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Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: November 3, 2025 Report Number: CAO-020-25
Authored by: Paul Pirri, Director, Economic Development
Submitted By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO
By-law Number: Resolution Number:
File Number:
Report Subject: Update to Clarington’s Physician Recruitment Program
Recommendation:
1.That Report CAO-020-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
2.That Council authorize the proposed changes to Clarington’s physician recruitment
program to allow for phased-in contributions and in-kind contributions as described in
Report CAO-020-025.
GG-175-25
Municipality of Clarington Page 2
Report CAO-020-25
Report Overview
This report provides an update to the municipality’s physician recruitment program described
in report FSD-029-24, further the report explains the need to amend the program to allow for
phased in matching, and in-kind contributions from family physician clinics.
1. Background
1.1 Report FSD-029-24 outlined the development of a physician recruitment program. The
report authorized the municipality to contribute a total of $250,000 to 10 new family
physicians. It was stipulated in the report that the municipality would provide an upfront
payment of $25,000 to a new doctor to be matched upfront with a contribution of
$25,000 by the clinic for a total payment of $50,000.
1.2 Staff are recommending that the municipality adopt a program that would allow for
phased matching, and in-kind contributions from family physician clinics.
2. Physician Recruitment Update
2.1 Four clinics have signed on to offer the program to new staff
2.2 Economic development has engaged with all family physician clinics in the municipality.
During these conversations, concerns were raised about the ability of these clinics to
offer upfront payments.
2.3 The requirement to provide upfront payments would be challenging for an organization
that is hiring multiple physicians. Clinics have inquired about the ability for them to offer
phased in and in-kind funding as part of the program. Report # FSD-029-24 was explicit
that program funds were to be delivered upfront. To ensure the long-term financial
viability of the program, staff are seeking Council’s authorization to amend the program.
Proposed Program Amendments
2.4 Although staff will continue to promote upfront payments as the preferred funding
model, staff are recommending the following program amendments to provide flexibility
to family physician clinics:
2.5 Phased payment: Where requested, staff will allow for a phased program contribution of
up to 5 years. The municipality would match the clinic’s contribution on an annualized
basis. For example, if the clinic is proposing to pay $5,000 a year over 5 years, the
municipality would pay on the same schedule, or, if the clinic is proposing to pay
$12,500 a year over two years, the municipality would pay on the same schedule.
Municipality of Clarington Page 3
Report CAO-020-25
2.6 In-kind contributions: Where requested, staff will consider in-kind contributions as part of
the clinic’s contributions. Examples of in-kind contributions that could be offered include
reductions in rent, contributions to pay administrative staff, or electronic records
management software licenses.
2.7 Prior to the municipality finalizing the contract for payment, the clinic will demonstrate
how it will make its annual contribution.
2.8 In the event the Clinic is not able to meet its obligation, the Municipality would net the
amount owing against future payments.
2.9 The proposed program changes bring the program into alignment with the Town of
Whitby’s physician recruitment program. Staff will continue to advocate that local clinics
adopt an upfront payment model, however these program changes would provide the
municipality’s family physician clinics with greater flexibility and promote further program
enrolment.
3. Financial Considerations
Not Applicable.
4. Strategic Plan
The work highlighted in this report supports the following Strategic Plan Priorities:
C.2.1: Support efforts to improve access to medical practitioners and health care
services
5. Climate Change
Not Applicable.
6. Concurrence
Not Applicable.
7. Conclusion
It is respectfully recommended that General Government Committee receive this report
and adopt the proposed program changes.
Staff Contact: Paul Pirri, Director, Economic Development, Ppirri@Clarington.net
Attachments:
Not Applicable
Interested Parties:
There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision.