Innovation Cluster-Peterborough & the Kawarthas Unveils New Brand and Dynamic Programs to Bolster Canadian Innovation Leadership

Innovation Cluster - Peterborough and the Kawarthas has unveiled its new brand that reflects its updated strategy to focus on the unique needs of technology-based small and medium enterprises in Peterborough and the surrounding area, announced on Thursday morning.

Innovation Cluster Peterborough Nicole Stephenson, Innovation Cluster Board chair(left) and Christine Crandell, Innovation Cluster Board Vice Chair (right), showcase the organization’s new logo as part of a new branding and dynamic programs to help boost Canadian innovation leadership. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The new brand visually reinforces the organization’s mission to support entrepreneurs in reaching their business goals and growing our local community, job market, and economy according to said Nicole Stephenson, Innovation Cluster Board Chair. She also adds that branding represents the Innovation Cluster’s commitment to providing dynamic programming to meet key challenges SMEs face in commercializing and scaling their technology innovations.

“As our organization is evolving, we realize that public perception has not kept pace,” she explained. “This rebranding and new programming underscore our focus on regional economic development, job creation, and supporting technology SMEs to drive Canadian innovation forward.”

New signage of the rebranding is displayed on the first floor and the exterior of the Venture North Building in Peterborough.

According to Innovation Cluster, the logo is inspired by the convergence of three key critical success factors, represented by green, red and yellow arrows.

The colours represent the following:

• Green: Acknowledges the Innovation Cluster’s history and represents business acceleration programs.

• Red: Represents mentoring and advising, critical to realizing measurable results.

• Yellow: Represents the skill and knowledge-building programming essential to sustained growth.

• Blue: The green, red, and yellow arrows merge to acknowledge that all are critical to igniting sustainable forward momentum and long-term success.

In addition to the rebranding, Innovation Cluster also announced the launch of new digital-first programming. They cover three areas: skill and knowledge building, mentoring and advising and business acceleration.

• Educational Programming – New workshops, bootcamps, and mastering series programs that build the breadth and depth of skills and knowledge entrepreneurs need

• Mentoring and Advising - Expanded Experts-in-Residence and Business Advisor roster, including new serial entrepreneurs, vertical industry experts and investors

• Business Accelerator Programming – New accelerator programs for specific company growth stages as a complement to current LevelUp and StartUp Visa programs. New dynamic programming supports entrepreneurs as they progress through their commercialization, scaling, rapid growth, maturity, and innovation stages.

“We are problem solvers, and we push ourselves to be better on behalf of our clients, each other, and our community,” said Christine Crandell, Innovation Cluster Board Vice Chair. “We’re excited to embark on this new chapter and continue supporting technology SMEs as they change the world.”

The rebranded website offers programming, events and member resources to enable technology SMEs to accelerate their growth and market success.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association Launch Women In Trades Programs

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) has launched two Women in Trades programs with a networking event at the Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region Lakefield ReStore on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Roughly 30 women in skilled trades and construction attended as PKHBA marked the occasion by announcing new programs designed to promote and support women in skilled trades and construction.

PKHBA had launched was the Ambassador Program in partnership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR), Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) and Fleming College. Its goal is to encourage more women to pursue careers in skilled trades.

The event had representatives from these school partners speak about the programs available for women in skilled trades:

• Johanne Denley (PVNC) highlighted the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the Young Women’s Conference hosted by Skills Ontario in Toronto, and partnerships such as Junior Achievement for FemSTEAM programs.

• Danielle Moher (KPR) discussed the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs, teacher and guidance training to support students interested in trades, the new Grade 9 Tech curriculum, and opportunities for high school students to gain hands-on experience at job sites.

• Mary MacLeod (Fleming College) spoke about the Building Bridges, dual credit programs and the college’s partnerships with local schools. She noted that over 1,400 high school students had the opportunity to work with tools—some for the first time—sparking an interest in hands-on careers.

The Mentorship Program was also launched as it provides women in construction with guidance and support from experienced industry leaders within the PKHBA membership. It covers four key topics: entrepreneurship, workplace culture, systems and processes and sales and marketing.

