The Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO) welcomes the tabling of the 2024–2025 Canada Health Act Annual Report by federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel. The report confirms that all medically necessary services, including those provided by Nurse Practitioners (NPs), should be covered under provincial and territorial health insurance plans, with the policy set to come into effect April 1, 2026.
NPs play a vital role in meeting Ontario’s growing healthcare needs, particularly in underserved communities. Yet despite providing medically necessary care, NPs continue to be excluded from provincial funding models that support other primary care providers, limiting access to NP services across the province. Better integration of NPs would improve access to care, strengthen patient outcomes, and reduce pressure on emergency departments and hospitals.
NPAO remains committed to working with the Government of Ontario and all parties to advance sustainable, accessible funding models for NPs. Nurse Practitioners are ready to help meet the healthcare needs of Ontarians.
Read the full Government of Canada Press Release here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/02/health-minister-marjorie-michel-tables-the-2024-2025-canada-health-act-annual-report-in-parliament.html
