(Unsplash photo)
Today the Government of Ontario and the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM) announced they have ratified a new three-year funding agreement based on an investment initially made on April 1, 2025.
This three-year investment plan is intended to continue through to March 31, 2028.
The press release states this funding is to provide greater compensation to Ontario’s midwives and to “connect more people to midwifery services.”
“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.
According to AOM, midwives are “health-care professionals who provide government-funded expert primary care to pregnant people and their newborns.”
Midwives are present through pregnancy, labour, birth and the first six weeks after birth.
Expectant mothers cannot choose a doctor if midwives have been selected, but a physician will be involved if there are concerns or complications.
Details of the funding include:
- Midwives receiving a wage increase of 7 percent over the term of the 2025-2028 agreement.
- Up to $8 million over three years to fund Indigenous community-based midwifery projects and expand access to culturally appropriate and Indigenous-led midwifery care.
- Over $5 million in midwifery practices to manage their day-to-day clinical operations.
- Reduced administrative burden on midwives by streamlining the funding application process.
- Up to $1 million in each of 2026-27 and 2027-28 for midwives to support the purchase of required equipment and furniture.
According to the press release this funding includes support for culturally safe care for Indigenous families in First Nations, urban and rural communities.
(Written by Mik Horvath)
