Dear AFHTO EDs/Admin Leads, Board Chairs, and Physician/NP Leads,
With the results of the provincial election now confirmed, I want to provide an overview of what this means for AFHTO and our advocacy work going forward.
Election Results Overview
Last night, the Progressive Conservative Party, led by Premier Doug Ford, secured a third consecutive majority government, winning 80 out of 124 seats with 42.97% of the popular vote. The New Democratic Party (NDP), under Marit Stiles, will remain the Official Opposition with 27 seats and 18.55% of the vote. The Liberal Party, led by Bonnie Crombie, increased their representation to 14 seats with 29.95% of the vote, regaining official party status. However, Crombie lost her own riding of Mississauga East—Cooksville to PC candidate Silvia Gualtieri. The Green Party, led by Mike Schreiner, maintained its 2 seats with 4.83% of the vote.
Implications for AFHTO
The re-election of the Progressive Conservative government means continuity in key health policies, including their approach to primary care, health system transformation, and fiscal priorities. However, with a fresh mandate, there may be shifts in how the government chooses to implement its agenda.
Key considerations for AFHTO and our members:
- Health Human Resources (HHR): Given our ongoing advocacy for wage parity and recruitment/retention solutions, we will need to assess how the government addresses workforce challenges in health care, particularly in light of physician shortages and pressures on interprofessional teams.
- Primary Care Expansion: The government has signaled a commitment to expanding primary care capacity, including through new Family Health Teams. We will need to ensure that this expansion is properly resourced and supports a truly team-based model of care.
- System Integration and Funding: With the continued push for Ontario Health Teams (OHTs), we must remain vigilant to ensure that team-based primary care is positioned as the foundation of system transformation.
- Budget Considerations: The first major policy signal will come with the upcoming provincial budget. Our goal is to secure funding commitments for primary care teams and to influence how new investments are allocated.
Next Steps for AFHTO
1. Engagement with the Government:
- We will immediately begin outreach to the Premier’s Office, the Minister of Health, and key government officials to reinforce the importance of team-based primary care.
- We will advocate for policies that support existing teams, expand access, and address workforce challenges.
2. Analysis of the Government’s Priorities:
- We will review the new government’s platform and policy statements to assess opportunities for alignment.
- We will monitor signals on the direction of health care priorities.
3. Member Strategy Sessions:
- We will hold a series of discussions with members to refine our advocacy approach and ensure it reflects real-world experiences on the ground.
- We will work with EDs/Admin Leads, Board Chairs, and Physician/NP Leads to coordinate our collective voice and strategy.
4. Budget Advocacy & Public Positioning:
- We will intensify our efforts to secure funding commitments for team-based primary care, specifically funding for HHR to support the existing investment.
- We will enhance our public communications and engagement with media, emphasizing the role of primary care teams in addressing system pressures and ensuring access for patients.
How You Can Help
- Engage with Local MPPs: Regardless of party affiliation, we encourage you to connect with your local representatives to reinforce the importance of team-based primary care in your communities. AFHTO is here to support these conversations.
- Share Key Challenges & Success Stories: Concrete examples from your teams help strengthen our case. If you have data or patient stories that illustrate the impact of primary care teams, please share them with us.
- Stay Involved in AFHTO Advocacy: We will continue to engage you in upcoming advocacy campaigns, budget submissions, and meetings with decision-makers. Your participation is critical.
This election outcome presents both challenges and opportunities. By acting quickly and strategically, we can continue to advance the interests of our members and the patients we serve. I will keep you updated as we move forward. In the meantime, if you have any immediate thoughts or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Michael Scarpitti
Director, Strategic Communications and Government Relations