Chamber Welcomes Historic Investment in Primary Care, Calls for Focus on Integrated Health Data System

(TORONTO – January 27, 2025) – Today, Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement in response to the Ontario government’s $1.8 billion investment to connect every Ontarian to a family doctor and primary care teams:

“This transformative investment is a critical step toward strengthening Ontario’s healthcare system, addressing workforce challenges, and ensuring timely, accessible primary care for all residents. A robust primary care system is the foundation of a healthier population, a more productive workforce, and a resilient economy.

“The OCC welcomes the focus on creating and expanding primary care teams and appreciates the government’s efforts to reduce the strain on emergency services while improving healthcare access in underserved areas.

“The inclusion of interprofessional teams and enhanced recruitment strategies will help address systemic workforce shortages and ensure communities have access to the care they need.

“As the province implements its ambitious plan, the OCC emphasizes the importance of accelerating the development of an integrated health data system. Data interoperability and transparency are essential to achieving a more connected and efficient healthcare system.

“By enhancing how health data are shared across providers and systems, we can ensure Ontarians receive the right care at the right time, improve patient outcomes, and reduce inefficiencies in care delivery.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Senior Manager of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255