The Ontario government announced it will issue a request for proposals to create or expand 78 primary care teams across the province. The move is part of a broader effort to attach all Ontarians to a primary care provider by the target year of 2029, a goal that includes serving roughly 600,000 residents through the new teams.
The upcoming funding round will invite health organizations, community groups and other eligible providers to submit plans for establishing or enlarging primary care teams. Each team is expected to deliver coordinated services that connect patients with family physicians, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals in a single setting.
Ontario’s health ministry has set the 2029 deadline as a milestone for universal primary care access. By expanding the network of teams, officials aim to reduce gaps in service, shorten wait times and improve continuity of care for residents who currently lack a regular provider. The request for proposals will outline the criteria and funding parameters that applicants must meet.
The initiative follows earlier steps taken by the province to strengthen primary care infrastructure. The addition of 78 teams is designed to complement existing clinics and health centers, creating a more comprehensive provincial network. While the exact distribution of the new teams has not been disclosed, the plan is intended to address regional needs and ensure equitable access across urban and rural areas.
Stakeholders will have a set period to prepare and submit their proposals, after which the government will evaluate submissions based on capacity, sustainability and alignment with the 2029 universal primary care objective. The outcome is expected to shape the next phase of Ontario’s health system modernization and bring the province closer to its goal of universal primary care coverage.