“The power of women supporting each other is unmatched,” said Andria Cowan, ACM Designs owner and PKHBA Women in Trades Committee Chair. “By coming together, we can create positive change, open new doors, and inspire future generations of women to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Spring Cleanup Underway Throughout City of Peterborough

With the melting snow uncovering litter in City parks and along streets and sidewalks, spring cleanup is underway throughout the City of Peterborough.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

With the volume of litter, the City expects the cleanup effort to extend over the next few weeks.

Public Works will use street sweeping machines on routes throughout the City to clean the grit and dirt that accumulates on streets over the winter.

The City maintains 388 garbage bins spanning over 100 parks and along the City’s trail system year-round. In 2024, crews collected just over 333 tonnes of garbage from those receptacles, a 41 per cent increase over 2023 according to the City.

They also maintains 325 garbage bins along City streets and outside City buildings.

Last year, Public Works crews collected 80 tonnes of illegally dumped waste, this includes large items and garbage bags full of waste, five tonnes of litter that includes smaller items such as wrappers, bottles, and coffee cups. Clean Up Peterborough, a volunteer group which organized several litter clean-ups last year collected more than 50,000 cigarette butts from City streets, roads, trails and paths.

Litter composition was made up of:

• 34 per cent recyclables (bottles, bags, food packaging, etc.)

• 32 per cent cigarette butts or other smoking paraphernalia (vapes, etc.)

• 25 per cent organics (food waste)

• 5 per cent textiles (clothes, towels, etc.)

• 4 per cent hazardous waste (pet waste, sharp objects, etc.)

Litter can harm local wildlife and pollute waterways; accumulated litter can attract pests.

Residents are encouraged to do their part by disposing of waste in appropriate receptacles.

Crews regularly maintain the City’s 713 garbage receptacles; however, if a garbage receptacle is complete, residents can report it using its online reporting portal.

The City also implements a street sweeping program to protect the environment by removing pollutants from road surfaces and reducing urban runoff through the stormwater system to downstream water bodies. Street sweeping also improves the cleanliness and aesthetics of City streets and parking lots by removing residual salt and sand used during winter operations.

City street sweepers will clean all 958 lane km of roadway and all City-owned sidewalks, trails and parking lots between March and May once temperatures are continuously above freezing. Many areas receive a secondary sweep as required based on the amount of residue on the surface. The City says work typically takes seven weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions.

Each year, crews start street sweeping in a different area of the City. This year, crews are starting in the downtown core.

Residents are asked to keep streets clear to improve the overall effectiveness of the street-sweeping program. Residents can ensure sweeping equipment can reach the full street surface by removing sports nets, placing garbage and recycling containers on the lawn or driveway and not parking on the street.

When approaching street-sweeping vehicles, please proceed cautiously and allow plenty of room for safe operations.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Call Up Two Players Ahead of the Team's Final Regular Season Home Game

The Peterborough Petes have called up forward Joseph Cadorin from the Pickering Panthers of the OJHL and defenceman Marcus Sulug from the Burlington Eagles U18s ahead of the team’s final home game.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Both players are expected to be in the lineup against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday night.

Cadorin, a native of Kleinburg, Ont. was initially selected by the Petes in the fourth round, 76th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. This season, he played one game for the Petes, before playing in 39 games for the Pickering Panthers of the OJHL where he scored 16 goals and added 21 assists for 37 points. He also featured in five playoff games for the Panthers, picking up four points. Last season, Cadorin played 52 games for the Petes, scoring once and adding an assist. He will wear number 24 for Peterborough.

“Joe has had a good year with Pickering in the OJHL,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “His coaches spoke very highly of him and his development throughout the season.”

Sulug, a defenceman from Stoney Creek, Ont. was drafted by the Petes in the 10th round, 185th overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection out of the Niagara North Stars program. In 2023-24, he played for the North Stars U16 team, picking up five assists in 33 games and another two in eight playoff games. This season, Sulug featured in 21 games for the Burlington Eagles U18s, picking up six assists. He also made his GOJHL debut this season, playing in one game for the St. Catharines Falcons. Sulug will wear number two for the Petes.

“Marcus has made a positive impression with the Burlington U18s this season,”said Oke. “He is expected to be in the lineup tonight and will get his first opportunity to play in the OHL.”

