Health Care
A made-for-Huntsville doctor recruitment plan that is working — and a clear plan for the next phase of local care.
When close to 7,000 Huntsville-area residents were expected to be without a family doctor, I developed a practical recruitment plan. It is working: 9 new family doctors have been recruited, with a 10th expected soon.
New Family Doctors Recruited
Close to Signing Our 10th
Four-Year Goal Almost Complete in Just Two Years
Added to the Property Tax Levy
Funded by Municipal Accommodation Tax + local business partners
Program Launched
With Councillor Bob Stone and town staff
Health care is one of Huntsville’s most urgent priorities. During my first term on Council, I saw that existing District recruitment efforts were not moving quickly enough to meet the need. In response, I developed a made-for-Huntsville doctor recruitment incentive plan with a clear goal: recruit 10 new family doctors in four years.
Today, we are close to reaching that goal in roughly half the time.
The plan worked because it was practical, creative, and locally driven: it brought Council colleagues, Town staff, the Municipal Accommodation Tax, and local business support together behind one clear objective — recruiting more doctors to Huntsville without adding the cost to the property tax levy.
Listen to the full story here.
Now the focus is on building the next phase of local care.
My Health Care Priorities
More primary care providers — with help securing clinic space
Continue building on the success of my family doctor recruitment plan by developing a new recruitment plan for nurse practitioners and specialists — learn more about this. But recruitment is only the first step. To turn recruitment into real local care, providers also need suitable places to practise. I will continue working to help secure local clinic space, including the space already secured in the Pharmasave building.
Advocate strongly for the new Huntsville hospital
The new hospital will be one of the most important investments in Huntsville’s future. I will provide strong municipal leadership to make sure Huntsville’s needs are clearly represented, including exploring opportunities to bring some cancer treatment services to Huntsville so residents can access more care closer to home.
Integrate mental health into health care planning
Mental and physical health are inseparable. I brought Mental Health First Aid training to Huntsville and served on the Mind-Aid Muskoka board, and I know our local doctors and nurses care deeply about supporting people in crisis. But our current facilities limit what they can do. With a new hospital being planned, now is the time to build mental health care into the plan from the beginning — and to improve local access to services for youth, families, and residents who need support.
Support prevention through active living
A stronger health care plan also means helping people stay well. I will support active living opportunities that make it easier for residents of all ages to stay healthy, connected, and engaged. This includes working through my recreation and downtown revitalization priorities to create more everyday opportunities for movement, connection, and year-round activity.
This is the kind of leadership I will continue to bring to Huntsville: practical plans, creative solutions, responsible funding, and a clear focus on results.
Watch
Scott explains the doctor recruitment plan and what comes next.
Successful Family Doctor Recruitment
Next, Nurse Practitioner and Specialist Recruitment
Retained a Place to Practice
Securing More Places to Practice
Support Proven Healthcare Leadership
This is experience that delivers. Join the campaign and help keep our healthcare momentum moving forward.