Additional funding to expand primary care workforce in Ontario
More funding in a move to strengthen primary care in Ontario.
The province is providing an extra $30 million dollars on training initiatives designed to help primary health teams fill positions.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones says part of the funding will go toward a program designed to expand the skills of registered nurses.
“This new funding will support the recruitment and retention of nurses in primary care, with over $4.5 million for a new innovative program that will help over 1,400 registered nurses gain skills and experience in primary care, including chronic disease management, cancer screening, maternal and child care and immunizations,” says Jones.
The 12-week program will be launched this year at four post-secondary institutions, including Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, with nurses receiving a certificate upon successful completion.
“As one of the first programs of its kind that will free up more time for family clinicians and nurse practitioners to focus on patients with more complex needs.”
The province is also investing $8.5 million to add up to 170,000 new spaces within primary care nurse practitioner education programs at ten universities, including Lakehead.
Starting in 2026-27, the province will allocate a further $16 million that will add up to 150 new physician assistant education seats at Ontario universities.
“For Ontario families, these investments mean shorter wait times, better health outcomes, and convenience, knowing that they can get access to care when and where they need it,” says Jones.
Nursing organizations are welcoming the announcement.
Doris Grinspun, Chief Executive Officer of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, says strengthening nursing capacity in primary care will improve access and care.
Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario, says the expansion of education program space is a critical measure in strengthening the health-care workforce and closing the gaps in access to care.
