TORONTO — Ontario is taking a bold new step toward its goal of connecting every resident to primary care by 2029. The province is investing up to $8 million to plan and expand 16 new primary care teaching clinics, expected to serve 300,000 more people and provide future clinicians with hands-on training in real-world, team-based settings.
The funding is part of Ontario’s broader $2.1 billion Primary Care Action Plan and includes up to $500,000 in planning grants for each clinic. These facilities—being established in partnership with Ontario’s leading medical schools—will not only serve the community but also act as real-time classrooms for family medicine residents, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health professionals.
Equipping Future Health Professionals with Hands-On Training
“These new primary care teaching clinics will further protect our health-care system by training the next generation of primary care clinicians, right here in Ontario,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
By placing students in a team-based model from the start of their training, the province aims to better prepare clinicians for the evolving needs of Ontario communities—especially in underserved regions such as Timmins, Sudbury, North Bay, and Niagara.
Key Locations Across the Province
The 16 new and expanded sites are spread across the province and aligned with medical schools including:
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NOSM University – Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, North Bay
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McMaster University – Milton, Niagara
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Western University – London East, Woodstock, Sarnia
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Queen’s University – Kingston, Belleville, Oshawa
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University of Toronto – Two clinics in Scarborough
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University of Ottawa – Central Ottawa
Two additional teaching clinics will also be established at Toronto Metropolitan University, bringing the total to 18 new sites.
Aligning Care and Education
Heather McPherson, President & CEO of Women’s College Hospital, applauded the announcement, saying, “Strengthening team-based, hands-on learning environments is essential to preparing family physicians and other clinicians to deliver exceptional, connected care from day one.”
The Ontario Medical Association, Ontario College of Family Physicians, and Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario also expressed support, emphasizing how these investments will strengthen the province’s health-care infrastructure and enhance access for patients.
Clearing the Waitlist, Connecting Patients
According to the province, over 75% of the Health Care Connect waitlist has already been cleared. With more than 130 new and expanded primary care teams and the addition of nearly 20,000 new physicians since 2018, the province is focused on building a health system where no one is left behind.
Dr. Jane Philpott, Chair of Ontario’s Primary Care Action Team, said, “These new teaching clinics will train the next generation of family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health professionals to work in teams while delivering vital care to patients who currently lack access.”
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