On March 26, 2026, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, tabled Budget 2026: A Plan to Protect Ontario. While the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO)acknowledges the provincial government’s ongoing investments in healthcare, including for primary, hospital, and home and community care, we noted with significant concern that these did not include clarity on the expansion of additional education seats specifically for Nurse Practitioners (NPs), harmonization of respectful, equitable compensation, or implementation of any flexible funding models. Indeed, Budget 2026 failed to make any explicit reference to NPs.
These absences are deeply troubling and represent a real missed opportunity, particularly as we consider the enormous potential of NPs to bridge Ontario’s ongoing access-to-care gap.
Budget 2026 also did not include any further mention of provincial plans to respond to the pending deadline of the Canada Health Act interpretation letter. This is causing significant concern and confusion for NPs and patients alike. We strongly encourage the provincial government to consult and work with NPAO to develop and implement funding models that support the accessibility of care provided by NPs for patients in Ontario. This continues to represent an urgent priority for patients, NPs, and NPAO.
We have said it before, but it bears repeating: NPs are healthcare leaders. NPs are the future of effective and efficient healthcare. NPs are ideally positioned to enable the transformation of healthcare in Ontario. Our profession has grown at an unprecedented rate, from an initial cohort of 250 NPs to nearly 6,000 now practicing in the province. The extensive education,
experience, and compassion that NPs possess underscores the importance of our role within and contributions to Ontario’s healthcare system.
But, under the status quo, NPs remain a largely untapped resource. This is troubling for NPs, for NPAO, and especially for patients facing barriers to care across the province.
NPAO values and appreciates our collaboration with the provincial government and continues to seek to build this relationship. Policy impacting NPs must be shaped by NP perspectives; NPs must always have a seat at the table. As the exclusive voice for NPs in Ontario, NPAO remains committed to advocating on behalf of NPs to decision-makers at every level and supporting their improved integration into Ontario’s healthcare system.
Download the position statement here.
