6 Days Left. Submit Your Abstract by June 16!
Submit your abstract- deadline June 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM (EDT) The countdown is on. Abstracts due June 16 at 5:00 PM (EDT). If you’ve got an idea, insight, or innovation, now is the time to share it. Don’t wait. Submit your abstract for #AFHTO2025 today. Whether you’re in primary care, public […]
Got a bold idea? Submit your “Wild Card” abstract for AFHTO’s 2025 Conference by June 16!
Wild cards welcome to AFHTO 2025 Power of Primary Care Conference Every year we receive brilliant abstracts that defy categorization, and we welcome them. That’s why we created the Wild Card category under the conference theme: Meeting Needs, Advancing Equity: The Power of Comprehensive, Patient-Partnered Care. Instead of shoehorning them into a theme that […]
Call for abstracts – AFHTO’s The Power of Primary Care
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS NOW OPEN This is more than a showcase. It’s a design session for the future. Ontario’s primary care system is under a spotlight — and finally, under serious consideration. Investments are coming. Expectations are rising. And the window to shape what’s next is wide open. The Power of Primary Care is […]
Bits & Pieces: nursing week, CHOGIP webinar and more
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue National Nursing Week AFHTO and CHOGIP benefits overview webinar Last day to sign up to review abstracts, Bright Lights and more Member stories Cognitive stimulation therapy group fills a gap for patients with dementia News and updates including Healthy Debate series- Closing the gap: The urgent […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bits & Pieces: Infant and High-risk Children RSV Prevention Program; Help break the tie for livestreamed sessions
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue Infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program AFHTO 2024 Conference: we need your help to break the tie 2025 Compensation Planning Survey HPV testing implementation: online resource hub available Reminder- UpToDate discount available to members News and updates including COVID-19 XBB vaccine market withdrawal and covert […]
Bits & Pieces: nominations to the Board of Directors open and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Nominations to the AFHTO Board of Directors are open until August 1, 2024 Ontario consulting on expanding role of nurse practitioners AFHTO 2024 Conference registration now live Bright Lights deadline next Monday, July 15 Member stories Nominate a partner or healthcare inspiration for an AFHTO Board […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
$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 […]
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: compensation report now public and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Ontario Community Health Compensation Market Salary Review report now public Reminder- Greenshield essential medicines program information session Dec. 14 Member stories Pharmacists’ role and experiences with delivering mental health care in primary care teams during COVID-19 News and updates including 2023 Auditor General report – 1in […]
Bits & Pieces: free training series on managing workplace stress and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Free training series on managing workplace stress Greenshield essential medicines program information session Dec. 14 News and updates including MAID deaths coded to the underlying condition for which it was requested and more Perkopolis for holiday gifts Fantastic Opportunity to Take Over 1000 Patient Roster FHT/FHO […]
Ontario Community Health Compensation Market Salary Review report is here
Dear AFHTO Board Chairs, EDs/Admin Leads, and HR Managers, We want to express our appreciation for your participation in today’s webinar, which provided an update on the findings from the Ontario Community Health Compensation Market Salary Review, developed by Eckler. The webinar slides are attached (report findings and government relations). The recorded webinar […]
Bits & Pieces: improving vaccination rates is as easy as 1 2 3 and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Improving vaccination rates is as easy as 1 2 3: helping teams excel Expansion of the Ontario Breast Screening Program to people ages 40 to 49 News and updates including updated OCFP vaccine resources and IPAC guidance Seeking contribution to the design of an AI-Enabled encounter […]
Compensation market salary report webinar November 14
Dear AFHTO Members, The Ontario Health Compensation Market Salary Report is ready to be shared. Executive Directors, Admin Leads, and Human Resource Managers are invited to attend a webinar which will be held on Tuesday November 14th 12:00pm – 1:30pm. The webinar will include a technical briefing on the Compensation Market Salary Report […]
Bits & Pieces: update regarding market salary review and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Update – Market Salary Review AFHTO 2023 Conference: deadline to submit questions for fireside chat What does it take to care for a person after a Traumatic Brain Injury- materials available Member stories Next B&P after #AFHTO2023 Upcoming changes to the Ontario Breast Screening Program […]
Bits & Pieces: Ontario Health update video and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Ontario Health update and Q&A video Reminder- what does it take to care for a person after a Traumatic Brain Injury? The essential role of primary care. Oct. 5, 2023 AFHTO 2023 Conference: early bird deadline extended to Oct. 6 Ontario Health updates- new COVID-19 treatment […]
Bits & Pieces: less than one week to early bird deadline and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO 2023 Conference: less than one week to early bird deadline Reminder- what does it take to care for a person after a Traumatic Brain Injury? The essential role of primary care. Oct. 5, 2023 Member stories Ontario Health updates for primary care- deadlines Sep 29 […]
