Colwood Mayor’s Innovative Plan Attracts Family Doctors to B.C.

The mayor of Colwood, British Columbia, Doug Kobayashi, has implemented a groundbreaking initiative aimed at attracting family doctors to his rapidly expanding community. Following the departure of his own family doctor in 2022, Kobayashi decided to take action rather than waiting for provincial intervention. His plan to employ family doctors directly through the municipality could serve as a model for other Canadian communities facing similar healthcare challenges.

Kobayashi’s approach focuses on addressing the key concerns expressed by medical professionals during consultations in 2022. Many doctors highlighted the burdens of administrative tasks, financial instability, and the need for a better work/life balance. “Here’s the bottom line — making it as simple [for the doctor] as possible,” he stated. The plan allows family doctors to become municipal employees, contrasting with the typical model where they operate as independent contractors.

By employing doctors directly, the city aims to alleviate the administrative workload that often deters medical professionals from practicing in smaller communities. “As an employee, we want you to be a doctor 100 percent of the time,” Kobayashi explained. He emphasized that the city would handle administrative tasks, staffing, and provide a stable salary along with benefits.

Kobayashi’s plan comes at a critical time for healthcare in Canada. A 2024 survey by the Canadian Medical Association revealed that more than one in five Canadians—approximately 6.5 million adults—lack a regular healthcare provider. Furthermore, data from Statistics Canada shows that the percentage of adults with a family doctor has decreased from 85 percent between 2017 and 2022 to nearly 83 percent in 2023.

Colwood, located near Victoria, has been grappling with access to healthcare since 2002. To address this issue, the city has taken on the costs associated with the health clinic, including rent, overhead, and staffing. The municipal council allocated up to $500,000 to establish the clinic, which opened earlier this year. Kobayashi assures residents that taxpayers will not face additional burdens, as the project is designed to be sustainable.

To date, one doctor, Dr. Cassandra Stiller, has joined the clinic, with plans to recruit two more by the end of November 2023. Stiller, who relocated from London, Ontario, recognized the urgent need for medical care in Colwood. “I’ve seen patients who haven’t seen a doctor in 10 to 15 years,” she shared, describing the emotional aspect of her work. “We’re discovering new diagnoses that could significantly impact their health.”

The Colwood model has garnered attention from other municipalities across Canada. For instance, Kamloops is exploring the establishment of its own municipally run clinic, while Orillia, Ontario, is considering the plan but has yet to secure funding for implementation. Mayor Don McIsaac of Orillia acknowledged the challenges of adapting the Colwood model but remains optimistic about finding alternative solutions to enhance healthcare access.

Despite growing interest, some healthcare professionals express caution regarding the broader implications of the Colwood initiative. Dr. Carrie Bernard, president of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, noted potential risks associated with municipalities taking on healthcare responsibilities. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that such initiatives do not absolve provincial governments of their obligations.

Kobayashi acknowledges that while some doctors may prefer to operate independently, he believes the Colwood clinic could inspire other communities to think creatively about healthcare solutions. As he aptly put it, “If you build it, they will come.” The success of this initiative could signal a shift in how communities across Canada approach the recruitment and retention of family doctors, ultimately improving healthcare access for millions.