Primary Care

Report reveals ‘alarming trend’ of private staffing agencies in Ontario hospitals

New report reveals growth in government funding on Ontario’s public hospital systems has been significantly outpaced by spending on private staffing agencies.

Community oversight essential to improving primary care in Ontario

It’s time to roll up our sleeves and choose to build a primary care system that can truly stand as the foundation for Ontario’s health and social systems.

LifeLabs strike highlights risks of foreign ownership in Canadian health care

The months-long strike at British Columbia’s LifeLabs has raised questions about foreign ownership of medical services and Canadians’ health data.

Changes to the Canada Health Act could help address Ontario’s health system issues. Will the province be on board?

The successful implementation of the Canadian Health Act (CHA) reform due to take place in April 2026 will depend on provincial cooperation rather than competition between health-care professionals.

My birth sex is part of my medical history; it should be as private as the rest of my medical history

Insisting on primary birth sex identification for trans people does little to improve the health of trans and gender diverse persons; it merely exchanges one theoretical set of adverse health care outcomes for others that are definite and far more impactful.

Trade war yet another blow to patient care in Canada

The Trump administration’s trade war is sowing chaos and uncertainty around the world. Its effects on Canada's health-care system are no exception.

How health care works in Canada: What to know ahead of the federal election

With voters heading to the polls on April 28, we figured it’s time for a refresher on how health policy is made and where the parties stand.

To make health care better, we must hold on to our rage

We have perhaps gotten too used to hearing about health care underfunding and staffing issues. But we can't afford to stop talking about it.

New models of care are nice but funding is what we need

By aligning compensation for primary care professionals with the value they provide and ensuring fair recognition of their contributions, the health-care system can build a stronger, more equitable foundation moving forward.

Why health care should be the ballot box issue this election

Canadians have a lot to worry about right now. But as we vote in the government that will see us through this unprecedented time, health care must be core to the government agenda.

Health care and the Canadian election: What experts are hoping to hear

Canadian health-care leaders will be listening closely to what our federal politicians have to say on the campaign trail. This is what they hope to hear from candidates this election.

Protecting the Canada Health Act comes at the expense of patients

It’s time to stop treating the Canada Health Act as a symbol and start treating it as what it is: A tool that needs updating.

No reinforcements

Practising family medicine in a rural community is dire these days. It’s precarious for patients and stressful for physicians and there’s no one coming to save us.

‘We might die because you won’t wear a mask’: A plea to health-care workers

Yes, it’s time to mask again. We need to do better. We know how to do better. We can save so many lives and preserve the dignity of patients in the process.

Is your doctor watching YouTube? The role of FOAMed in medical education 

Free Open Access Medical Education is a growing movement in the medical community aimed at enhancing medical education through online resources.

Interprofessional education essential in Ontario’s vision for primary care teams

A coordinated, evidence-informed educational plan must accompany the system-wide reform, so that both future and current practitioners can thrive in and lead this change.

Breaking down barriers: How to improve refugee access to health care

Refugees often face language barriers, cultural differences and a lack of knowledge about our health-care system, which can lead to delays in receiving care and poorer health outcomes.

Report highlights systemic discrimination against International Medical Graduates in Canada

Canada’s current system for integrating IMGs is inefficient, inequitable and contributes to the physician shortage. By acknowledging these barriers and implementing targeted reforms, Canada can build a fairer, more effective health-care workforce.

Ontario provincial election will affect health care greatly: Choose wisely

With a provincial election coming in a few days, there are a few things we should reflect on regarding health care in our province.

The reality of family medicine has changed. The health system must keep up

It’s time to break down the siloes in health care and focus on collaboration instead. No one wants to leave patients out in the cold.