2025 Ontario Budget – Key Highlights for Primary Care Teams
Dear AFHTO EDs/Admin Leads, Lead MDs/NPs and Board Chairs, The Ontario government released its 2025 Budget yesterday. While the budget reiterates prior commitments, it also introduces significant legislative and infrastructure developments for primary care. Below is a high-level overview of what’s most relevant to AFHTO members, followed by answers to key questions you may be […]
What the New Primary Care Legislation and OHT Mandate Letters Mean for Your Team
Dear AFHTO EDs/Admin Leads, Lead MDs/NPs and Board Chairs, Last week’s announcements of the Primary Care Act, 2025 and the 2025–26 OHT mandate letters mark a significant shift in Ontario’s approach to primary care. AFHTO has prepared a summary and analysis to help you understand what these changes mean for your teams. This summary includes […]
AFHTO Advocacy Resources for Federal Election
Dear AFHTO EDs and Member Communications Staff, Thank you for all the work you continue to do supporting the local communication and advocacy efforts across Ontario’s primary care teams. As we find ourselves in the middle of a federal election, your voice is crucial in supporting advocacy for the continued investment in health human resources […]
FAQ for Proposals Round 1 from AFHTO
Dear AFHTO EDs, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians, Since the Ministry of Health’s release of the Call for Proposals last week, AFHTO has been taking note of the most common questions from members. To support you, we are providing a detailed FAQ below, based on the most frequently asked questions and clarifications requested by members. […]
AFHTO welcomes important step toward achieving team-based primary care for all Ontarians
April 11, 2025 The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) congratulates the Ministry of Health on yesterday’s important step toward achieving team-based primary care for everyone in the province. The Government of Ontario’s newly announced call for proposals for Interprofessional Primary Care Teams will help connect 300,000 more people to family doctors and […]
Important Information on Primary Care Expansion Proposal Process
Dear Executive Directors, Board Chairs, and Clinical Leads, We’re writing to share key information from the Ministry of Health’s technical briefing held earlier today on the new Call for Proposals for Interprofessional Primary Care Teams. For those of you who were unable to attend the technical briefing, you can reach out to your Ontario Health […]
Ontario Launches New Call for Proposals for Expanding Access to Team-Based Primary Care
Dear Executive Directors, Board Chairs, and Lead Clinicians, I’m pleased to share important news that aligns with our shared mission to strengthen and expand access to comprehensive, team-based primary care. This morning, the Government of Ontario announced a new Call for Proposals for Interprofessional Primary Care Teams, as part of its plan to connect up […]
Provincial Election Results and AFHTO’s Next Steps
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 […]
Ontario election update; plus, Current State Review and Working Position Statement
Dear AFHTO EDs/Admin Leads, Board Chairs, and Physician/NP Leads, We are reaching out to you to provide you with an election update, and to circulate the final deliverables from our work with the Nous Group. Election Update As we approach the Ontario provincial election on Thursday, February 27, 2025, it’s crucial to stay informed about […]
Election Advocacy- 2025 Member Toolkit and Advocacy Webinar Recording for all members
Dear Primary Care Team Members, Thank you for your continued dedication to delivering high-quality, team-based primary care. As we find ourselves in the middle of a provincial election, your voice is crucial in advocating for the continued investment in health human resources and expansion of primary care teams. To support you in these efforts, AFHTO […]
Election Advocacy- Leadership Triad 2025 Member Toolkit and Advocacy Webinar Recording
Dear AFHTO EDs/Admin Leads, Board Chairs, and Lead Clinicians, Thank you for joining Monday’s webinar and for your ongoing commitment to strengthening and supporting our joint advocacy efforts this election. Your engagement continues to be invaluable as we look to the next phase of primary care team expansion associated with the recent $1.8 billion funding […]
Bits & Pieces: election advocacy webinars and more
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue Register now – AFHTO election advocacy webinars Corporate and Financial Records webinar materials available Member stories News and updates including primary care in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond Learn how to integrate equity-oriented strategies into your primary care conversations Ontario Health news: insomnia disorder quality standard, […]
Addressing Primary Care Workforce Challenges and Next Steps; Register Now – AFHTO Election Advocacy Webinars
Dear members, We know many of you are feeling frustrated by the ongoing challenges surrounding salary increases, and the government’s response to the growing issues in primary care. We share your concerns, and we want to assure you that we are actively advocating on behalf of primary care teams. In the recent announcement, one of […]
Anticipated Provincial Election News and Advocacy Update
