AFHTO Membership
Ontario’s primary care teams can come together through AFHTO to influence policy, strengthen practice, and lead system change. Join a connected community with a powerful collective voice, and the tools, learning, and partnerships that help you do your best work.
Broadening Capacity, Together
AFHTO brings new partnerships, programs, and funding opportunities directly to members to strengthen local capacity. We focus on equity-driven, community-responsive care and help teams access supports that would be difficult or costly to secure independently.
You get the benefit of a larger system working on your behalf, while retaining local autonomy. By working together across 190 teams, AFHTO helps members achieve outcomes that matter to communities and to government, while protecting the core values of team-based primary care.
Who can be an AFHTO member?
An organization is eligible to become an AFHTO member if it:
- Provides comprehensive primary care.
- Is interprofessional and team based.
- Has an administrative structure or agreement that coordinates relationships among team members.
- Operates in and is primarily funded by the province of Ontario.
AFHTO’s membership includes Family Health Teams, Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics, Community Health Centres and other interprofessional primary care organizations.
What AFHTO Membership Delivers
A Stronger Ecosystem, Not Just Compliance
Moving beyond checkboxes to collective strength
AFHTO’s greatest value lies in building a connected, learning-oriented ecosystem across our 190 member organizations. We don’t just help teams comply. We help them improve, adapt, and lead.
Your organization becomes part of a province-wide learning health community that shares knowledge, tests solutions, and scales what works.
Member benefit:
- Data-to-decision initiatives that turn information into actionable insight
- Quality Improvement projects supported by shared expertise
- Education and training aligned with emerging system and community needs
Your Voice at the System Table
Influence without the burden
AFHTO represents its members at the tables where decisions are made. We actively influence Ontario Health and Ministry of Health policies, funding approaches, and operational processes so they work for primary care teams in the real world.
Member benefit:
- Provides key updates and insights on government policy and announcements
- Elevates your local issues and concerns to a provincial level
- Leverages your experience to influence system design through a strong collective voice without you having to individually navigate government relations
Implementation That Works for Teams
From policy to practice, with fewer headaches
When new contracts, reporting requirements, or expansion initiatives roll out, AFHTO provides feedback to the government through the lens of our members, and then helps members implement them as efficiently as possible. We focus on feasibility, clarity, and consistency so teams can spend less time deciphering requirements and more time delivering care.
Member benefit:
- Practical implementation supports
- Clear templates and guidance to support operational excellence
- Reduced administrative burden and duplication
- Faster uptake with fewer false starts
Access to Benefits and Perks
Practical and people-first
AFHTO membership comes with excellent benefits that support your team and your organization. From pension eligibility and exclusive conference rates to everyday employee perks and free job postings, these benefits are designed to help you attract talent, invest in your workforce, and get more value from membership.
Member benefit:
- Eligibility for HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan) – Secure your team’s future with affordable pension options.
- Exclusive Access – Save with the members only rate for our annual AFHTO Conference
- Join a comprehensive group benefit plan for all members – including extended health, dental coverage, and more, all provided at a reduce prive due to our larger, collective buying power
- Employee Perks – Enjoy discounts with Perkopolis, GoodLife Fitness, UpToDate® and CPS Full Access
- Job Postings – Post job openings on AFHTO’s job board at no charge to reach a wide pool of qualified candidates
How Do I Join?
Membership runs from April 1st to March 31st of each year, but new members can join AFHTO at any time at a prorated rate.
Membership is at the organization level. Updated fee tables are provided each year during renewal. If you’re unsure which category fits your team, email info@aftho.ca and we’ll help you confirm.
What to Expect When You Apply for AFHTO Membership
AFHTO’s membership process is designed to be clear, supportive, and transparent. Below is an overview of the key steps from application to activation.
Step 1: Submit a Membership Form
Submit the membership form through the AFHTO website. An AFHTO staff will confirm receipt of your request within ten business days
Step 2: Eligibility Review & Introductory Meeting
AFTHO staff reviews your organization’s eligibility and schedules a meeting with your organization’s key contacts to discuss your needs, interests, and AFHTO membership.
Step 3: Recommendation & Decision
The AFTHO Membership Committee reviews the application and makes a recommendation. Final approval is made by the AFHTO Board of Director.
Step 4: Notification of Outcome
You will receive written confirmation of the decision. Approved applicants will receive a welcome email and invoice.
Step 5: Membership Activation
Membership is activated once payment is received.
Need Help?
If you have questions about eligibility, fees or the application process, review the FAQ or contact us at info@afhto.ca.
Membership FAQ
Who can become a member?
Organizations that provide comprehensive, interprofessional primary care in Ontario, including Family Health Teams, Community Health Centres, Indigenous primary care organizations, Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics and similar team-based models.
Doesn’t AFHTO only represent FHTs?
No! For the last 8 years, AFHTO’s membership has included different primary care team models. The majority of our members are Family Health Teams, however, even within the FHT model there are many different models of team-based care including FHO-FHT, blended salary models, RNPGA and others. The most important thing driving AFHTO forward is its mission and vision for equitable access to team-based primary care and empowering the teams to be able to do this well.
How do I become a member of AFHTO?
Complete the online Membership Application Form– link
Can individuals become a member?
Membership is at the organization level. Individuals can stay engaged through www.afhto.ca or email info@afhto.ca.
When does membership start and end?
AFHTO’s membership year runs from April 1 to March 31.
How much does membership cost?
Fees vary based on your organization’s total budget. To view the membership fees structure, start your application!
What payment options are available?
Payments can be made through Interac/e-transfer or cheque options.
What happens after I apply for membership?
Your eligibility will be reviewed, and you may be invited to a meeting. The Board of Directors make a decision. If approved, you’ll receive a welcome email, invoice, and onboarding details.
How long does it take to activate my membership?
It can take 3 to 4 weeks from the time you submit your application. Once approved, your membership will be activated after we receive your membership fees.
What benefits do members receive?
You get access to member-only resources, training sessions, communities of practice, event discounts, advocacy updates, award eligibility and opportunities to collaborate with teams across the province. Link for more information
How do I renew my membership?
Membership runs April 1 – March 31. Renewal instructions are sent prior to the new term.
How do we update our team’s contact information?
Send us an email at info@afhto.ca and we’ll update it in our records.
Can more than one person from our team access member benefits?
Yes. Membership covers the entire organization, not just a single individual.
Can we join mid-year?
Yes. You can join at any time. Fees are prorated.
Who do we contact if we have more questions?
Email us at info@afhto.ca and someone from the team will get back to you.