Council Advances Physician Recruitment Program

During the General Government Committee meeting on June 3, 2024, the council discussed the Physician Recruitment Program. Mayor Foster chaired this segment of the meeting. The council received Report FSD-029-24 and related communications. A resolution was proposed by Councillor Elhajjeh and seconded by Councillor Traill, which included several directives: to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Region of Durham, utilize remaining funds from the 2023 budget for physician recruitment, and create an incentive program for physician recruitment. The initial proposal suggested an incentive of up to $15,000 per doctor, contingent upon a $25,000 contribution from medical offices, modeled after a similar program in Whitby. Additionally, it sought to draw $250,000 from the Economic Development Reserve Fund to support the incentive program for up to 10 doctors. This motion was lost. Subsequently, a revised resolution was introduced by Mayor Foster and seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh, which proposed an increased incentive of up to $25,000 per doctor, based on matching contributions from medical offices. This resolution also included the same funding request from the Economic Development Reserve Fund. This motion was carried, indicating the council's commitment to enhancing physician recruitment efforts in the region.