Ontario rural communities offer incentives to attract medical staff due to severe shortages.

Ontario rural communities are implementing incentives like signing bonuses and referral rewards, such as Huntsville's $80,000 signing bonus for family physicians, to attract medical staff due to severe shortages. Blanche River Health in Kirkland Lake offers $2,000 for successful doctor or nurse referrals, while Dryden's regional health centre provides a $37,500 relocation bonus. However, health experts warn that these strategies could fuel a competitive environment for medical staff, adding financial pressure on local municipalities.