Dear EDs/Admin Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians, I’m reaching out to you today with a detailed update on AFHTO’s recent advocacy efforts, upcoming initiatives, and preparations for the anticipated provincial election. This update outlines critical progress on key advocacy fronts and highlights upcoming opportunities for engagement. Please take some time to go through this […]
Year-end message from AFHTO CEO
Dear AFHTO Members, As we approach the close of a year filled with new beginnings, challenges and triumphs, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the dedication you show every day. The work you do in service of the communities you care for is nothing short of inspiring. The holiday […]
Update on Upcoming Queen’s Park Advocacy Day
Dear AFHTO members, AFHTO, along with our nine partner provincial associations on the #ForUsForYou campaign, has secured December 5, 2024, for a Queen’s Park advocacy day. This event will focus on health human resources (HHR) advocacy, with meetings planned between the provincial associations and Ministers/MPPs. The decision was made, at this point, to take the approach of […]
Bits & Pieces: member stories, petition update and more
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue Member stories Regarding the petition on Change.org News and updates including supports for the fall/winter respiratory illness season Seeking participants for study “The Effect of One’s Future Retirement on Mood” Launch of Ontario Health integrated primary care report and biosimilar update Updated osteoarthritis quality standard Supporting […]
Bits & Pieces: response to 2024 Fall Economic Statement and more
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO response to 2024 Fall Economic Statement and social media resources for advocacy Member stories News and updates including Ontario expanding learn and stay grant to train more family doctors Sign up for GoodLife for a chance to win an Air Canada Vacation 7-night holiday in […]
NEW AFHTO Board of Directors and Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027
Dear AFHTO members and collaborators, I want to personally thank our members in attendance at our annual conference Oct 23 – 25 for a warm welcome in my first week as AFHTO’s new CEO. I deeply appreciate the honesty and openness from which you shared your experience and perspectives. I am grateful to have had […]
AFHTO response to 2024 Fall Economic Statement
Ontario’s community health sector, representing over 200,000 dedicated workers, is at a tipping point. Ontario’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement failed to address the urgent wage gap in the sector that is impacting the care millions of people in Ontario rely on. Community health workers in primary care, mental health and addictions, home care and more […]
Community health sector launches campaign profiling staffing challenges and impact to patient care
Community health sector launches campaign profiling staffing challenges and impact to patient care Sector calls for investments to close the growing wage gap for frontline workers Toronto, October 17, 2024 – Ten provincial associations representing Ontario’s community health sector are raising awareness of a growing wage gap impacting the care millions of Ontarians rely on. […]
Update to AFHTO Triad Summary – September 5, 2024
Dear EDs/Admin Leads, Lead Clinicians and Board Chairs, Hoping this message finds you well and that you all had a great summer. It has been a busy summer for AFHTO as we have been active with our Ontario Health colleagues. On September 5th, 2024, from 12:00-1:30 p.m., AFHTO met with EDs and other members of the […]
AFHTO Applauds Ontario Government’s Commitment to Expanding Primary Care Access
Toronto, ON – July 19, 2024 – The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) applauds the Ontario government’s recent announcement to connect up to 49,000 Toronto residents to primary care teams. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that more Ontarians have access to high-quality, comprehensive primary care services. This announcement follows […]
Important Advocacy Tools for Closing the Wage Gap in Community Health
Dear EDs/Admin Leads, Lead Clinicians and Board Chairs, Materials related to Thursday’s webinar are now available: Webinar recording and slides (new link) Template email note to send to staff Reminder- June 13th Member Advocacy Webinar Feedback Survey Thank you for participating in Thursday’s webinar. You are instrumental in helping us advocate effectively with local MPPs. […]
Advocacy Campaign: Community health organizations Member Webinar and Survey
Dear Members, In recognition of the staffing crisis community health organizations are facing, a collection of Ontario’s community health care associations is launching a new advocacy campaign aimed at closing the wage gap between the community health sector and other sectors. This advocacy campaign includes a government relations strategy to mobilize the Government of Ontario […]
Bits & Pieces: climate change webinar, immunization and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Climate change is a health issue: adopting a green health strategy at your team AFHTO 2024 Conference: abstract deadline this Friday Member stories OCDPA Queen’s Park Day 2024 News and updates including immunization recommendations for children previously immunized with oral poliovirus vaccine Reminder- the Ontario Health […]
