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Ontario Connects 511,000 to Doctors: A Primary Care Revolution?
26 Oct
Summary
- Over 511,000 Ontarians connected to family doctors since plan launch.
- Province added 20,000 physicians and increased family doctors by 14%.
- Goal to connect all Ontarians to a primary care provider by 2029.
As of October 26, 2026, Ontario has made significant strides in its primary health care initiative, connecting more than 511,000 individuals to family physicians. This achievement is part of a broader strategy launched in January 2025, aimed at closing the gap for the 2.5 million people previously without a family doctor.
The province has bolstered its medical workforce, with over 20,000 additional physicians since 2018, marking a 14% rise in family doctors. To further expand access, Ontario is increasing medical school seats by 67% and establishing 18 primary care teaching clinics. Additionally, over 2,300 nurses and 570 doctors from the U.S. were recruited last year.
These developments are occurring alongside hospital workforce adjustments, with some facilities announcing layoffs. Nevertheless, Ontario remains committed to its goal, with an open call for proposals to create or expand 78 primary care teams, expected to serve an additional 600,000 people. The province aims to ensure every Ontarian has a primary care provider by 2029.