The Petes play their final home game this Thursday as they host the Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Jr. A Lakers Hire Homegrown Talent As New Assistant Coach

The Peterborough Jr. A Lakers have hired Dustin Dunn as the team’s new assistant coach, taking over the role of Turner Evans, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers

Dunn joins returning staff such as head coach Robert Hope and assistants Jeff Ralph, Curtis Conley and Taylor Evans.

Turner stepped away from coaching to focus on his young family as his family recently welcomed their third child, alongside work and lacrosse commitments.

The Peterborough native is a product of the hometown’s minor lacrosse system, including a five-year career with the Jr. A Lakers with a Minto Cup victory in 2006 and a selection to the Jr A All-Star team in 2009. His collegiate career consisted of NCAA’s SUNY Potsdam Bears and in CUFLA with the Brock University Badgers.

His professional career saw him drafted by the National Lacrosse League’s Buffalo Bandits and played for the Toronto Rock. He also played in the Major Series Lacrosse with the Brooklin L.C. and Nanaimo Timbermen in the Western Lacrosse League.

Dunn returned to the Peterborough lacrosse scene in 2019, coaching the U13 Peterborough minor lacrosse team to a provincial bronze medal. Most recently, he led the U17 Clarington Green Gaels to an ‘A’ gold medal at the 2024 Ontario Summer Games, with a roster of half of its players from Peterborough due to lacking a local team in that age group. Lacrosse Canada named Dunn their technical/national development teams coordinator earlier this year.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the Lakers as an assistant coach,” said Dunn. “This organization and this city mean so much to me. I grew up in this system, won a Minto Cup here, and now I get to help guide the next generation of Jr A Lakers. It’s an honour to work alongside this coaching staff and contribute to the team’s success.”

“Dustin is a fantastic addition to our staff,” said Hope. “His experience as a player at the highest levels and his proven track record as a coach make him a perfect fit for this team. He understands what it takes to win in Peterborough and I’m confident he’ll bring a fresh perspective and energy to our group.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

18 Special Olympic Athletes Medal In First Swim Meet of the Season

The Peterborough Special Olympic Swim team saw 18 members medal in their first official swim meet this year in Pickering on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Special Olympics.

They competed in the Special Olympic Swim Team DIVE into the 2025 Durham Swim Meet.

Along with the 18 swimmers who finished in the top three of their respective events, several also achieved their personal bests.

The following are the medalling swimmers:

Lisa Butler:

• 1st place – 50-metre Butterfly

• 1st place – 100-metre Butterfly

• 1st place – 100-metre Freestyle

• 1st place – 200-metre freestyle

Steve Caban:

• 1st place– 100-metre Backstroke

• 1st place - 100-metre Freestyle

• 1st place - 100-metre Breast

• 1st place – 100-metre I.M.

Danielle Clarkson-Bulgar:

• 1st place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Crystal Cochrane:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Mark Crowder:

• 1st place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Jasmine Davis:

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Nick Gardiner:

• 1st place – 25-metre Butterfly

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 25-metre Backstroke

Hannah Goode:

• 2nd place – 25-metre Backcrawl

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backcrawl

Meagan Glaeser:

• 1st place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backcrawl

Nicole Hewitt:

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 50-metre Freestyle

Carly Hopkinson:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

Mercedes Laking:

• 1st place – 25-metre Butterfly

• 2nd place – 100-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 100-metre Breaststroke

Breanne Mackenzie:

• 3rd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 3rd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Gillian McHugh:

• 1st place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 1st place – 100-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 25-metre Butterfly

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Miriam McHugh:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 1st place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 100-metre Backstroke

Kacee Quinlan:

• 1st place – 25-metre Fly

• 1st place – 50-metre Freestyle

Tessa Scates:

• 1st place – 200-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 100-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 3rd place – 50-metre Backstroke

Dominic Wichmann:

• 1st place – 25-metre Backstroke

• 1st place – 50-metre Freestyle

• 2nd place – 50-metre Backstroke

• 2nd place – 25-metre Freestyle

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Starter Company Plus Applications Open For Entrepreneurs to Help Launch and Grow Their Businesses

The Business Advisory Centre have opened applications for the upcoming Starter Company Plus program cohort that offers entrepreneurs essential tools, mentorship and funding to help grow and launch their businesses.

