Ontario’s healthcare expansion is addressing the primary care shortage by investing over $250 million to connect people to family doctors. The province has announced plans to create and expand approximately 75 primary care teams, aiming to connect 500,000 more people to a family doctor or primary care team. This initiative is part of Ontario’s broader $2.1 billion Primary Care Action Plan, which seeks to connect two million more people to primary care by 2029.
“Access to primary care is the foundation of a strong healthcare system,” said Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment will bring care closer to home and reduce the burden on emergency rooms.”
Addressing the Primary Care Gap
Ontario has been facing a shortage of family doctors, leaving many residents without a regular care provider.
- As of early 2025, thousands of Ontarians were on the Health Care Connect waitlist, seeking help to find a family doctor.
- The province has already managed to reduce this waitlist by 42% this year, a sign that recent investments are starting to pay off.
With this latest round of funding, Ontario aims to close the gap even further and ensure that more people receive timely, preventive care instead of relying on emergency rooms. This progress reflects Ontario’s continued efforts to connect everyone to primary care.
Ontario’s Healthcare Expansion Plan
The creation of 75 new primary care teams will not only increase the number of available family doctors but also integrate other healthcare professionals.
This team includes nurse practitioners and mental health specialists, into cohesive care teams. This model aims to provide comprehensive care, reduce wait times, and improve patient outcomes.
Key steps:
1. Funding 75 New or Expanded Teams
- These teams will be set up across various regions of Ontario, with a focus on areas with the highest need.
- Priority will be given to communities with large numbers of patients currently on the waitlist.
2. Connecting 500,000 People to Care
- Ontario’s healthcare expansion is projected to directly connect half a million Ontarians with a dedicated care provider over the next few years.
3. Encouraging Community Applications
- Local health organizations can apply for funding to establish new teams, ensuring the services meet local needs.
Priority for these new positions will be given to individuals currently on the Health Care Connect waitlist, ensuring that those most in need are connected to care first.
Additionally, the government is making it easier for U.S.-licensed nurses and board-certified doctors to practice in Ontario, with nearly 1,400 nurses and more than 260 doctors choosing to come to Ontario this year alone.
A Long-Term Vision
- Ontario’s healthcare expansion is not just about immediate relief but also about building a sustainable healthcare system for the future.
- By 2029, the province aims to connect two million more people to primary care, ensuring that every Ontarian has access to a family doctor or primary care team.
- This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the healthcare workforce, improve service delivery, and ensure that all communities, including rural and underserved areas, have access to high-quality care.
Impact on the People
The expansion will have a direct impact on several groups of people, including:
- Patients on the Health Care Connect Waitlist: They will be prioritized for assignment to new care teams.
- Rural and Underserved Communities: Many rural areas in Ontario face severe doctor shortages. New teams will be strategically placed to fill these gaps.
- Emergency Room Users Without Family Doctors: By providing preventive and continuous care, the province hopes to reduce unnecessary ER visits and wait times.
Accessibility of Primary Care Team
For those looking to connect with a family doctor or care team:
- Register with Health Care Connect: Residents without a doctor can sign up online or by phone.
- Check Community Announcements: Local health organizations will share updates as new teams open in their area.
- Stay Updated on Provincial Plans: The Ontario Ministry of Health regularly publishes updates on healthcare expansion projects.
The government encourages all eligible residents to register and take advantage of this opportunity to connect with a family doctor or primary care team.
Conclusion
Ontario’s latest move signals a serious commitment to healthcare reform. By combining record-breaking funding, workforce growth, and community-driven planning, the province is positioning itself to solve one of its most pressing challenges, ensuring everyone has access to high-quality primary care.
With half a million residents soon to be connected to family doctors, this Ontario’s healthcare expansion represents a hopeful turning point for families across the province.
