The Ford government has introduced three new Bills that will modernize Ontario’s health system, improve patient access to care and attract more health care workers to Ontario.
These proposed Bills will have an impact on health care workers, regulators and health professional associations across the country as Ontario makes an effort to grow its health care workforce to meet growing patient demands and an aging demographic.
As a result, it is important for the health sector to proactively engage with the province and Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones, to provide input into the legislative and regulatory process as these Bills move through government.
Shifting health care priorities
While health care has not been this government’s top priority, Ontario is facing an acute health human resources crisis – more than 4 million Ontarians are without a family doctor. The province also faces a shortage of nurses, PSW’s, technicians and other workers who provide front line care in our health system.
Below is a summary of some of these new pieces of legislation and what they mean for health care delivery in Ontario:
Labour mobility for regulated health workers
On April 12, the provincial government introduced the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act which is intended to unlock free trade and increase labour mobility.
This would enable regulated health professionals who are licensed in other provinces to work in Ontario right away by expanding “As of Right” rules and removing restrictions on where they can work. The province is also examining including American physicians and nurses under the new rules.
The province has proposed a list of health professions where the new rules would apply and has committed to consult with regulators on proposed service standards and “As of Right” rules.
Primary care action plan
In the lead up to the provincial budget next week, the Minister of Health introduced the Primary Care Act, that will create a framework to improve patient access to primary care in all regions of the province. The Bill includes six objectives for the province to design, implement and maintain its plan, and the Minister of Health will be required to provide an annual report that describes its progress on its objectives.
The Primary Care Act builds on government’s Primary Care Action Plan, led by former federal Minister of Health Jane Philpott, to address the shortage of family doctors and other health professionals across the province.
The legislation also builds on the government’s 2025 budget announcement to invest $300 million to build up to 17 new and expanded community-based primary care teaching clinics in more communities.
More convenient care
On May 5, Minister Jones introduced the More Convenient Care Act that will enhance the use of electronic health records, expand scope of nurse practitioners, improve delivery of mental health services and expand ambulance standards.
The Act will also create a transparency framework for health staffing agencies, enhance hospital governance and expand the authority of the Chief Medical Officer of Health in public health units.
Opportunities for engagement
These Bills are likely to pass in the Legislature early June to enable the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Philpott’s team to continue their work to improve patient access to care and build up Ontario’s health care workforce.
There will be many opportunities to provide input during the public consultation phase. If you’re in the health care space and want to get involved, now is the time.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to discuss how you or your organization can engage in the process.