Ontario Government Invests $1.57M to Expand IVF Services in Windsor

The Ontario government has announced a significant investment of $1,571,277 to enhance fertility care in Windsor by expanding services at Victory Reproductive Care. This funding aims to facilitate approximately 163 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles through the Ontario Fertility Program (OFP), making publicly funded fertility treatments more accessible to families in the region.

This investment is part of a larger initiative, with a total of $250 million allocated for the expansion of the OFP, which will improve services at 25 clinics across the province. The plan includes the establishment of six new IVF sites, thereby reducing wait times and enhancing local access for individuals and couples seeking fertility support. According to the province, an estimated $50 million will be allocated for the fiscal year 2025–26, which is expected to fund an additional 5,000 IVF cycles in Ontario, with the remaining $200 million to be distributed in the following two fiscal years.

Andrew Dowie, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Windsor–Tecumseh, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Every family deserves the chance to grow, and this investment shows our government’s commitment to making that dream a reality for more people in our community.” He added that expanding access to fertility services close to home alleviates stress and reduces waiting periods for families relying on these essential services.

Joining Dowie at the announcement was Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health. Leardi remarked, “By investing in Victory Reproductive Care, our government is helping more people get the fertility care they need without having to travel far from home.”

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones highlighted the commitment to making fertility support more accessible. “Our investment in these 25 clinics will help triple the number of families in Ontario benefiting from publicly funded fertility supports—further protecting public services,” Jones stated.

Since its inception in 2015, the Ontario Fertility Program has assisted over 125,500 individuals in their journey to build families. The program currently funds 54 clinics across Ontario, providing a range of services, including intra-uterine insemination (IUI), IVF, and fertility preservation.

In a move towards continuous improvement, all publicly funded fertility clinics under the OFP will be required to achieve accreditation through Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum Global program by April 1, 2028.

Additionally, the province plans to introduce a new refundable Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit beginning in the 2025 tax year. This credit will offer up to $5,000 annually by covering 25 percent of eligible fertility-related expenses, capped at $20,000. Covered costs will include IVF cycles, fertility medications, diagnostic testing, and travel for treatment, provided services are delivered entirely within Canada.

This investment aligns with Ontario’s broader health strategy, “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care,” which aims to enhance access to timely, high-quality services across the province.