2024 federal budget highlights
This week, Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland released the 2024 federal budget, “Fairness for Every Generation,” found here. EnterpriseHealth has highlighted the following pieces that are relevant to AFHTO members: International Health Care workers Budget 2024 proposes to provide $77.1 million over four years, starting in 2025-26, to more effectively integrate internationally educated health […]
Letter to Minister of Health regarding 2024 Ontario budget
April 15, 2024 Hon. Sylvia JonesDeputy Premier & Minister of HealthMinistry of Health 5th Floor 777 Bay St. Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 Dear Minister Jones, On behalf of the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) and our 190 members, including the over 2000 family physicians and 2400 healthcare professionals we represent across the […]
NDP Leader Site Visit at South East Toronto FHT
The NDP Leader site visit sparked an insightful discussion about advocating for increased funding to support existing healthcare providers and attract physicians to clinics like Health Access Taylor Massey (HATM). This is due to the ever-increasing demand for quality healthcare services and the existing shortage of healthcare professionals directly impacting patient care and outcomes. During […]
Bill 124 and OHT proposed regulations feedback
Bill 124 Dear Board Chairs, EDs/Admin Leads and Lead Clinicians, As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of recruitment and retention, it’s crucial for us to stay informed about the impacts of legislative changes on teams. With the recent repeal of Bill 124, we’re eager to hear from you about how this development has […]
Ontario’s community health care associations responded to the 2024 Budget
March 27, 2024 Urgent action is required by Ontario government to address worsening staffing crisis in Ontario’s community health sector Associations representing over 200,000 workers in community health respond to 2024 Ontario Budget TORONTO, ON – Today, a coalition of Ontario’s community health care associations responded to Ontario’s 2024 Budget. While we welcome the government’s […]
Budget 2024: $546 million investment to expand and enhance access to team-based primary care
After a year of advocacy on funding to expand and enhance access to team-based primary care, AFHTO’s advocacy efforts have proven successful as the Ontario government announces a $546 million investment in primary care, aiming to connect up to 600,000 individuals to primary care teams. This afternoon, Ontario’s Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy presented the […]
$3.1 billion agreement to improve health care in Ontario, with team-based primary care as a central focus
After months of advocacy with both the federal and provincial governments, AFHTO is pleased to let our members know of a new agreement that will see new investment of $3.1 billion into Ontario’s health care system. This investment includes significant funding to increase access to primary care through creating new primary care teams and boosting […]
Winter 2024 Highlights: Ministry of Health Quarterly Meeting and AFHTO Leadership Council
AFHTO and the Primary Health Care Branch will be meeting February 16th, 2024. AFHTO Leadership Council met on February 2nd, and below are highlights from that meeting and updates on work that is underway. Enterprise Canada Presentation on Ontario Community Health Compensation Market Salary Review Advocacy Accomplishments and Next Steps: Carly Bergamini, Director from EnterpriseHealth […]
Beyond the Eckler Report: Building Our Advocacy Efforts Together
Hello EDs and Admin leads, In our ongoing commitment to supporting team-based care and advocating for our members, we recognize the critical role your experiences play in shaping our efforts. Your insights are crucial for driving these advocacy efforts forward, and we invite you to participate in our Expanded Membership Survey to help us better […]
EOI Funding announcement: $110 million investment to expand and enhance access to team-based primary care
After almost a year of advocacy on funding to expand and enhance access to team-based primary care, AFHTO’s advocacy efforts have proven successful as the Ontario government announces a $110 million investment in primary care, aiming to connect up to 328,000 individuals to healthcare teams. This morning, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, […]
Bits & Pieces: AFHTO 2024 pre-budget submission and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO 2024 pre-budget submission Member stories News and updates including microstructural brain abnormalities, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction after mild COVID-19 Expression of Interest: Regional Primary Care Clinical Lead GoodLife member benefit- 25% off Primary Care Networks in OHTs webinar materials available New resources from the Canadian […]
AFHTO’s 2024 Pre-Budget Submission
Dear AFHTO Members, On behalf of the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario, I would like to share our 2024 prebudget submission with you. As you know, AFHTO envisions a health care system where every Ontarian will have access to high-quality, comprehensive, cost effective, integrated interprofessional primary care, leading to better health outcomes for […]
