Targeted Funding & Northern RCC Update

Dear SGFP Members,

Update on Targeted Funding from Year 1 of the Arbitration Award‍

RNPGA and Emergency Department physician agreements, a new Northern Regional Coordinating Centre

There has been progress under the Year 1 arbitration award targeted funding, with finalized awards for Emergency Medicine, physicians working in the RNPGA, and the announcement of a new regional coordinating centre (RCC) for the North. These are positive developments in areas facing severe pressures, and we know this is just a fraction of what’s needed to properly support family physicians across Northern Ontario, where conditions remain fragile and under-resourced.

Family medicine is on the radar. Mediator-arbitrator William Kaplan has been deeply involved, which signals the complexity and importance of these issues. We understand that more decisions are coming, and we expect future announcements to speak directly to the needs of family doctors.

The $2 million investment in a Northern RCC is welcome, but the devil is in the details. Currently, there is no structure to manage the funding or a governance model to ensure it meets the distinct needs of Northern communities. For this to have real impact, a Northern family physician lead must be appointed. It requires someone with deep regional connections who can act as a conduit between the OMA, Ministry, OH/OH Regions, and local doctors (creating internal and external networks). Without this, there is real risk that the Northern voice will be sidelined, and recruitment and retention goals will fall short. SGFP is strongly advocating for the RCC to be housed within the OMA, where it can be supported and accountable to members.

The SGFP recognizes these are important steps, but they’re early ones. They don’t yet reflect the broader changes needed across the system. We encourage you to read the latest OMA update for more detail about these awards.

Additionally, and for the first time, SGFP leaders have been directly involved in providing expert opinion on certain aspects of the targeted funding proposals at the negotiations table with the OMA. This is an important shift that ensures our voice is represented at one of the most critical bi-lateral processes affecting the profession. This has only been accomplished with members contributing to the SGFP discretionary fund.

Support SGFP‍

We’re not there yet. But we’re moving — and SGFP is committed to staying at the table, pushing for the recognition, funding, and support family doctors need to sustain our practices and restore joy in the work.

We’ll keep you informed as more unfolds in the coming months.

Reminder: EOI Deadline – Your Voice Needed: Family Doctors to Join Our Operational Teams‍

Current Opportunities for SGFP Members

• 3 Team Member positions on the Policy & Advocacy Team (two positions for 2-year terms; one position for 1-year term)
• 2 Team Member positions on the Tariff Team (2-year terms)
• 1 Family Physician Lead on the Policy & Advocacy Team (3-year term)

Serving on these teams offers a direct way for family doctors to influence change. Your participation will help shape the future of family medicine and ensure practical, on-the-ground realities are represented in our advocacy work.

Application deadline: May 11. Submit your application. Shortlisted candidates will participate in a 15–20 minute interview.

Warm regards,
Dr. David Barber
Chair, SGFP

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