OAC participates in Ontario Budget 2026 consultations

The Ontario Association of Cardiologists (OAC) participated today in the Ontario Budget 2026 consultations hosted by the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, Michelle Cooper (MPP, Eglinton-Lawrence) in Scarborough.

As part of the consultation, the OAC encouraged the government to view hospital and outpatient cardiology services as what they truly are: essential health-care infrastructure. Like other forms of infrastructure, these services require ongoing, stable support to remain accessible to patients across the province.

Cardiology care spans the full continuum—from emergency care and advanced, innovative procedures to ongoing outpatient management—and plays a critical role in maintaining patient access, system capacity, and overall health-system performance across Ontario.

Ontario’s long-standing investments in cardiac care have produced strong outcomes and represent excellent value for money. However, growing financial and operational pressures are placing increasing strain on the delivery of cardiac services. Sustained support in the 2026 Budget is needed to protect these investments and ensure patients continue to receive timely, high-quality cardiac care.

The OAC appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the consultation process and looks forward to the government demonstrating strong, continued support for cardiac care as the 2026 Ontario Budget is developed.