely, comprehensive support led by a family doctor or nurse practitioner.”
Funding Breakdown and Future Rounds
Of the total, $142 million will be dedicated to operational funding over three years to support team staffing. The funds will cover salaries for non-physician providers, including nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, and registered practical nurses.
The province also confirmed that teams not selected in this round are encouraged to refine and resubmit proposals for a September 2025 call for applications.
A Step Toward Universal Primary Care
With this announcement, Ontario takes a significant step toward its 2026 goal of universal primary care. Officials emphasize that connecting residents to frontline health services will reduce ER strain, improve outcomes, and enhance equity in healthcare access across the province.
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