THE ONTARIO HEALTH PROVINCIAL GENETICS PROGRAM (PGP)
The Ontario Health Provincial Genetics Program provides helpful resources for health-care providers across Ontario. The website includes information about genetic testing, referrals, and available genetics services. Providers can use the Ontario Genetic Test Directory to find information about publicly funded genetic tests and the Ontario Genetics Clinic Directory to find genetics clinics across the province. The site also includes education and patient resources to help providers and their patients better understand genetics. Providers can also access gcConnect, which offers support from genetic counsellors with questions about genetic testing, referrals, and other genetics-related issues.
DIRECTORIES
Ontario Genetics Clinic Directory
The Ontario Genetics Clinic Directory helps health-care providers find genetics clinics and services across Ontario. Providers can search for clinics based on location and type of service to help identify the most appropriate place to refer a patient. The directory includes contact information and details about the services offered, making it easier to connect patients with the right genetics team.
Ontario Genetic Test Directory
The Ontario Genetic Testing Directory is a tool for health-care providers who are looking for information about genetic tests available in Ontario. It provides information about what tests are available, who may be eligible, where testing is done, and how to order the test. Providers can search by condition, gene, or type of test. The directory can help providers decide what testing may be appropriate and understand the requirements for publicly funded genetic testing in Ontario.
GC CONNECT
Connecting Clinicians to Genetics Expertise
Connecting Clinicians to Genetics Expertise
gcConnect Resource Line
gcConnect is a province-wide support service from Ontario Health that connects Ontario clinicians with genetic counsellors for guidance on genetic testing and genetics services. The service can help non-genetics clinicians determine what testing is available, whether a patient meets testing criteria, how to order genetic testing, which requisition to use, and whether a referral to a genetics clinic or eConsult is appropriate. Support is available by phone or email, with genetic counsellors providing real-time assistance.
gcConnect Resource Line:
📞 1-844-564-4363 (GENE) or 437-317-1057
📧 gcConnect@ontariohealth.ca
🕘 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m.
gcConnect Regional Education Program
The gcConnect Regional Education Program supports healthcare providers across Ontario by providing education and training to improve their knowledge and confidence in genetics. Genetic counsellors from regional partner sites offer educational talks and training tailored to non-genetics clinicians, with a focus on Ontario Health’s genetics guidance documents. Education can help clinicians better understand genetic testing, referral pathways, and available genetics services, building genetics capacity across the healthcare system and improving access to appropriate care.
To inquire about genetics education for a clinician group, please contact us at gcConnect@ontariohealth.ca
GENETICS GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS
Ontario Health’s Genetics Guidance documents provide evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals on genetic testing and genetics services in Ontario. The resources cover a range of clinical areas, including cancer, cardiogenetics, neurogenetics, neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive genetics, and inherited conditions. Documents include testing eligibility criteria, referral guidance, ordering guides, and recommendations for specific genetic tests. These resources are designed to support clinicians in determining when genetic testing may be appropriate, how to order testing, and where to find additional support.