Ontario’s Doctor Shortage Hits Crisis Point: Over 2.5 Million Ontarians Without Family Doctors
Experts warn that primary care access will worsen without immediate action as over 40% of family doctors consider retirement.
Ontario is grappling with an escalating doctor shortage, leaving more than 2.5 million residents without a family doctor, according to recent data from the Ontario College of Family Physicians. This figure represents a staggering increase of 400,000 since 2020, and projections suggest the situation could deteriorate further. Experts warn that unless swift measures are implemented, Ontario may face a critical healthcare challenge by 2026, with an estimated 4.4 million residents unable to access primary care.
Dr. Dominik Nowak, President of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), cautions that the crisis will likely “get worse before it gets better.” Speaking to CP24.com, Dr. Nowak emphasized, “Nearly one in four people in this province are living through this reality. Unless the province acts decisively, this strain will deepen, impacting the health of countless Ontarians.”
In a bid to address the crisis, the Ford government has appointed Dr. Jane Philpott, former federal Liberal Health Minister, to spearhead a new primary care action team. The team’s mandate aims to connect every Ontarian to primary care within five years. Dr. Nowak described the move as a “bold first step,” but stressed that tangible results must follow swiftly.
“What the government now needs to do is implement Dr. Philpott’s recommendations. This cannot just be a political maneuver—it must translate into action felt by patients and doctors within 90 days,” Dr. Nowak said.
Among the government’s initiatives is the expansion of the “Learn and Stay” program, which offers financial incentives to medical students committing to practice in Ontario. Starting in 2026, the $88 million program will cover tuition and other costs for 1,360 undergraduate students, potentially connecting 1.36 million residents to family doctors.
While praising this initiative, Dr. Nowak noted that the province must accelerate its efforts. “The strain on Ontario’s healthcare system is already immense. We need immediate measures to alleviate the pressure on both patients and providers,” he added.
Ontario needs 3,500 new family doctors to meet current demand, according to the OMA. Dr. Andrew Boozary, Executive Director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine, described the situation as a “real system failure.”
“It’s hard to call this a universal healthcare system when 25% of the population cannot access primary care,” Dr. Boozary remarked. He highlighted that the doctor shortage not only affects Ontario but is a nationwide issue, with over 6.5 million Canadians lacking primary care access.
Boozary stressed the need for fundamental reform, including team-based care models that integrate nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals into family practices. “These collaborative approaches can reduce long-term costs while ensuring better patient outcomes,” he said.Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie unveiled an ambitious healthcare plan in December, promising to double medical school spots, establish two new medical schools, and expand evening and weekend clinic hours. “You deserve a trusted relationship with your doctor, regardless of where you live or your health conditions,” Crombie stated.
Meanwhile, Health Minister spokesperson Hannah Jensen defended the government’s record, citing a 50% increase in primary care funding since 2018 and the largest expansion of medical school education in 15 years. However, she accused the OMA of “scoring cheap political points” during ongoing contract negotiations.Experts agree that immediate action is critical. “Delays in addressing primary care shortages will exacerbate pressures across the entire healthcare system, from emergency departments to long-term care,” Dr. Boozary said.
As the province debates solutions, Ontarians continue to face prolonged wait times, limited access to care, and growing uncertainty about their healthcare future. Without swift and substantial reform, the promise of universal healthcare remains out of reach for millions.