“I think there’s influx of individuals,” said Neve. “We know during COVID a lot of people moved to some smaller communities as well. There’s also an increasing need with the aging population, and some physician retirements. We do have a fair number of physicians and nurse practitioners as well that are nearing that retirement age, so really getting some additional resources is going to help that too.”
Aamjiwnaang councillor John Adams (L) and Kettle and Stony Point Chief Kimberly Bressette (R) – Apr. 30/26 (Blackburn Media photo by Josh Boyce)
An additional $1.01 million will go towards E-nangaabe-jig Health Services organization, allowing them to roster over 760 new patients.
This supports First Nations members at Aamjiwnaang, Kettle and Stony Point, Walpole Island as well as those living off reserve.
Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Chief Kimberly Bressette mentioned there’s definitely a strong demand for care.
She stated it’s essential for them to receive culturally appropriate care while integrating western medical practices with traditional healing methods.
Bressette also noted they’re collaborating with other First Nations groups to create a site housing an entire healthcare team for E-nangaabe-jig Health Services. “It will be run as a full medical health clinic for our three communities mostly servicing probably majority off reserve but it’ll be open to everyone doing work within the communities as well,” she said. “They’ll bring those programs and services directly into our communities using mobile health teams among other initiatives just building relationships with all members off- and on-reserve meeting their needs right where they’re at.” Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey shared his thoughts on the funding:“We actually have a partnership, an MOU, with North Lambton Community Health Centre which helps a lot but there is still some lack in services there,” said Bressette. “So this is a really great opportunity to be able to get people the primary healthcare that’s needed and also for those who are off reserve who often don’t know where they should go or how they should start.”
The Ontario government announced through its budget plan for 2026 it’s boosting total funding for its Primary Care Action Plan up to $3.4 billion between 2025-2029. The province stated one target within this plan was connecting 300,000 patients with primary care providers by March 31st. As of January first approximately 330 thousand people were attached taking their goal over by more than thirty thousand with three months remaining before deadline.“Our government’s record investments in primary care are already delivering results in Sarnia-Lambton,” said Bailey. “Our goal is connecting everyone in Ontario to primary care by 2029. I am extremely proud of the work happening here ensuring everyone has access when they need it.”
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