Bulletin 260507 — Rural and Northern Physician Group Agreement physician pregnancy and parental leave changes
The Ministry of Health is improving pregnancy and parental leave benefits for eligible Rural and Northern Physician Group Agreement physicians.
To: RNPGA Physicians
Category: Physician Services, Primary Health Care Services
Written by: Primary Health Care Branch, Physician and Provider Services Division
Date issued: June 1, 2026
Bulletin Number: 260507
Overview
The Ministry of Health is making improvements to the pregnancy and parental leave provisions under the Rural and Northern Physician Group Agreement (RNPGA). This update is effective for new pregnancy/parental leaves that begin on or after April 1, 2025.
Key highlights
Eligible RNPGA physicians are entitled to the funding set out in the Pregnancy/Parental Leave section of the RNPGA agreement for the following time periods, as applicable:
- Twenty Two (22) consecutive weeks of Pregnancy/Parental Leave for a RNPGA Physician who is pregnant and gives birth to a child; or
- Seventeen (17) consecutive weeks of Parental Leave for any other RNPGA Physician who:
- is the parent of a child (birth fathers, non-birth mothers); or
- adopts a child (and parents expecting a child via surrogacy)
In the event of a stillbirth the birth mother may apply for benefits if the child was carried up to at least 23 weeks gestation prior to the loss. A maximum of 22 weeks of benefits are available and this leave can start up to 5 weeks prior to the expected birth date.
Eligibility
Eligibility for pregnancy or parental leave is set out in the RNPGA contract. Physicians are encouraged to review the pregnancy and parental leave provisions in the RNPGA agreement for the full eligibility requirements, notice requirements, and any related terms and conditions.
Physicians who receive pregnancy or parental leave benefits under the RNPGA are not eligible to receive payments from the Pregnancy and Parental Leave Benefit Program (PPLBP) for the same child.
Compensation and Locum support
Physicians on approved pregnancy or parental leave will continue to receive renumeration during their leave period as set out in the RNPGA contract:
- Group 1 physicians: 66% of the Base Rate Payment
- Group 2 physicians: 50% of the Base Rate Payment
RNPGA groups will continue to receive locum coverage support through the Rural Family Medicine Locum Program (RFMLP) when an eligible physician is on pregnancy or parental leave, in alignment with these changes. Physicians and groups should continue to access RFMLP support through Ontario Health’s existing RFMLP processes.
The Ministry will follow up directly with any affected RNPGA groups if any changes or adjustments are required.
Keywords/tags
RNPGA; Rural and Northern Physician Group Agreement; RFMLP; Rural Family Medicine Locum Program; Pregnancy and Parental Leave Benefit Program; PPLBP
Contact information
For further information or assistance:
RNPGA inquiries
Email: NHP@ontario.ca
RFMLP inquiries
E-mail: rfmlp@ontariohealth.ca
Do you have questions about this INFOBulletin? Email the Service Support Contact Centre or call