Provincial and territorial ministries of health have made significant investments in primary healthcare reform over recent years to improve access, quality, continuity of care, cost, satisfaction and health outcomes. Interdisciplinary team-based care, networks with streamlined care pathways, the use of health-information technologies, new funding and remuneration models, patient-engagement and empowerment initiatives, chronic-disease prevention and management strategies, and new linkages with other key sectors are a few of the many examples of provincial and territorial reforms that have been used in efforts to strengthen primary healthcare in Canada. Despite these investments, the current system remains fragmented and uncoordinated which causes additional stress, confusion and potential harm to Canadians in need of care (particularly for those with complex-care needs).