Ontario Taking Next Steps to Protect Primary Care

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Ontario government is introducing the Primary Care Act, 2025. This legislation, if passed, will make Ontario the first Canadian jurisdiction to establish a framework for its publicly funded primary care system so that people in Ontario know what they can expect when accessing primary care services, no matter where they live. This legislation is part of the government’s Primary Care Action Plan, which will connect two million more people to publicly funded primary care in the next four years, achieving the government’s goal of connecting everyone in Ontario to a family doctor or primary care team.

“This first-of-its kind, nation-leading legislation marks a major step forward in our plan to protect our health care system and connect everyone in Ontario to a family doctor and primary care team,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Primary care is the foundation of our health care system, and we are establishing our government’s vision for a primary care system that improves access to care and empowers people with the knowledge and tools to increase their well-being.”

As part of the upcoming 2025 Ontario Budget, the government is also investing up to $300 million to build up to 17 new and expanded community-based primary care teaching clinics in communities with high rates of unattachment to primary care. This brings the government’s total investment in Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan to $2.1 billion. In partnership with McMaster University, NOSM University, Queens University, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, and Western University, the clinics will train family doctors and other health care professionals such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants and registered nurses. The clinics combine direct patient care with hands-on learning for primary care learners, allowing approximately 300,000 additional Ontarians to be connected to primary care. Further details about where the clinics will be located will be announced this summer.

“Thanks to our efforts to grow Ontario’s economy while investing in people’s health, we’re able to continue making historic advancements to make our primary care system more accessible, innovative and connected for all,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “As a critical part of our Primary Care Action Plan, this legislation would bring us one step closer to our commitment to connect more people to publicly funded primary care and reinforce Ontario’s place as national health care leaders.”

The Primary Care Act, 2025 sets out six clear objectives for Ontario’s publicly funded primary care system which will ensure people know what they can expect when connecting to primary care:

• Province-wide: Every person across the province should have the opportunity to have ongoing access to a primary care clinician or team.
• Connected: Every person should have the opportunity to receive primary care that is coordinated with existing health and social services.
• Convenient: Every person should have access to timely primary care.
• Inclusive: Every person should have the opportunity to receive primary care that is free from barriers and free from discrimination.
• Empowered: Every person should have the opportunity to access their personal health information through a digitally integrated system that connects patients and clinicians in the circle of care.
• Responsive: The primary care system should respond to the needs of the communities it serves and everyone should have access to information about how the system is performing and adapting.

“This groundbreaking legislation and substantial investment in primary care teaching clinics marks a significant milestone for Ontario’s primary care system,” said Dr. Jane Philpott, Chair of Ontario’s Primary Care Action Team. “By expanding capacity to train family medicine learners, along with proposing to establish clear objectives in legislation, we are working toward ensuring that primary care will be accessible for all.”

Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government continues to take bold and decisive action to grow the province’s highly skilled health care workforce and ensure people and their families have access to high-quality care closer to home for generations to come.

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