As part of its plan to connect everyone in Ontario to a publicly funded family doctor or primary care team, the Ontario government is investing $1,739,300 in Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre this year.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford said the funding will help continue indigenous-led health care in the Treaty #3 region, connecting up to 1,659 people to primary care.
“This investment is entirely indicative of the trajectory of healthcare in Treaty #3 Territory,” Rickford said. “Driven by leadership on the ground and continued partnerships, we are expanding Indigenous-led primary care and increasing patient attachment to build out a system of care that works.”
Providing Indigenous-led and community-based primary healthcare, Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre will establish a process to accept new patients and will communicate this to local communities.
Access Centre interim Executive Director Nakita Ali said the funding will help indigenous residents access culturally sensitive care.
“This investment represents more than an expansion of primary care services; it is an investment in Indigenous-led health services, culturally safe care, and Indigenous self-determination,” she said. “Indigenous Peoples continue to face health inequities shaped by the lasting impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma, making access to trusted, culturally grounded care more important than ever.”
The funding is provided through the latest call for proposals under the Primary Care Action Plan, with 124 teams receiving funding expected to connect another 500,000 patients to primary care across Ontario. Each team has established a plan to attach a high proportion of unattached people in their community, including those on the Health Care Connect waitlist.
Through the 2026 Budget, the Government of Ontario is also increasing overall funding for the plan to a total of $3.4 billion between 2025 and 2029.
The funding will allow the Health Access Centre to expand its offerings across the southern part of Treaty #3 territory.
“Through this funding, Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre will expand holistic, team-based primary care across Southern Treaty #3 territory; strengthen patient attachment and continue building a model of care grounded in trust, relationship and culture,” Ali said.
“This investment is a meaningful step forward in reconciliation and reflects the power of Indigenous-led solutions designed by Indigenous Peoples, for Indigenous Peoples. Together, we are building a healthier future where Indigenous families can access timely, co-ordinated and culturally responsive care.”
The province says it has exceeded its 2025-2026 attachment goal under the Primary Care Action Plan, which was to connect 300,000 patients to a primary care provider by March 31, 2026. As of Jan. 1, 2026, the province has already attached 330,000 people to care in 2025-2026, surpassing its goal by more than 30,000 with three months still to go.