Bits & Pieces: Community health sector pre-budget submission and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Community health sector pre-budget submission 2024-25 Member stories News and updates including tracking Ontario ED wait times Nominations open for Nursing Now Ontario Awards Reminder- UpToDate discount available to members Study on care manager competencies in home-based primary care Upcoming events including Primary Care Networks in […]
Fall Highlights 2023: AFHTO IHP Advisory Council Meeting
The AFHTO IHP Advisory Council met on September 7th, 2023. Below are highlights from the Fall 2023 Council meeting. IHP Document – Strategic Direction AFHTO presented a new strategic direction for the IHP Guiding document which encompasses four main areas: Legal Scope of Practice: Ensuring clarity and compliance. Guidance on Roles: Providing valuable insights into […]
Bits & Pieces: letter to minister regarding EOI process and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Letter to Minister Jones on ensuring equitable access to team-based care AFHTO 2023 Conference: less than 4 weeks to our early bird deadline Canadian health and COVID-19 survey- deadline extended to Sep. 8 News and updates including the need for change in Ontario health care Seeking […]
Letter to Minister Jones on Ensuring Equitable Access to Team-Based Care – August 28, 2023
August 28, 2023 The Honourable Sylvia Jones Minister of Health and Deputy Premier Ministry of Health College Park 5th Floor, 777 Bay Street Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 Dear Deputy Premier, Subject: Ensuring Equitable Access to Team-Based Care On behalf of the Ontario College of Family Physicians, the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario, […]
Bits & Pieces: market salary review update and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Market Salary Review Survey update Funding for new and expanded midwifery services Opportunity to receive free N95 masks during Wildfire Season Changes to the QI In Action eBulletin Reminder- UpToDate discount available to members New and improved Canadian Traumatic Brain Injury Clinical Practice Guideline Upcoming events- […]
Spring Highlights 2023: AFHTO IHP Advisory Council Meeting
The AFHTO IHP Advisory Council met on June 5th, 2023. Below are highlights from the Spring 2023 Council meeting. Market Salary Review & Compensation Working Group: The market salary review survey closed on May 26th, 2023. AFHTO members had an excellent participation rate, with 42% of members responding to the survey. Eckler, a third-party consultant, […]
Bits & Pieces: submission on Physician Services Agreement and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO submission on the 2024 Physician Services Agreement Member stories News and updates – OCFP’s new IPAC tool and more Summer travel perks Upcoming events- Health beyond healthcare: a conversation on medical solutions for social issues and more AFHTO submission on the 2024 Physician Services […]
Bits & Pieces: team expansion materials and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Expanding and enhancing interprofessional primary care teams EOI – new resources Member stories News and updates – OMA’s call for more team-based care, FAO health sector budget review and more Connect with your peers using AFHTO’s IHP Directory Evidence of value- the impact of continuity of […]
Bits & Pieces: 2023 Ontario budget and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Overview of the 2023 Ontario government budget Farewell to Abisola Otepola PCC submission re Bill 60, Your Health Act, 2023 Reminder- CPS Full Access free trial ends April 1 Chronic noncancer pain management: Integration of a nurse-led program in primary care Upcoming events including DFCM New […]
Overview of the 2023 Ontario Government Budget
2023 Ontario Budget – Building a Strong Ontario An overview of the Ontario government’s budget March 24, 2023 Overview Yesterday the government released their 2023 Ontario Budget, Building a Strong Ontario. This budget focuses on five pillars: Building Ontario’s Economy for Today and Tomorrow Building Highways, Transit and Infrastructure Projects Working for Workers Keeping Your […]
Bits & Pieces: inclusive community grants and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Applications open for 2023-24 Inclusive Community Grants Member stories Infant Moderna shelf-life extension, Canada investing in Long COVID research and more Join the Ontario First Trimester Preeclampsia Screening Task Force- deadline Mar. 15 Call for expression of interest: Ontario MHA Oversight Table It’s never too early […]
Bits & Pieces: 2023 pre-budget submission and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue 2023 pre-budget submission and a new Canada Health Transfer agreement Collaboration in team-based primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic: study COVID vaccinations and digital supports materials Member stories Coming soon: Updated High Risk OBSP genetic assessment referral criteria and forms Seeking participants for an online survey […]
Primary Care Leaders Urge Canada’s Premiers and Federal Government to Strike a Deal That Focuses on Expanding Team-Based Primary Care Including Access to a Primary Care Provider
TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2023 /CNW/ – The Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) is encouraging Premiers across the country, and the federal government, to strike a new Canada Health Transfer agreement that will focus on expanding team-based care and ensure that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner within an interprofessional team. At […]
AFHTO’s 2023 Pre-Budget Submission
On February 6, 2023 AFHTO submitted our recommendations to the government for their 2023 budget. Recommendations 1 and 2 of our 2023 pre-budget submission was done in collaboration with partners in the Primary Care Collaborative and recommendation 3 and 4 are two other recommendations AFHTO is advocating for. With primary care at the foundation, our […]
Request to Participate in the 2023 Compensation Market Salary Review – Heads Up
Dear Executive Directors and Admin Leads, As you may be aware, in 2022, multiple associations/organizations came together as the Community Compensation Working Group to jointly support a market survey to get a better idea of the wage disparity and compensation challenges. To ensure a successful market study with a substantive sample, we require your collaboration […]
Bits & Pieces: perks to get you through winter and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Perkopolis winter discounts Reminder- is there a doctor on board? #AFHTO2023 help needed ICYMI- mental health and addiction funding letters Fellowship in Journalism and Health Impact- deadline Feb. 17 Association between virtual primary care and ED use and more Workplace mental health training for health care […]
Bits & Pieces: market salary review underway and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Market salary review underway Reminder- Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8 Member stories Supporting Caregivers webinar materials available Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care materials available The latest on COVID, Influenza and Respiratory Viruses materials and more New guidance […]
2023 Compensation Market Refresh – Review Underway
Market Salary Review Underway The Community Health Compensation Working Group – representing ten provincial associations – has retained Eckler Ltd. consulting services to conduct a community health market salary review for Ontario. The review will include interprofessional primary care, community support services, community mental health, and long-term care. The final report will give us greater […]
Strengthening mental healthcare delivery in primary care
The OMA and the Primary Care Collaborative have released a joint policy paper with recommendations to strengthen mental healthcare delivery in primary care. The rate of new mental health and addiction diagnoses is increasing, exacerbated by the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. Approximately three-quarters of Canadians rely on their primary care provider to address their […]
AFHTO reflects on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Every year, on September 30, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day to honour and commemorate survivors and ancestors who were and continue to be impacted by the tragic and painful history of residential schools. The last residential school closed in 1996 and […]
Bits & Pieces: tomorrow #AFHTO2022 early bird deadline and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Tomorrow is the #AFHTO2022 early bird deadline AFHTO annual report featuring your stories OurCare national survey launched School immunization programs Wellness check: dealing with transitions and managing stress materials Bill 7 implementation memo and more Reminder- UpToDate price changes coming in October Next B&P after #AFHTO2022 […]
Government’s 5-point Plan to Stay Open: Health System Stability and Recovery
To EDs/admin leads, board chairs and lead clinicians of AFHTO member teams Dear members, This morning the government released its 5-point Plan to Stay Open: Health System Stability and Recovery. With a plan to focus on protecting hospital capacity and supporting long-term care, we are disappointed that there was no tangible supports for primary care […]
Bits & Pieces: where will children under 5 get vaccines and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue COVID-19 vaccinations for kids under 5 Open letter to keep expanded access to care for uninsured people Minto Mapleton FHT meets with MPP Member stories New toolkit to help health care providers deliver virtual care to Canadians Paid COVID sick days back until March 31, 2023, […]
Spring Highlights 2022: AFHTO Leadership Council
The AFHTO Leadership Council met on June 14, 2022. Below are highlights from the spring 2022 council meeting, projects that are underway, and links to useful resources, including last week’s webinar on the Working for Workers Act. Compensation Markey Review in Primary and Community Care We know that compensation rates across teams is a huge […]
Bits & Pieces: #AFHTO2022 abstract deadline tomorrow and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO 2022 conference abstract deadline tomorrow Nominations to the AFHTO Board of Directors are open until July 29, 2022 Practical technologies that can enable ageing in place materials available Almost time for Election 2022 Member stories Mental wellness supports, planning vaccination for the under 5-yr olds […]
Election 2022: It Takes a Team!