Photo courtesy of Kayla Le Franc and Community Futures Peterborough

“Starter Company Plus is more than just a program—it’s a transformative experience that reshapes the trajectory of the entrepreneur’s journey,” said Rosalea Terry, Business Advisory Centre manager. “By combining expert-led programming, valuable connections, a supportive cohort of like-minded individuals, and funding opportunities, we empower entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build and scale their businesses with confidence. This program is about more than financial support; it’s about equipping business owners with the tools, knowledge, and network to create lasting success.”

Participants will receive guidance from a seasoned business advisor who will help refine their strategies, build strong financial foundations and develop effective marketing campaigns according to a press release. The program also provides valuable networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and like-minded peers who have successfully started, expanded, or acquired small businesses.

“The Starter Company Plus program is essential for those looking to become entrepreneurs,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By providing training, mentoring, and guidance, as well as grants, this initiative will equip individuals with the support they need to grow their businesses, opening up new avenues to transform their ventures into successful enterprises.”

Each entrepreneur will receive a six-month trial membership with the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce for networking opportunities, business advocacy and access to exclusive events. They will also receive a conditionally pre-approved microloan from Community Futures Peterborough.

“Supporting local entrepreneurs is essential for fostering innovation and economic growth in our region,” said Devon Girard, Community Futures Peterborough executive director. “Our first cohort of 21 businesses successfully completed the program with rave reviews and inspiring success stories, proving just how impactful Starter Company Plus can be for businesses. By providing entrepreneurs with expert-led programming, valuable connections, and access to funding, this program is truly transforming businesses and shaping the future of our local economy. We can't wait to see what the next cohort will accomplish."

Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, based in the City or County of Peterborough and ready to launch a new business or expand an existing one.

Applications can be found online. The deadline to apply is April 2 at 11:59 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City of Peterborough Opens Registration For Spring and Summer Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough has opened registration for spring and summer recreation programs this week.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Programs include instructional sports, youth programs, older adult leisure programs and fitness and health programming. Most programs start during the first week of April and vary from four to 12 weeks.

Public registration for spring and summer programming and Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members are open.

The City offers several fitness programs at Miskin Law Community Complex to support all ages and fitness levels.

Programs include Gentle Mobility and Stretch, Qigong, Chair Fitness, Baby & Me Bootcamp, Zumba Kids and Hatha Flow Yoga and Stretch & Strength.

The Miskin Law Community Complex will continue to host drop-in skating during the spring and summer months.

Registration can be done online. Registration can also be done in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. or over the phone at 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Police Service Has 175th Anniversary; To Host Community Celebration May 31

With 2025 marking the 175th anniversary of the Peterborough Police Service, the public is invited to a community celebration on May 31 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 1421 Lansdowne St., announced on Wednesday.

Drew Merrett, Board Vice-Chair; Mayor Jeff Leal, Board Member; Chief Stuart Betts; Mary ten Doeschate, Board Chair; Councillor Gary Baldwin, Board Member; Steve Girardi, Board Member; Deputy Chief Jamie Hartnett. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The celebration will have the following:

• Development of a 175th Anniversary Crest

• Use of 175th Anniversary Crest decal on all marked patrol vehicles

• Allow public to meet officers, Unit demonstrations, recruitment information, BBQ, petting zoo, obstacle course and more!

• History of the Peterborough Police Service Display at Community Celebration

• Return of the Chief For A Day contest

• Update the mission, Vision and Values for the Police Service

The Service was officially formed as one of the first acts of Peterborough council in 1850, with William Cummings serving as Chief Constable alongside four part-time constables serving a population of around 2,200. Since then, the Service has grown to 162 officers and 96 civilian members serving the residents of the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield and Township of Cavan-Monaghan — with a combined population of approximately 100,000 people — and welcomes in just over three million visitors, students and residents from neighbouring communities, annually. 

The Peterborough Police Service marked the start of those celebrations on Tuesday. Chief of Police Stuart Betts placed the official 175th Anniversary Crest on our marked patrol vehicles alongside our Police Service Board members.

“We are honoured to be stewarding the celebration of this milestone.  It is important for us to say thank you to the officers and civilians that built this Organization and have served with dedication as our community has grown,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “When looking back through our history, it is not surprising to see the Peterborough Police Service at the forefront of policing and public safety innovation. We pledge that the Service of the future is just as forward thinking and responsive to the needs of our policing communities. As part of that pledge, we will revisit the mission, vision and values of our Service to ensure they reflect not only today’s expectations, but also the future needs of our Organization and the Community.”

