Our Advocacy Impact
From grassroots mobilization to government action, AFHTO members and partners drive real, measurable change for team-based primary care.
Our advocacy has moved government, shaped legislation, and secured historic funding for the people and teams who care for Ontarians every day.
This is the impact of a province-wide movement powered by teams, backed by evidence, and amplified by AFHTO.
BY THE NUMBERS
Here are just a few of the milestone achievements made possible through sustained advocacy, expert leadership, and strong member engagement.
#ForUsForYou petition for wage parity, in partnership with primary and community care associations.
participation at local pre-budget consultations in 2025 across AFHTO members.
in provincial investment through the Primary Care Action Plan to connect 2 million+ people.
over three years to expand interprofessional primary care team.
in 2025-26 for up to 80 new/expanded teams.
One Unified Voice
AFHTO’s advocacy extends far beyond supporting local teams. We play an increasingly important role at the system level, working directly with government, health system leaders, and partner organizations to build a future where every Ontarian has access to the care they need.
We play an active, strategic role in advancing primary care by:
- Serving as a member of the Primary Care Collaborative, Ontario’s unified voice for team-based primary care.
- Coordinating joint advocacy with Ontario’s professional associations.
- Engaging directly with government officials, including the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health, and decision makers.
- Providing real-time implementation insights to the Primary Care Action Team.
- Mobilizing rapid response efforts during system challenges and consultations.
Local Voices, Provincial Change
Minto Mapleton FHT and Listowel and Area FHT
The workforce of Family Health Teams is critically unstable with vacancy and staff turnover rates reaching 40%. These professionals leave the FHT to work in other care settings where they make more money doing the same job for the same hours.
Taddle Creek FHT
The widening wage gap is causing Family Health Teams to experience challenges in recruitment and retention, staffing shortages, vacancies in positions, staff feeling undervalued and demoralized – all of which has an impact on patient care and stability of health care system.
City of Kawartha Lakes FHT
It’s hard to staff the teams we have, let alone expand… Family health teams province-wide are losing staff while we wait for money that’s already been budgeted.
AFHTO’s Pre-Budget Submission
Every year, AFHTO develops a comprehensive, evidence-based pre-budget submission to reflect the key needs of the sector and outline our teams’ priorities in the next provincial budget. This work is not simply a document — it is the culmination of months of listening to teams, analyzing data, and understanding what patients and communities truly need.
We spell out bold, achievable solutions to stabilize the workforce, support system sustainability, and accelerate attachment capacity across the province. Our hope is to continue to guide policymakers, sector partners, and community leaders as they work to build a stronger, more equitable system.