Clarington has announced that it will create an incentive program which provides up to $25,000 per doctor, based on matching contributions from medical offices in a form similar to the Whitby pilot program.
It said an additional $250,000 will be drawn from the Economic Development Reserve Fund to fund the incentive program for up to 10 doctors.
Clarington Council has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Region of Durham for the development of a Family Physician Recruitment Program.
In addition, the municipality has proposed a local incentive program to attract physicians.
“There is a shortage of family physicians in this area and across Ontario,” said a municipal notice. “The municipality is working to attract more doctors to Clarington so the growing population can continue to enjoy a high quality of life here.”
It pointed out that this is a direct action item from the community-informed 2024-27 Clarington Strategic Plan: to support efforts to improve access to medical practitioners and health care services.