Ontario Allocates Funds to Train More Family Doctors

The Ontario government has announced a plan to allocate an estimated $88 million over three years starting in 2026 to expand the Learn and Stay grants. This initiative is aimed at supporting 1,360 undergraduate students who commit to practicing family medicine in Ontario after graduation. The funding will cover tuition and other educational costs in exchange for service as a physician in any community within the province.

The plan includes legislative changes requiring Ontario medical schools to reserve 95% of undergraduate seats for residents of Ontario. This is intended to increase the likelihood that graduates will practice within the province. Additionally, the government will review the visa trainee program to prioritize training capacity for Ontario students.

Since its introduction in 2023, the Learn and Stay Grant has supported nearly 7,500 students in nursing, paramedicine, and medical lab technology programs. The expansion to include family medicine aims to address the shortage of family doctors in Ontario.

The government estimates that this investment will connect an additional 1.36 million people to primary care based on average attachment rates for family doctors.