Government of Canada invests $3 million to strengthen primary care research

Press Release

From: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

New funding will support evidence-informed solutions to help more Canadians access the care they need, when they need it.

March 24, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research

While important efforts are underway to strengthen primary care across Canada, too many people in Canada still struggle to get basic health care. In 2024, 17% of Canadian adults and 11% of children and youth did not have access to a regular health care provider. This increases pressure on emergency departments and contributes to inequities in health outcomes across the country.

To help close the gap, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced today that the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is investing $3 million to accelerate practical, evidence-based improvements in primary care in partnership with Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC). This funding will support:

The Canadian Primary Care Research Consortium (CPCRC), a national network of researchers, clinicians, decision makers, and patients working to strengthen primary care; and,
Primary care delivery teams across Canada participating in Care Forward – a pan-Canadian movement supported by HEC and partner organizations that brings changemakers together to share knowledge and apply proven approaches to improve care.

By supporting both the CPCRC and Care Forward, this investment will help ensure that primary care innovations are implemented with the best available evidence on what works and translate quickly into better care for Canadians. Specifically, it:

Strengthens the implementation of primary care innovations that improve access to care and ease pressure on emergency departments.
Generates real-time evidence on the impact of new approaches to care.
Supports the adoption of successful care models across Canada.

Together, CIHR, HEC and CPCRC are helping health care teams identify what works best, where, and for whom—so more people can receive timely, high-quality primary care.

Quotes

“Better healthcare begins with better research. Overall, this work will help ensure that evidence-backed, innovative primary care solutions are put into place to improve primary care for Canadians. This initiative is an excellent example of how when we work together, we can improve health outcomes and access for Canadians across the country.”

The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health

“CIHR is proud to support research that strengthens primary care and helps close gaps in access. By partnering with Healthcare Excellence Canada and leveraging the leadership of the Canadian Primary Care Research Consortium, we are ensuring solutions are grounded in evidence and shaped by the needs of people and communities.”

Dr. Paul Hébert, President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

“Care Forward is about people and organizations working together to improve care for more people across the country. In partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Primary Care Research Consortium, we’re helping primary and community care teams apply evidence and practical experience to expand access and deliver care, when and where it’s needed.”

Jennifer Zelmer, President and CEO, Healthcare Excellence Canada

Quick facts

This investment was made through the PRIME (Primary Care Reimagined through Impact, Mobilization & Engagement) Rapid Responsefunding opportunity—a CIHR and HEC partnership—as part of CIHR’s commitment to strengthening health systems through research.
Funding is awarded to the Canadian Primary Care Research Consortium, supported through Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research.
Care Forward is a pan-Canadian movementconvened by Healthcare Excellence Canada that brings together health care teams to address key challenges through a suite of programs and resources that support meaningful, lasting improvements in care.