“Access to primary care is an important part of what makes Niagara a place where people want to live, work, invest and grow. When residents can access the care they need close to home, it strengthens quality of life, supports workforce attraction and contributes to long-term economic growth across the region.” – George Spezza, Director of Economic Development, Niagara Region.
News from Niagara’s Regional Government
Posted August 19th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Niagara has added 10 family physicians and connected more than 9,000 additional residents to primary care during the first six months of 2026, according to Ontario’s Ministry of Health.
“Every resident connected to a family doctor is a step toward a healthier, more equitable Niagara,” said Tom Insinna, Acting Niagara Regional Chair. “These results show meaningful progress and reflect the continued success behind physician recruitment and primary care access efforts across the region.”
Since January, local physician recruitment efforts have strengthened Niagara’s primary care network and helped more residents find a family doctor. This progress reflects sustained collaboration across municipalities, healthcare partners and local practices.
“These results are a clear sign that coordinated recruitment and access efforts are making a difference for residents,” said Ron Tripp, CAO, Niagara Region. “Niagara has strong momentum, and we remain focused on attracting doctors and improving access to care across the region.”
Connect to Care, launched in July 2025 by Niagara Region in partnership with Niagara’s 12 local area municipalities and the Niagara Practitioners’ Healthcare Alliance [https://npha.ca/], is one part of a broader regional effort to support physician recruitment and improve access to primary care. This ongoing campaign highlights the doctors available in Niagara while supporting the Region’s efforts to recruit and welcome more family doctors and specialists alike.
“Access to primary care is an important part of what makes Niagara a place where people want to live, work, invest and grow,” said George Spezza, Director of Economic Development, Niagara Region. “When residents can access the care they need close to home, it strengthens quality of life, supports workforce attraction and contributes to long-term economic growth across the region.”
Residents looking for a family doctor can find information about doctors and clinics accepting patients through Niagara Region’s Find a Doctor webpage [https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/find-a-doctor.aspx] or by calling 905-980-6000.
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