New agreement includes up to $52 million investment and wage increases
TORONTO, April 17, 2026 — The Government of Ontario and the Association of Ontario Midwives have ratified a new three-year funding agreement that will increase compensation for midwives and expand access to services across the province.
The agreement, announced Friday by the Ontario Ministry of Health, runs from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028 and includes a total investment of up to $52 million. The funding is aimed at strengthening Ontario’s midwifery workforce and improving patient access, particularly in underserved and Indigenous communities.
Wage increases and operational funding form core of deal
Under the terms of the agreement, midwives in Ontario will receive a cumulative wage increase of seven per cent over the three-year period. The province says the increase is designed to help stabilize the workforce and address long-standing compensation concerns within the profession.
The deal also allocates more than $5 million to support midwifery practices in managing day-to-day clinical operations, a move expected to ease financial pressures on clinics and improve service delivery.
In addition, the agreement includes measures to reduce administrative burden by streamlining the funding application process, allowing practitioners to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork.
Focus on Indigenous care and expanded access
A key component of the funding package is a commitment of up to $8 million over three years to support Indigenous community-based midwifery programs. The investment is intended to expand access to culturally appropriate, Indigenous-led care in First Nations, rural, and urban communities.
The province also plans to provide targeted funding for equipment and infrastructure. Up to $1 million will be made available in each of the 2026–27 and 2027–28 fiscal years to help midwives purchase essential equipment and furniture needed for clinical practice.
Government highlights workforce stability and patient care
Provincial officials say the agreement reflects a broader effort to ensure families can access timely and high-quality maternal care across Ontario.
“Midwives are an essential part of Ontario’s health-care system, supporting families at one of the most important times in their lives,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This agreement reflects our government’s strong partnership with the Association of Ontario Midwives as we work together to deliver a stable, sustainable workforce and ensure families can access high-quality care when and where they need it most.”
The government added that the agreement supports a patient-centred approach to care, with an emphasis on accessibility and cultural safety.
Sector sees agreement as step toward long-term sustainability
The new deal comes amid ongoing efforts across Canada to address healthcare workforce shortages and improve access to maternal and primary care services. Midwives play a critical role in Ontario’s healthcare system, providing prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, often in community-based settings.
By increasing compensation and investing in infrastructure and Indigenous-led programs, the province aims to make the profession more sustainable while expanding services to meet growing demand.
Officials say the agreement will help ensure that families across Ontario continue to have access to midwifery care when and where it is needed, including in underserved regions where access to other maternal health services may be limited.
Outlook for implementation
The agreement is now in effect retroactively from April 1, 2025, and will guide funding and program delivery through March 31, 2028. Implementation will involve collaboration between the province and midwifery organizations to roll out funding programs and ensure resources are distributed effectively.
The Ministry of Health said it will continue to monitor outcomes related to workforce stability, patient access, and service quality as the agreement progresses.
As Ontario’s healthcare system continues to evolve, the new funding framework signals a renewed focus on community-based care and the role of midwives in delivering accessible, patient-centred services across the province.