Fall Highlights 2023: Ministry of Health (MOH) Quarterly Meeting and AFHTO Leadership Council
AFHTO and the Primary Health Care Branch postponed their quarterly meeting for the fall. It will be held on September 26th. AFHTO Leadership Council met on September 8th, and below are highlights from that meeting and updates on work that is underway. Market Salary Review: AFHTO updated the council on the ongoing Market Salary Review […]
Bits & Pieces: hotel updates and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO 2023 Conference: hotel updates and more Connect with your peers using AFHTO’s IHP Directory News and updates including strengthening Ontario’s respiratory viral surveillance system report Feedback requested on new Ontario health quality standard: hypertension Upcoming events- What does it take to care for a person […]
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: 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- […]
Information exchange and e-ordering EOI deadline Aug 11 and compensation survey update
To EDs/Admin Leads, lead clinicians and board chairs of AFHTO member teams On July 11, Primary Care Program, Ontario Health sent out a call for expression of interests in Primary Care Information Exchange (PCIE) Limited Production Release (LPR). The original deadline (originally July 26) has now been extended to August 11, 2023. Please see below […]
Bits & Pieces: member stories, mental health week and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Member stories Deadline to sign up for an #AFHTO2023 working group is today Mental Health Week: May 1-7, 2023 EDs and Admin leads- advising IHPs re member updates, including compensation Member website access- when logins are blocked News and updates- virtual care not associated with higher […]
Bits & Pieces: create AFHTO 2023 Conference and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO 2023 Conference: create YOUR hybrid conference. Sign up by May 2 Welcome to Connor Kemp CPS: Beyond the Monograph webinar April 26 Compensation market survey walkthrough video Member stories Relevant news and reports – OHT updates and more Upcoming events including Autistic people and the […]
Register Now – New Governance Support Available
Hello EDs/Admin leads, board chairs, and lead clinicians, We’ve got all your Governance Training needs covered! Please see the Governance courses, webcast and training sessions available through AFHTO below: Provincial Webcast: Governing Through Complexity As a result of COVID-19, the implementation of Ontario Health Teams, HHR challenges, capacity and access constraints, and the shift to […]
Winter Highlights 2023: AFHTO Leadership Council
Fernando Tavares, Program Manager, Primary Health Care Branch, OHIP, Pharmaceuticals and Devices Division, MOH joined the AFHTO Leadership Council on February 17. Below are highlights from that meeting and updates on work that is underway. Q & A with Fernando Tavares Fernando Tavares joined the Leadership Council meeting for an hour-long Q&A session to discuss […]
Winter Highlights 2023: AFHTO IHP Advisory Council Meeting
We are pleased to launch the first AFHTO IHP Advisory Council Communique. The Council meets on a quarterly basis to provide input on primary care team matters related to IHPs, give advice to the AFHTO board and staff, and foster leadership across the IHP community. The council’s Terms of Reference and membership listing can be […]
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 […]
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: 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 […]
Year-End Update to Executive Directors/Administrative Leads – December 2022
Dear Executive Directors/Administrative Leads, With December now here, we would like to share updates on a few issues that are front of mind for many. We also met with the Primary Health Care Branch on December 1, and they provided some insight that we would like to share. Bill 124 Bill 124, Protecting a Sustainable […]
R&R Funding Letters Rolling Out Soon
Dear Executive Directors and Admin Leads, We received word late Friday afternoon that the FY 2019-20 recruitment and retention letters will be rolling out in the next month or so. Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) will be released shortly as well. As we learn more information, we will share with you, but we are pleased to […]
Reports and Updates on Recruitment & Retention
Reports: Conducting a “Refresh” of the Common Salary Structure for Primary Care Organizations in Ontario: 2017 Report[PDF] Toward A Primary Care Recruitment and Retention Strategy for Ontario — Primary Care Compensation Structure – June 2013-updated January 2014 [PDF] Costing Analysis for IPCO Compensation Structure – June 2013-updated January 2014 [PDF] Toward A Primary Care Recruitment and Retention […]
2017 Compensation Campaign: Getting to the 2012 Rates
2017 COMPENSATION CAMPAIGN “Investing in Interprofessional Primary Care Teams” We continue to call on the Ontario government to support primary health care interprofessional teams by investing an additional $130 million annually to bring our team members to the 2012 recommended wage rates. This figure is in addition to the current investments of $31.7 million annualized, […]
Re: Update on Compensation Commitment Announced in 2016-17 Provincial Budget 2016-17
Dear Colleagues As we all now know, the Government announced in their budget funding for compensation related to interprofessional primary care teams. Specifically, the commitment stated: “To ensure these clinics (CHCs, NPLCs, FHTs, AHACs and nursing stations) can effectively recruit and retain qualified interprofessional staff in primary care settings, Ontario will invest an additional […]