Ontario’s health minister appears to be softening her stance somewhat on an earlier statement that there’s no concern about a shrinking supply of doctors.

Sylvia Jones told reporters outside the legislature on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health is not suggesting there is no shortage of physicians.

“What we’re saying is that Ontario physicians are a really important part of our healthcare system and we’ll continue to work with them to grow the workforce,” said Jones.

The comments come in the midst of negotiations with representatives of the Ontario Medical Association for the next four year Physician Services Agreement.

Doctor Amol Verma is a regular panelist on Zoomer Radio’s Fight Back with Libby Znaimer and says it’s sad and disappointing to see the negotiations playing out publicly in this way.

“We know the facts on the ground about lack of access to healthcare in the province and I really wish that our professional association and our ministry would be able to work more closely together to address that, as they have done on a variety of initiatives. These things tend to be very challenging when it comes down to remuneration negotiations,” Verma explained.

As we’ve reported many times on Zoomer Radio News, the O.M.A. says there are 2.3-million Ontario residents without a family doctor.

Data from government agency Health Force Ontario shows there are more than 3000 physician job vacancies.