ColonCancerCheck Changes Take Effect July 1
Changes to Ontario’s publicly funded colorectal cancer screening program, ColonCancerCheck, take effect on July 1, 2026, including a lower screening start age, updated eligibility criteria, a new lab service provider, and a new FIT device. To support family physicians through this transition, the OCFP has developed a summary of changes.
While we welcome these evidence-based program changes, we have raised concerns about the temporary shift to fax-based FIT test result reporting. The OCFP is working closely with Ontario Health to explore mitigation strategies to minimize workflow disruptions and provide clear timelines for EMR integration. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep members informed as updates become available.
Tick-borne diseases
At the OCFP’s recent Changing the Way We Work community of practice session, experts shared insights on emerging trends in vector-borne diseases and practical approaches to management. Access the recording (10:07 mark) here and additional resources below to support you in your practice:
- Public platforms for identification and population monitoring of ticks in Canada: eTick and TickTOOL
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The KidneyWise Toolkit has been updated to reflect current best practices and includes updated management recommendations, a Clinical Algorithm, and patient fact sheets. Among the changes:
- Black people living in Ontario have been identified as a group at high risk of CKD who should be screened annually,
- Updated recommendations for medications used to manage patients with CKD.
Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome Care: The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has developed a secondary prevention pathway to support a patient’s journey from discharge to outpatient follow up after ACS. It indicates when care goals should be implemented and the most responsible clinicians, and includes a step-by-step patient self-management tool.
Expansion of Pharmacy-Based Vaccination: Beginning in late July 2026, eligible adults will be able to receive four additional publicly funded vaccines at pharmacies, beyond influenza and COVID-19 — Tdap (Tetanus, Pertussis, Diphtheria); RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus); Shingles; and Pneumococcal. The province will share more details on program eligibility (no fee will be charged for eligible patients) and the sharing of records. Faxes will likely remain the main method for receiving updates about your patients until Ontario’s Primary Care Medical Record program is in place.
Having more vaccinators requires better vaccine tracking and an interconnected system, and the OCFP is laser-focused on ensuring the planning for the new Primary Care Medical Record program is guided by your workflow realities.
Other Scope Expansions and OCFP Advocacy: During consultations on proposed scope expansion measures in November 2025, the OCFP reinforced the need for a shared medical record system and raised concerns about several proposed changes. Recent developments include:
- Pharmacist prescribing for acute insomnia: We were pleased to see that the government’s recent announcement did not include plans to move forward with pharmacy-based assessment and prescribing for acute insomnia.
- Psychologist prescribing: It appears the government is reconsidering the proposal to allow psychologists to prescribe select medications. The OCFP submitted a joint response with the CFPC opposing psychologist prescribing due to patient safety concerns.
- Ontario College of Pharmacists consultation: OCFP feedback helped inform a recent consultation on additional learning requirements for pharmacists administering Sublocade and managing additional minor ailments.
The OCFP will continue to advocate for patient safety, continuity of care, and a connected health system as these discussions evolve.
*Don’t Miss Early Bird pricing – Save 20% until July 31!*
Foundations of Children’s Mental Health Workshop
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a practical, case-based workshop designed to help you recognize common presentations, conduct effective assessments, and navigate management options for anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and ADHD. Leave with evidence-based tools, screening resources, and strategies you can apply in practice right away.
Register Today!
Practising Well- Medical Fitness to Drive: When and How to Report
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Register Here
Under Section 203 of the Highway Traffic Act, physicians have mandatory reporting requirements for high risk medical conditions, visual impairments, and functional impairments that make it dangerous for a person to drive. We’ll explore how to have these conversations with skill, involve the right supports, and preserve, or even strengthen, the physician-patient relationship.
Changing the Way We Work– Infectious Disease & Emergency Preparedness for Large-Scale Events
Friday, June 26, 2026, 7:55 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Register Here
In this session, we will share an update on circulating infectious diseases. We will also explore how emergency preparedness for large-scale events—like the FIFA World Cup—addresses extreme heat and communicable disease response through coordinated clinical care and public health strategies to protect attendees and the broader population.
Family Physicians in Action - Dr. Onye Nnorom, Building Health Systems that Listen
Each month, we profile a family physician making an impact in their practice, community, and the health system. This month, we spoke with Dr. Onye Nnorom, Ontario’s Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, about the role community, mentorship, and listening have played throughout her career, and how they continue to shape her approach to leadership and health system change.
Read the profile.
Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention Workshop
Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Register Here
In this workshop, facilitators will share insights from the 2023 updated clinical practice guideline for management of osteoporosis and fracture prevention in Canada, as well as actionable tools for screening, diagnosing and optimizing care.
Practising Well- ADHD in Primary Care: Meeting Growing Demand with Practical Tools
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Register Here
In this session, our panel will support family physicians in recognizing ADHD across the lifespan, identifying common comorbidities, and understanding their role in assessment and early management.
Save the Date!
The OCFP’s Annual Members Meeting will take place on September 10, 2026. Additional details will be shared in the coming months.
