Timmins Council Approves Funding for Physician Start-Up Grant

The Timmins City Council has approved a municipal contribution to the 'Physician Start-Up Grant.' The grant will provide $20,000 per new physician recruit, with a maximum of $200,000 per year for the next three years. These funds will be included in the City's 2025 municipal budget.

The decision follows a presentation by the Timmins Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (TPRRC) on the current and projected physician shortage in Timmins. The city currently needs 40 physicians and may need over 80 by 2029.

The 'Physician Start-Up Grant' aims to help new doctors establish their practices in Timmins. The initiative plans to match contributions from the Timmins and District Hospital, the City of Timmins, and industry partners for up to 10 physicians per year. With hospital and municipal contributions confirmed, the TPRRC will now seek support from industry leaders.

Mayor Michelle Boileau highlighted the potential impact on residents, noting that many are already without direct access to a family physician or specialist. The mayor emphasized the importance of adequate healthcare access, especially with projected growth in the mining sector.