07-18-2024 - No. 09:.
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
Kimberly Morgan
CEO, Ontario Medical Association
155 University Ave Suite 800,
Toronto, ON M5H 3137
Sent via email: amopresident anamo.on.ca
Re: Physician Shortage
This is to advise that at the July 16, 2024 Council Meeting in the City of Niagara Falls, the
following resolution was adopted with respect to the above noted matter. -
No. 9 July 18, 2024
Moved by: Councillor Ruth -Ann Nieuwesteeg
Seconded by: Councillor Mike Strange
WHEREAS the state of health care in Ontario is in crisis, with 2.3 million Ontarians lacking
access to a family doctor, emergency room closures across the province, patients being
de-rostered and 40% of family doctors considering retirement over the next five years;
and
WHEREAS it has becoming increasingly challenging to attract and retain an adequate
healthcare workforce throughout the health sector across Ontario; and
WHEREAS the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University says communities in
northern Ontario are short more than 350 physicians, including more than 200 family
doctors; and half of the physicians working in northern Ontario expected to retire in the
next five years; and (Northern Ontario only)
WHEREAS Ontario municipal governments play an integral role in the health care system
through responsibilities in public health, long-term care, and paramedicine.
WHEREAS the percentage of family physicians practicing comprehensive family
medicine has declined from 77 in 2008 to 65 percent in 2022; and
WHEREAS per capita health-care spending in Ontario is the lowest of all provinces in
Canada, and
WHEREAS a robust workforce developed through a provincial, sector -wide health human
resources strategy would significantly improve access to health services across the
province;
r
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Niagara Falls
urge the Province of Ontario to recognize the physician shortage in Niagara Falls and
Ontario, to fund health care appropriately and ensure every Ontarian has access to
physician care
AND The Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed.
WILLIAM G. MATSON, CITY CLERK
Carried Unanimously
JAMES M. DIODATI, MAYOR
If any further information is required, please contact the undersigned at 905-356-7521,
x4342.
Yours Truly,
Bill Matson
City Clerk, City of Niagara Falls