The Ontario government is investing up to $3.9 million to construct a new, permanent primary care clinic for the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn Indigenous Primary Health Care Organization (IPCHO). This initiative aims to provide better and faster access to healthcare for over 1,000 people in the community.
Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “Our government is making record investments to ensure that everyone who wants a primary care provider can easily connect with one, regardless of where they live.” The new clinic site, located on the Pikwàkanagàn Reserve near Golden Lake and Bonnechere River in Renfrew County, will provide expanded space for a variety of primary healthcare services. These services include walk-in clinics, referrals to specialists, lab services, and prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring that community members have access to essential healthcare closer to home.
Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Greg Sarazin spoke about the growing population and how they have been trying to offer the right services and such for the people of Pikwakanagan.
In addition to enhancing healthcare access, the new clinic will also serve as a training hub. Pikwàkanagàn IPCHO is partnering with Algonquin College and the University of Ottawa to offer clinical placements for students in nursing programs. These placements provide vital real-world experience for Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Registered Practical Nurses, creating a pipeline of healthcare professionals for the future.
John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, expressed his support for the project, stating…
The next step for the project is to secure a construction partner. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2025, with the goal of providing a state-of-the-art healthcare facility for the community. This investment is part of Ontario’s broader effort to expand primary care access and improve health outcomes for all residents, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
Sarazin explains the plans for the new clinic and how it will help serve the community.
The Ontario government is also investing in other initiatives to strengthen healthcare across the province, including the expansion of Indigenous Primary Health Care Organizations and increasing funding for healthcare professionals. Through these efforts, the government aims to close the gap for those without a regular healthcare provider and ensure that more people have access to timely, high-quality care.
(Written by: Emma Butler)