Closed
Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI)
Financial incentives for physicians in rural Ontario
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 84,851 - $ 124,730
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program offers taxable financial incentives of up to $124,730 for physicians who establish a full-time practice in eligible northern and rural Ontario communities. It supports recruitment and retention through quarterly payments over four years for approved medical practice opportunities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 124,730 $
- Minimum amount : 84,851 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Establishing a full-time medical practice in an eligible northern or rural community
- Providing comprehensive physician services in the community
- Joining an existing primary care model, for family physicians
Documents Needed
- Completed NRRRI application form
- Valid CPSO certificate of registration
- Family or specialist certification documents, if applicable
- Proof of CMPA coverage
- Community acceptance letter and hospital privileges confirmation
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Physicians
- Family physicians
- Medical specialists
Who is not eligible
- Physicians who previously received the NRRRI grant for a full four years
- Physicians who already received Free Tuition Program funding or an NHP incentive grant for a full four-year duration
- Physicians who have not yet completed residency training, if they are not otherwise ready to apply
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Relocation expenses
- Spousal employment support
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Communities with a Rurality Index for Ontario score of 40 or greater
- North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timmins
Processing and Agreement
- Application is reviewed by Northern Health Programs before practice begins
- If approved, the physician receives an approval letter and agreement forms
- Signed agreements and banking details must be returned before payment starts
- First payment is issued about six to eight weeks after all required documents are approved
- Eligibility is monitored during the first three years through a Confirmation of Practice form
Additional information
- Only emailed or faxed applications are accepted.
- Electronic signatures are accepted in place of original signed documents.
- Physicians may receive only one NRRRI grant per career.
- Payments are made quarterly over four years.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI)?
This program offers taxable financial incentives of up to $124,730 for physicians who establish a full-time practice in eligible northern and rural Ontario communities. It supports recruitment and retention through quarterly payments over four years for approved medical practice opportunities.
How much funding can be received?
Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI) Funds up to $124,730 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI) program?
To be eligible for the Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI) program, you must:
Physicians with valid CPSO registration
Full-time practice in an eligible community
Canadian citizen or permanent resident
What expenses are eligible under Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI)?
Establishing a full-time medical practice in an eligible northern or rural community
Providing comprehensive physician services in the community
Joining an existing primary care model, for family physicians
Who can I contact for more information about the Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI)?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at NHP@ontario.ca or by phone at 705-564-7280.
Where is the Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI) available?
The Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Northern and Rural Recruitment and Retention Initiative (NRRRI) is a Grant and Funding