Click here for the recording and deck from the advocacy webinar with Enterprise Canada on April 6 Click here for AFHTO’s ranking of all parties’ election platforms The 2022 provincial election wrapped up on June 2, and AFHTO is looking forward to working with the new government. The pandemic exposed many gaps and […]
Bits & Pieces: advancing equity in cancer screening for gender-diverse clients and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Advancing equity in cancer screening for gender-diverse clients June 17 Welcome to Abisola Otepola Reminder- Practical technologies that can enable ageing in place webinar May 19 Just a couple weeks left for Election 2022 Clinical systems renewal funding guidelines and template National Physiotherapy Month Access to […]
Bits & Pieces: nursing week, OAB funding materials and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Happy National Nursing Week Online appointment booking 2022/23 funding webinar materials available Election 2022: It Takes a Team Online OHIP renewal finally updated June 2- deadline to implement right to disconnect policy Long COVID: aiming for a consensus and more GoodLife – chance to win a […]
AFHTO’s Response to Ontario’s 2022 Spring Budget
TORONTO, April 29, 2022 /CNW/ – On behalf of the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) members across the province, AFHTO welcomes the investments in home care, mental health care, and health human resources in the 2022 Ontario Budget, Ontario’s Plan to Build. The investments will help strengthen the critical areas of home […]
Letter to Minister Elliott – Scheduled lifting of public health measures
April 21, 2022 Hon. Christine Elliott Minister of Health 777 Bay St., College Park, 5th Floor Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 Dear Minister Elliott, As associations representing interprofessional primary healthcare teams, we are concerned about the projected impact of what both Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, and our Chief Medical Officer […]
Bits & Pieces: Apr. 14 IPAC webinar and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Reminder – IPAC strategies to ensure a safe environment in primary care clinics Apr. 14 Election advocacy webinar slides and video available Ontario expanding access to COVID-19 antivirals & PCR testing and more Study to investigate barriers in the diagnosis and management of dementia in primary […]
Election 2022: 52 days to go!
Hi everyone, It’s exciting to be speaking with teams about their current advocacy and the work being planned for the coming two months as we head towards the June 2 provincial election! The election is expected to start on May 4. As you all know, though, parties are in full election mode now. To help […]
Bits & Pieces: member stories, farewell to Sandeep and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Member stories Farewell to Sandeep Gill Seeking Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations- deadline Mar. 25 Reminder – Ontario Health and Primary Care, MHA CoE, and HCNS, April 1 Reminder- Your Voice is Important: Election Campaign Training with Enterprise Canada, Apr. 6, 2022 The second anniversary […]
Reallocation Requests 2021-22
Please support AFHTO with a voluntary contribution As we enter into post-pandemic recovery, the foundational role of primary care has never been as important. However, the work ahead of us is daunting and will require some additional supports and deliberate attention. Please consider supporting AFHTO in the upcoming year by making a reallocation to […]
Bits & Pieces: election advocacy materials ready and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Provincial Election 2022: advocacy material is now ready CIRA’s Community Investment Program grant application open March 1 Vaccine information sheets updated and more Submission of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) for 2022/23 voluntary Update on tests now covered by OHIP Seeking input for social connections and living […]
Election 2022 – it Takes a Team – Social Graphics
For the 2022 election, here are graphics that you can use for social media to help with local advocacy! There are seven images. You can right click on any image you’d like to use and save it to your desktop. If you have any questions or need support, please email advocacy@afhto.ca
Bits & Pieces: 2022 pre-budget submission, OHIP inequity and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO’s 2022 Pre-Budget Submission Inequity in online OHIP renewal being addressed FHT contract extension confirmed Our response regarding the impact of team-based care on ED visits Windsor Essex OHT announced Updates re revoking Directive #2 and more Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines Program extended Advance care planning guides on […]
Advocacy for Equity in Online OHIP Renewal
AFHTO learned in fall 2021 that only people with a valid Ontario driver’s license could renew their OHIP card online. Most people who could not drive needed to go in-person to a ServiceOntario office. This was particularly concerning as many people without a license are not in this position by choice. A disability that prevents some […]
AFHTO’s 2022 Pre-Budget Submission
