SDG Counties Seeks Funding for Rural Healthcare Recruitment

In a bid to address a growing primary healthcare crisis, SDG Counties has applied for funding to support a new initiative aimed at recruiting healthcare professionals for rural areas. Currently, over 21,000 residents in the City of Cornwall, Russell, and Akwesasne lack a primary care provider. This situation is expected to worsen as eight doctors and nurse practitioners are set to retire within the next three years.

Data from the Great River Ontario Health Team, sourced from Ontario Health, highlights the urgent need for action. As of March 2025, South Glengarry leads with 15 percent of its residents lacking a primary care provider, while North Glengarry follows closely at 14 percent. In contrast, North Dundas reports a significantly lower rate of 6 percent, indicating that a majority of its population has access to necessary medical care.

Funding Initiative for Healthcare Recruitment

To combat this shortage, SDG Counties has proposed the “Great River, Great Future – Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment Initiative.” If the funding application is successful, the project could receive up to $68,000 to enhance recruitment efforts. The Counties has earmarked $136,000 over a two-year period for this initiative.

Partnerships have been established to bolster the recruitment campaign, with support committed by local municipalities, including the City of Cornwall, Carefor Health & Community Services, the municipality of Russell, and the Township of South Stormont. These collaborations aim to attract primary healthcare providers to the area, which is particularly critical given the current shortfall.

According to health data, a minimum of 39 primary care providers is essential to meet the existing healthcare demands in the region. Local authorities and hospitals are optimistic that physicians considering relocation from Quebec due to legislative changes, specifically Bill 2, may find opportunities in SDG Counties.

The proactive approach by SDG Counties not only seeks to fill immediate healthcare gaps but also aims to ensure sustainable access to primary care for its residents in the long term. As the initiative progresses, the communities involved remain hopeful for a positive outcome that will enhance healthcare availability in their regions.