The Township of Armstrong (Earlton) has stepped forward as the first municipality to contribute to Blanche River Health’s physician recruitment and retention efforts, donating $3,600 to Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) restricted exclusively for this purpose. The funds will directly support the work of the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (PRRC), a community-led initiative addressing the urgent shortage of physicians serving Englehart, Kirkland Lake, and surrounding communities.

Physician shortages have already led to an emergency department closure in Englehart in March 2024 and increased pressure on both hospital sites. “Our recruitment and retention initiatives are unfunded, yet they are vital to keeping emergency, inpatient, and specialist services available close to home,” said Jorge VanSlyke, President & CEO of Blanche River Health (BRH).

The PRRC works with BRH Physician Recruitment and Medical Affairs Coordinator, France Benoit, to attract and retain doctors through competitive incentives, housing support, and community engagement.

Dr. Lasha Gorecki, BRH and Kirkland District Family Health Team lead physician and PRRC member, noted, “The residents in all municipalities deserve stable access to medical services. Armstrong has stepped forward among the local municipalities in recognizing the collective responsibility in supporting health care recruitment initiatives. By investing in physician recruitment, Armstrong is helping in establishing accessible healthcare in our region.”

For the Township, the decision was rooted in protecting essential services. “It’s not easy to get and keep doctors in the North, but it’s one of the most important things we can do for our residents,” said Mayor Jean Marc Boileau. We’re proud that our community could support this effort, and we hope others will join us. It takes the whole region working together to make sure people get the care they need.”

Cassandra James, BRHF Executive Director, emphasized that municipal leadership is critical: “Armstrong has shown what’s possible when a community steps up. We hope this inspires other municipalities to join us in building a sustainable funding envelope so we can secure a full complement of physicians for years to come.”

Why Every Municipality in Our Region Must Act Now

The physician shortage is a region-wide crisis — and it’s putting emergency, inpatient, and specialist services at risk in both Englehart and Kirkland Lake. Armstrong’s $3,600 contribution proves that local action can make a difference, but one municipality alone cannot solve this.

We need every council — and the businesses within their communities — to join this effort. Contributions can take many forms:

1. Annualized Financial Support – Ongoing municipal or business contributions exclusively for recruitment and retention, creating a stable fund to offer competitive incentives when physician numbers are low.
2. Housing Support – Sponsoring the cost of an apartment or home for incoming physicians, or covering vehicle rentals from regional airports to make relocation more attractive.
3. Hospitality & Community Perks – Providing free or discounted access to gyms, restaurants, events, or family recreation passes to help physicians and their families integrate into the community.
4. Sponsoring Recruitment Events – Covering registration, travel, or accommodation costs for local recruitment teams and physician ambassadors to attend high-impact job fairs and conferences.
5. Dedicated Community Recruiter – Our communities have one Medical Affairs / Recruitment Coordinator employed under BRH. Hospitals are not funded for physician recruitment roles. Other communities have hired their own recruiters. It takes time, effort, and dedicated resources to recruit physicians and having a role that can fully support recruitment can help BRH utilize the incumbent role to advance the retention and medical affairs component of the job. Municipalities can consider funding a full-time position for a physician recruitment role that will work closely with the hospitals and health centres to recruit physicians.

Contributions — whether financial, in-kind, or service-based — will help:

• Keep emergency departments open and accessible.
• Reduce wait times for local families and seniors.
• Attract and retain the doctors our communities urgently need.

This is a shared challenge, and it demands a shared solution.

Follow Armstrong’s example and help us build a sustainable funding envelope to secure a full complement of physicians for years to come.

To discuss how your municipality or business can contribute, contact the Blanche River Health Foundation at 1-866-274-7774 ext. 2156 or foundation@blancheriverhealth.ca.

About Blanche River Health Foundation

The Blanche River Health Foundation raises funds for equipment and capital projects at the Blanche River Health hospitals in Englehart and Kirkland Lake. With limited government funding, the hospitals rely on people’s generosity to modernize facilities, improve patient care, and advance its mission to make healthcare work for you. Governed by a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring essential improvements are made possible.

To continue supporting BRH, please consider donating to the BRH Foundation via:

• Online: Visit brhfoundation.ca
• Cheque: Blanche River Health Foundation, 145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, Ontario P2N 3P4
• Lottery Tickets: Purchase Split the Pot tickets at splitthepot.ca
• Your Estate Planner: Include the Foundation in your will through planned giving: legacy.brhfoundation.ca 
• Grateful Hearts Program: Honour a caregiver or staff member who made a difference by donating in their name through grateful.brhfoundation.ca

Visit brhfoundation.ca to learn more or to donate.

Pictured:

Left to right: Cassandra James (BRHF Executive Director), Councillor Peggy Harrison, Mary Ann Mavrinac (BRHF Board Director), Councillor Michèle Rivard, Norm Koch (BRH Board Director), John Sullivan (BRHF Board Chair), Dan Strasbourg (PRRC Volunteer), Mayor Jean Marc Boileau, Councillor Daniel Perreault, Nancy Prince (BRHF Board Director), Jorge VanSlyke (BRHF Secretary and BRH CEO & President) and Dan Thibeault (CAO - Clerk-Treasurer)