On February 10, AFHTO submitted our recommendations to the government for their 2022 budget. Our 2022 pre-budget submission was done in collaboration with our five partners in the Primary Care Collaborative. With primary care at the foundation, our submission lays out what is needed to help build a province where people can access better care, […]
Follow-up on January’s regional calls with EDs and admin leads;update from meeting with the Primary Health Care Branch
Note: This email is going to executive directors, lead physicians, NP clinical directors, and board chairs Dear leadership triad, Thank you to all executive directors and admin leads who joined their regional call with us at end of January. It is always helpful to hear from you, and we hope you found the call and […]
Letter to Minister Elliott on Public Health Measures – January 27, 2022
January 27, 2022 Hon. Christine Elliott Minister of Health College Park, 777 Bay St., 5th floor Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 Dear Minister Elliott, We commend the government for expediting vaccinations last month and for beginning the fourth dose for the most vulnerable people. Returning to a modified step two of the “Roadmap to Reopen”, […]
Bits & Pieces: OHIP renewal inequity, member stories and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Inequity in online renewal for OHIP Practical approaches to polypharmacy: the gentle art of deprescribing slides and video available Member stories Interim Omicron guidance, booster letter and more Seeking input on psychological safety factors Together We Care 2022 Virtual Conference: call for content Call for abstracts […]
Inequities in Ontario’s online health card renewal system must be addressed so marginalized people are not left behind
MEDIA STATEMENT December 7, 2021 The Alliance for Healthier Communities (Alliance), the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO), the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC), and the Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic Association (NPLCA) call on the government to address the inequities in the online health card renewal system. “The ability to renew the Ontario […]
Letter to the Premier on Mandatory Hospital Vaccinations
The Premier’s Office recently requested input from multiple stakeholders on making vaccinations mandatory in hospitals with a province-wide strategy. AFHTO agrees this is critical in lowering the risk to employees’ and patients’ health from outbreaks, and it helps to address risks to staffing shortages due to illnesses that can be significant and unpredictable. While there […]
Ontario Health Teams
Originally published April 8, 2019. Last updated October 20, 2021. The People’s Health Care Act, 2019, received royal assent in spring 2019, and the first Ontario Health Teams (OHT) were announced in November 2019. There have been two additional announcements since then. To date, there are 50 OHTs. General information about the Act is here. The […]
Bits & Pieces: member stories, rheumatology in primary care and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Member stories Rheumatology in primary care: approach to the patient with peripheral joint pain It’s election time! please register for AFHTO’s member consultation forum AFHTO partnering with 19 to Zero Maintaining immunizations for school-age children during Covid-19 and more Merging Quorum groups: Primary Care and COVID-19 […]
Truth and Reconciliation Day Statement from the Primary Care Collaborative
On the inaugural National Truth and Reconciliation Day being recognized today across Canada, the Primary Care Collaborative values the opportunity and responsibility to acknowledge some of the actions that can help support better understanding of colonization, the trauma of residential schools for Indigenous people and communities, and the ongoing impacts of systemic racism, […]
Directive 6 Must Apply To Patient-Facing Team-Based Primary Care Providers During COVID-19
To: Hon. Doug Ford, Premier Hon. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health Cc: Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ministry of Health Matthew Anderson, CEO, Ontario Health Helen Angus, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health (outgoing) Re: Directive 6 must apply to patient-facing team-based primary care providers during COVID-19 September 3, 2021 […]
Bits & Pieces: virtual funding opps, aggregate report update, and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Virtual funding opportunities for primary care, Sep. 16 Expanding your differential diagnosis, Oct. 14 3rd dose referral and guidance Update on COVaxON Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report Reminder – Pandemic PPE Transitional Supports (PPTS) Keeping our kids safe at school, new IPAC guidance, and more New […]
Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 malnutrition, conference registration and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue COVID-19 malnutrition – how to identify and treat in team-based primary care AFHTO 2021 conference registration now open Thank you for your 2021 Bright Lights nominations Order printed cancer screening awareness materials by Sep. 3 for your team Member consultation forum on election strategy postponed Fall […]
