York Region strengthening health care support for Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
Newmarket – York Regional Council received an update on York Region’s Community Paramedicine program expansion to Georgina Island First Nation, supporting work to advance Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations while respecting a shared commitment to First Nation self determination.
“York Region is proud to work alongside Georgina Island First Nation to deliver culturally appropriate and community-based health care,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “By continuing our partnership, we will complement existing supports and work together toward equitable health care for everyone.”
The expanded Community Paramedicine Program operates a weekly, community-based clinic that supports residents in managing chronic health conditions and works to establish referral pathways to community health care providers. Community Paramedicine plays an important role in York Region by providing clinical support to patients in their homes, long-term care homes and community-based clinics, transitional housing locations and underserved rural areas.
“The expansion of Community Paramedicine to Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation provides vital onsite support for those managing chronic health conditions, helping community members remain safe, healthy and connected,” said Connie Foster, Health and Wellness Director/Nurse Practitioner Lead, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. “We value the teamwork, open communication and mutual respect that have guided this partnership and look forward to continued collaboration to further improve health outcomes for the residents.”
For the past year, York Region Paramedic Services and the Georgina Island Band Council have made emergency response and health care needs on Georgina Island a priority. Discussions focused on supporting Indigenous-led emergency response and non-urgent community care. In June 2025, York Region’s Community Paramedicine Program expanded services to Georgina Island First Nation to support the heath needs of the community.
Georgina Island is home to the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, an Anishinaabe Nation with 231 year-round residents. The population triples during the summer months. The island is serviced by a ferry that operates from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. As the main form of transportation, it limits access to the island outside of these hours. In the winter, the ferry often cannot operate due to ice buildup on Lake Simcoe, further restricting travel options and limiting access to health care and emergency services.
To further enhance the health and well-being of this community and support increased access to health care, York Region submitted a funding proposal to Ontario Health to fund expansion of services on the island. If approved, this funding would cover expansion of services, including the purchase of an ambulance, staffing for on-island coverage, ice water rescue equipment, satellite technology, training, Indigenous cultural supports and medical supplies.
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.29 million residents and 57,000 businesses with approximately 624,000 employees. More information about York Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices
-30-
Media Contact:
Tamara Ostrowski, Corporate Communications, The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71226 Cell: 905-251-6412
Email: @email
