The Ontario government is moving ahead with the next phase of its Primary Care Action Plan, launching a new call for proposals to create and expand about 75 primary care teams that will connect 500,000 more people to a family doctor or primary care clinician.
The $250-million investment is part of a larger $2.1-billion strategy aimed at ensuring every person in Ontario has access to convenient primary care by 2029.
“Our government is delivering on our plan to connect everyone in Ontario to primary care, when and where they need it, for years to come,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “These new and expanded primary care teams bring us one step closer to fulfilling that promise as we continue to make record investments in primary care to protect Ontario’s health-care system.”
Ontario officials said the province continues to lead the country in expanding primary care access. In June, the government committed $235 million to fund more than 130 new and expanded primary care teams, connecting over 300,000 residents. Some of those teams have already begun accepting new patients.
The new proposals will prioritize connecting people who are currently unattached to care, including those on the Health Care Connect waitlist. As of Jan. 1, 2025, that waitlist had already dropped by more than 98,000 people – a decrease of over 42 per cent. The successful applicants for this new round of funding are expected to be announced in spring 2026, with further calls planned in the coming years.
“Together we are building a primary care system that is truly comprehensive, convenient and connected – one that serves every person in Ontario,” said Dr. Jane Philpott, chair of Ontario’s Primary Care Action Team. “Thanks to historic investments from the government, we’re making tangible progress in improving access to primary care and attaching every person to a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care team.”
The province says interprofessional primary care teams bring together a wide range of health professionals under one roof, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, dietitians and pharmacists. The model is designed to provide more connected, efficient care close to home.
Stakeholders welcomed the announcement. Jess Rogers, CEO of the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario, said, “Connecting 500,000 more Ontarians to primary care isn’t just a number, it’s about better health, stronger communities, and more equitable access to the care people deserve. These investments give our over 200 primary care teams, already serving 3.6 million Ontarians, the chance to scale what works, fill longstanding gaps, and reach the people who’ve been waiting far too long.”
Family physicians also emphasized the importance of expanding team-based care. “Family physicians are the foundation of our health system and the communities they serve,” said Dr. Jobin Varughese, president of the Ontario College of Family Physicians. “When family physicians work alongside a team, patients are able to get the right care, from the right provider, at the right time. We look forward to working with the government on effective implementation, and to make sure all family physicians have the most appropriate resources and tools they need to continue to deliver excellent patient care.”
Since 2018, Ontario has added nearly 20,000 more physicians to its health-care workforce, including a 14 per cent increase in family doctors. The government has also made it easier for U.S.-licensed nurses and board-certified physicians to practise in Ontario. So far this year, nearly 1,400 nurses and more than 260 doctors have moved to the province.
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, officials say they will continue taking steps to grow the workforce and expand access to ensure people have access to quality care close to home “for generations to come.”
