Province aims to reduce wait times and increase publicly funded IVF services
New clinics and expanded funding expected to support thousands of families
BRAMPTON — The Ontario government is moving forward with a major expansion of fertility services, committing $100 million in 2026/27 to improve access to publicly funded care and reduce wait times for thousands of families seeking treatment.
The funding, part of a broader $250 million plan, will support 27 fertility clinics across the province, including the addition of two new in vitro fertilization (IVF) facilities. The initiative is designed to increase capacity in both hospital and community settings, helping more Ontarians access care closer to home.
“There’s no role more special or important than being a parent, which is why our government is shortening wait times by making fertility care more accessible for thousands of Ontarians,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment will help more Ontarians receive publicly funded IVF services where and when they need them, while protecting the Ontario Fertility Program.”
The announcement was made at Astra Fertility in Brampton, one of the newly funded clinics. The facility integrates modern technology with patient-centred design and is expected to provide publicly funded IVF services to approximately 350 patients.
In addition to Astra Fertility, the province is also investing in the Halton Fertility and Women’s Health Centre in Oakville, which will expand access to publicly funded IVF services for an additional 255 families. With these additions, Ontario’s fertility network will grow to 27 clinics supporting approximately 10,000 families annually.
Building on prior investments
The latest funding builds on an initial $50 million allocated in the 2025/26 fiscal year. Combined, the investments are expected to support an estimated 10,000 additional IVF cycles in 2026/27. A further $100 million is planned for 2027/28, bringing the total provincial commitment to $250 million.
The expansion is part of the government’s broader health-care strategy, “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care,” which aims to improve access to services across Ontario.
“ASTRA Fertility and Astra Women’s Health & Ambulatory Surgery Centre in Brampton are deeply grateful to the Ontario Fertility Program and the Ministry of Health for this vital funding,” said Dr. Amanda Michael, Medical Director, Astra Women’s Health and Ambulatory Surgery Centre. “This support will expedite expanded access to fertility care in Brampton and our catchment area, helping more families achieve their dreams of parenthood. We commit to using these resources responsibly, delivering exceptional patient care, and driving the best possible outcomes for our community. We are honoured to partner with the Ministry and the Ontario Fertility Program.”
Expanded program reach and oversight
The Ontario Fertility Program (OFP) now funds 56 clinics offering services such as IVF, intra-uterine insemination (IUI), and fertility preservation. Since its launch, nearly 133,000 Ontarians have received financial support through the program.
Many clinics operate satellite locations, allowing patients to access monitoring, bloodwork, and ultrasounds closer to home, reducing the need for frequent travel.
To ensure consistent quality across the system, the province will require all publicly funded fertility clinics to obtain accreditation through Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum Global program by April 1, 2028.
Additional financial support for families
Alongside expanded clinical services, Ontario has introduced a refundable Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit, effective for the 2025 tax year. The credit covers 25 per cent of eligible fertility-related expenses, up to $20,000 annually, providing a maximum benefit of $5,000 per year.
Eligible expenses include IVF cycles, medications, diagnostic testing, and travel costs, provided the services are delivered within Canada.
Local leaders welcome investment
Municipal and regional leaders say the investment will help address growing demand for fertility services, particularly in rapidly expanding communities.
“For many individuals and couples, the journey to start or grow a family can be emotional, challenging and deeply personal. Expanding access to publicly funded fertility services is a meaningful investment that will help more families receive the care they need with shorter wait times and closer to home. Brampton is one of the youngest cities and the fastest-growing big city in Canada, and our residents deserve access to a full continuum of healthcare services at every stage of life. I want to thank Premier Doug Ford, Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones, and our provincial partners for recognizing this need and continuing to invest in health-care services that support families in Brampton and across Ontario.”
- Patrick Brown
Mayor, City of Brampton
“Expanding access to fertility care is an important step in supporting individuals and families across our community. I’m pleased to see the Halton Fertility and Women’s Health Centre in Oakville selected as one of two new IVF clinics as part of this significant investment. This funding will help reduce wait times and ensure more people have access to the care they need, closer to home.”
- Stephen Crawford
MPP, Oakville
Outlook
With demand for fertility services continuing to rise, Ontario’s expanded funding and clinic network are expected to play a critical role in improving access and reducing barriers to care. The province says the initiative will help ensure more families can pursue parenthood with timely, high-quality medical support.