Need for Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and Education for all public servants
To: Hon. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health Hon. Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General Cc: Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister, Indigenous Affairs Matthew Anderson, CEO, Ontario Health Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ministry of Health Helen Angus, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health Re: Need for Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and Education […]
Bits & Pieces: 2022 election priorities, free bot to document vaccines and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue 2022 Election Priorities: seeking members’ input AFHTO statement on racism and hate Reminder- Cancer screening during the pandemic and onwards, June 21 Nominations to the AFHTO Board of Directors open until July 30 Free bot to help document vaccinations and more Update on the Ontario Structured […]
AFHTO Statement on Racism and Hate
We want to start by expressing our grief and sorrow about the tragic and horrifying events of the last few weeks, recognizing that racism and hate has been part of Canada since its inception. We mourn the discovery of the mass grave at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The profound loss of 215 […]
Primary Care Collaborative looks forward to working closely with new Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore
TORONTO, June 2, 2021 /CNW/ – The Primary Care Collaborative (“PCC”) congratulates Dr. Kieran Moore on his official appointment as Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, effective June 26, 2021. We also extend our appreciation to Dr. David Williams for his leadership in this role over the past five years. Thank you, Dr. Williams, for your dedication and important work to keep Ontarians safe, […]
Ontario government’s paid sick leave legislation doesn’t go far enough
Shared by the Primary Care Collaborative Ontario government’s paid sick leave legislation doesn’t go far enough and too many workplaces remain open: Workers need protection that provides flexible paid sick leave for illnesses, to self-isolate and to get vaccinated TORONTO – April 30 – Simply put, this just isn’t enough. As well, far […]
PCC calls for more supports for essential workers and workplaces, more robust community vaccination rollout & isolation supports
Shared by the Primary Care Collaborative Toronto – April 17, 2021 – The organizations of the Primary Care Collaborative echo the alarms being sounded by our healthcare and public health colleagues since Friday. There was no doubt given the modelling from the Ontario COVID-19 Science Table Advisory Board on Friday afternoon that additional measures were […]
Stay-At-Home Order Welcome But More Needed
Shared by the Primary Care Collaborative April 7, 2021 – The Primary Care Collaborative welcomes the Ontario Government’s announcement of new provincial measures to stop the alarming spread of COVID-19. While the vaccine rollout continues across the province, we are in a race against the variants, and bold action was needed to protect all Ontarians, […]
Bits & Pieces: respiratory care during COVID-19, Stay-at-Home order and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Respiratory care during COVID-19: what have we learned one year later, Apr. 21 Ontario needs a Stay-at-Home order Member stories Lessons learned from KFLA Moderna community vaccination clinics and more UpToDate discount reminder Evaluation and performance improvement for OHTs CoP and webinar Upcoming events including improving […]
Ontario needs a Stay-at-Home order
Ontario needs a Stay-at-Home order, community vaccination plans, and paid sick leave for ALL workers to stop spread of COVID-19 variants, reduce the burden on health care TORONTO – April 6, 2021 – Amid an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the Primary Care Collaborative shares concerns expressed by the Ontario Hospital Association, […]
Bits & Pieces: oxygen saturation monitors for COVID@Home, Primary Care Collaborative and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Oxygen saturation of COVID home monitoring Announcing the Primary Care Collaborative Your role in improving the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications Member stories Joint letter on vaccine dose intervals for indigenous populations Patient-facing document updates, Gen. Hillier memo and […]
The Primary Care Collaborative
COVID-19 shows the vital roles primary care providers play every day for community health and wellbeing and health system cooperation in Ontario Toronto, March 29, 2021 – During COVID-19, we see again and again across Ontario that communities – from people living in large urban centres to smaller cities to towns and rural […]
Joint Letter on Vaccine dose intervals for Indigenous populations
To: Premier Doug Ford Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier, Minster of Health Cc: Dr. Dirk Huyer, Coordinator, Provincial Outbreak Response Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Re: Changes to dosing schedule for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution to Urban Indigenous populations March 26, 2021 Dear Premier Ford and Minister […]