Overview

Whether you’re a patient, family member, caregiver — or simply interested in health care — we want your input on how we can change and improve Ontario’s health system.

Your input will help us:

  • improve quality, safety and the health care experience of patients, families and caregivers
  • ensure programs and policies reflect patient, family and caregiver needs
  • improve how patients, families and caregivers access, understand and use information and services to make health-care decisions

Become a virtual patient advisor to the province

When you sign up to become a virtual patient, family and caregiver advisor through a virtual pool, you may be asked:

  • for your feedback on certain policies and programs that affect patients, families and caregivers
  • to participate in patient, family and caregiver engagement opportunities

Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council

The Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council is an advisory body to the minister and Ministry of Health, consisting of up to 15 members, in addition to a chair. Council members are appointed by the minister.

The Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council:

  • provides advice to the minister on key health policy priorities that have an impact on patient care and patient and family experiences
  • provides advice to the minister on the appropriateness and alignment of patient engagement activities across the ministry, to maximize their quality and impact
  • helps identify issues relating to care or health care experiences of patients and families across the health care system, and advises the minister about opportunities to effectively engage with patients and their families on these issues
  • identifies and advises on opportunities to incorporate the perspectives of patients and their families in the policy development process

Learn more about the Minister's Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Recent updates

The 2024–2025 Annual Report on the Minister's Patient and Family Advisory Council — Modernization and Disruption: Driving Positive Change by Co-design

This report focuses on how patient, family and caregiver partnerships and perspectives:

  • positively impact health system transformation
  • drive innovation and clinical and digital improvements

The council and chair continue to partner and advise on opportunities to advance partnership with patients, families and caregivers to ensure patient-centered care.

Past reports of the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council

The 2021–22 Annual Report of the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council — Moving Forward Together: Transforming Care Through Partnership and Engagement

This report highlights the importance of genuine partnership, engagement and co-design with patients, families and caregivers in shaping the future of health care in Ontario.

The 2022–2023 Annual Report of the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council — Embracing Change, Shifting Mindsets, Changing Culture: The Collective Impact of Patient, Family & Caregiver Partnership & Engagement

This report demonstrates the impact engagement and partnership have on building a health system rooted in patient-centred care.

The 2023–2024 Annual Report of the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council — Stewardship: Redefining Leadership and Shaping Health Care with Patients, Families & Caregivers

This report spotlights the leadership of the council in 2023–24 and the impact of their work on the health-care system.

Contact us

If you have questions about the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, please email patientengagement@ontario.ca.