Residents of Seeley’s Bay will continue to have access to local medical care following the successful recruitment of a new family physician through a provincial immigration initiative.
Dr. Tauqeer Tariq has taken over the practice of retiring physician Dr. Debbie Briggs, who served patients in Seeley’s Bay and the surrounding area for 28 years. The recruitment was made possible through Ontario’s Rural Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program, which helps rural communities attract skilled workers and supports their path to permanent residency.
“I’m so pleased to welcome Dr. Tariq to our community and ensure residents continue to have access to a local family physician,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “His recruitment demonstrates how the REDI pilot is addressing workforce shortages in healthcare workers and other critical sectors of Leeds and Grenville’s economy. I want to thank Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini for his support and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office for successfully managing the program.”
“Access to a family doctor is foundational to strong, healthy communities, especially in rural Ontario,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through the REDI pilot, we’re cutting through barriers and helping communities like Seeley’s Bay recruit the skilled professionals they need, when they need them, ensuring families can continue to count on consistent, local care.”
“I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Briggs for the unwavering dedication she has given in providing healthcare to patients in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands and surrounding areas. This commitment has truly been amplified by her taking initiative to find her own replacement thereby ensuring continuing care for her patients upon retirement. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dr. Tauqeer Tariq, who has agreed to become part of the Seeley’s Bay Medical Centre and our community,” said Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and Mayor of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Township. “This was a truly collaborative effort with the Clinic, the Township, the Counties, and the provincial OINP REDI program to ensure healthcare in the Leeds Grenville region is a top priority.”
“Thank you to the many individuals who were involved in the Ontario Immigration Nomination REDI program. I would like to thank Ann Weir from the Counties who helped me throughout the process,” said Dr. Tariq. “I sincerely appreciate the support Dr. Briggs has provided along with the Medical Centre team and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands in making the me feel so welcome.”
The recruitment effort involved the Seeley’s Bay Medical Centre, the Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands, and the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office. The program also assisted Dr. Tariq with the licensing process required to practise medicine in Ontario.
Leeds and Grenville is one of four Ontario regions selected to participate in the REDI pilot. Local officials say healthcare positions account for the majority of applications processed through the program.
The transition ensures continuity of care for patients as Dr. Briggs enters retirement and Dr. Tariq begins serving the community.
(By: Tim Baltz)
(Photo Credit with permission from The Office of MPP Steve Clark)