Historical Markers:

• The Peterborough Police Service is the 10th oldest service in the province

• 14 police chiefs in service history - Peterborough Police Chief George H. Johnston was originally thought to have been the first Chief of the Peterborough Police Service; however, historical archives suggest that there were three others who preceded him.

• First civilian member was a female stenographer in 1952

• First female officer 1968

• First forensic unit created in 1948

• First K9 Unit 1997

• 500 Water Street officially opened in 1968 and was the only police-designated building until the City of Peterborough purchase of the 1421 Lansdowne Street location in February 2024

• 2025 is also the 25th Anniversary of the Peterborough Police Service Auxiliary Unit

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Family Health Team Expands Healthcare With New Clinic For Unattached Patients

Those without a family doctor have a new facility for healthcare as the Peterborough Family Health Team (FHT) has expanded its services with a new clinic that exclusively accepts ‘unattached’ patients at 555 George St. N., announced on Tuesday morning.

Dr. Tehmina Chattha Is one of eight doctors at the Peterborough Family Health Team’s new expanded clinic at 185 King St. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The new clinic space will contain additional exam rooms, allowing it to expand appointments for Peterborough city and county residents who do not have a family doctor in Ontario. Those who do have one are not eligible for care at the clinic.

The expansion allows the King Street location (185 King St.) to operate and support more niche services such as well babies.

The clinic has eight doctors, four nurses and a nurse practitioner who can see up to roughly 50-60 patients daily.

Dr. Tehmina Chattha is one of the doctors at the new clinic. She was a former family practitioner and previously worked in ER in Saskatchewan. Chattha says she looks forward to the challenges and changes with her new role.

“Taking care of unattached patients comes with its own challenges because we don't have all the information available, labs and whatever diagnostic imaging have been done before, you don't have access to them. You don't have access to their health records,” she explained. “So gathering all this information, especially in the initial appointment when you are trying to manage a plan, it becomes a little challenging. However we are trying our best to help them out.”

This clinic offers in-person, same-day or next-day care to those with limited options. First-time patients must book an appointment by calling 705-651-4866. Returning patients can book online.

While this clinic is needed in Peterborough, it is just a stop-gap solution to the always-demanding healthcare in town according to Duff Sprague, Peterborough FHT CEO.

“This isn't comprehensive care so it's not your family doctor here, it's family physician care. You don't have that long-term relationship with physicians,” he explained. “Fortunately is that when doctors come from another area and they work in this clinic, so far we have two who plan to open a full family practice so that's the benefit. 

The clinic is receiving some financial help to make sure it can operate. The Peterborough Ontario Health Team (OHT) has committed to covering the clinic’s rent until Sept. 1. Director of Operations; the Patient Services Supervisor and City’s physician recruiter have donated their personal time to preparation of the space, including painting, deep cleaning, transporting equipment and other necessary setup efforts. Whelan’s Floor donated and installed replacement flooring in part of the clinic and to Rishor Real Estate Inc.gave a 50 per cent rent reduction for the first year.

“Despite a base budget that has not increased in many years, we’ve strategically managed to run the clinic within the existing funding and the access clinic physicians have to bill OHIP for their services,” said Sprague. “We took a coordinated approach to provide essential care to unattached patients. Our PFHT Health Clinic offers a much less expensive and more appropriate alternative to the only other in-person choice in the area – hospital emergency departments.”

The Peterborough FHT Health Clinic says from April 1 last year to early March, they estimate $370,804 in savings due to hospital emergency room diversions. The savings are based on the patient being assessed at the emergency department and do not include any testing procedures or specialist care according to Peterborough FHT. They also mention that cancer screenings conducted at the clinic not only save costs for the system but also open the door to care for the unattached patient.

“I think that primary care has not been funded adequately. It's suffering and that is the key to managing the other healthcare costs,” explained Sprague. “Good strong family medicine, nurse practitioners, primary care teams are going to shorten the wait at emergency departments, going to shorten the volume, going to delay people going into hospital beds, delay people going into long-term care beds but far more expensive parts of the healthcare system, there's going to be reduced use and reduced need.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.