Canada's Ontario Government has announced an investment of up to C$3.9m ($2.78m) to facilitate the construction of a new primary care clinic in Renfrew County for the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn Indigenous Primary Health Care Organization (IPCHO).

The permanent clinic construction initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and speed of healthcare services for the community.

Ontario Health Minister and Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones said: “Our government is taking action and making record investments to ensure everyone who wants a primary care provider can connect to one, no matter where they live.

“While there is more work to do, a new site for the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn Indigenous Primary Health Care Organization will give thousands more people the opportunity to connect to care, close to home, for years to come.”

The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn IPCHO brings together a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses to provide primary care services.

The new facility will be situated on the Pikwàkanagàn Reserve on Golden Lake and the Bonnechere River and is designed to expand accessible care space, connecting more than 1,000 individuals to primary care.

It will offer a range of community-based services, including walk-in clinic services, specialist referrals, lab services, prenatal and postnatal assessment and care, health promotion, and management of chronic diseases.

In addition to healthcare services, the Pikwàkanagàn IPHCO is collaborating with Algonquin College and the University of Ottawa to provide clinical placements for registered nurses, nurse practitioners and registered practical nurses, further integrating education and practice.

The next phase involves selecting a construction partner by the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn IPCHO.

The construction process is anticipated to commence by early 2025, following the appointment of a successful bidder.

Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation chief Greg Sarazin said: "The new construction of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Organisation facility will provide larger space improving accessibility for our patients.

“This new facility will further enhance functionality for our primary healthcare team and collaboration with visiting healthcare professionals and medical/health students. We extend acknowledgement to the Health Services Management and clinical team, Ministry of Health staff and Critchley Hill Architect."