Bill 117: Access (Assistance for Care, Commuting and Essential Specialized Services) Act, 2026

This bill primarily affects individual Ontario residents in rural and remote communities who must travel long distances for specialist medical care, rather than businesses directly. However, primary care clinicians across Ontario would be indirectly involved, as their referrals are a prerequisite for grant eligibility. Healthcare facilities and specialists in urban centres may see improved patient access if travel cost barriers are reduced. The bill does not impose direct obligations on businesses, though organizations that currently assist with patient travel costs (such as private insurers or community health organizations) may need to coordinate with the new program to avoid duplicate coverage.