Civic Engagement Program
Launched in 2026, AFHTO’s flagship Civic Engagement Program aims to help members develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate in powerful government relations and advocacy locally and as part of AFHTO’s engagements. Through a combination of training, resources, and on-demand coaching, the program aims to build the civic engagement capacity of teams—and strengthen our sector’s collective advocacy efforts—to advance primary care across Ontario.
Your Voice. Your Impact.
Every person connected to Ontario’s primary care system has the power to create change. Whether you are part of primary care team, an individual clinician, a partner organization, or a member of the public, there is a role for you in strengthening team-based care primary across Ontario.
Module 1
Government Relations 101
This module introduces core advocacy and government relations concepts, providing a high-level overview of the process, strategies, and tactics used by non-profit organizations in advocacy.
Key Details:
- By the end of this module, learners will be able to identify how provincial policy decisions are made in Ontario, the role of advocacy in this process, and how they might support advocacy efforts through coordinated tactics.
- Open to all AFHTO members.
- Webinar Date: August 25, 2026, 11am-12pm (1 hour)
Module 2
Key details:
- By the end of this module, learners will be able to effectively participate in the provincial pre-budget consultation process in support of AFHTO’s messaging and policy asks.
- Members must first complete Module 1: Government Relations 101 to be eligible for Module 2: AFHTO’s Pre-Budget Submission Campaign.
- Webinar Date: November 3, 2026, 11am-12pm (1 hour)
AFHTO’s Pre-Budget Submission Campaign
This Module offers an in-depth briefing on AFHTO’s Pre-Budget Submission campaign, core “asks” for the year, and how members can participate.
Module 3
AFHTO’s Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park
This module provides an in-depth briefing on PrimaryCareTeams@QP: AFHTO’s 2026 Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park and how members can participate.
Key details:
- By the end of this module, learners will be able to develop and deliver clear advocacy messaging to participate effectively throughout Advocacy Day engagements.
- Members must first complete Module 1: Government Relations 101 to be eligible for Module 3: AFHTO’s Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park.
- Webinar Date: November 17, 2026, 11am-12pm (1 hour)
On-Demand Coaching and Resources
Have an upcoming meeting with an MPP or a media interview? Registrants of AFHTO’s Civic Engagement Program have access to tools, templates, and resources—and are eligible to book on-demand coaching for guidance on upcoming public or government engagements.
Note: AFHTO is exploring expanding the Civic Engagement Program curriculum in 2027-28 and is open to partnerships that will allow us to do so.
For any questions about the Civic Engagement Program, partnership opportunities, or to book an on-demand coaching session with AFHTO’s Civic Engagement Program lead, contact Jessica Ng, Senior Manager, Advocacy and Government Relations.