Ontario will spend $56.8 million to create nursing seats at colleges and universities across the province, adding 2,200 nurses to the health-care workforce by 2029.
The funding announced Tuesday will expand training programs for nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses at publicly funded schools. The government says the investment will help meet growing demand for nurses in hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.
The province will also invest $7.5 million to help universities buy clinical supplies and laboratory equipment for nursing students.
Online training expansion
Ontario is expanding online nursing training to help personal support workers and registered practical nurses advance their education. Personal support workers can pursue practical nursing diplomas at colleges, while registered practical nurses can earn bachelor of science in nursing degrees at colleges or universities.
The online programs will accommodate 15,000 users, according to the government.
“Nurses are an integral part of Ontario’s health-care system, providing life-saving and compassionate care when patients need it the most,” said Nolan Quinn, minister of colleges, universities, research excellence and security. “Our government continues to expand nursing enrollment in our colleges and universities to ensure we are building the health-care workforce we need to protect Ontario health care and ensure people can continue to access excellent care, close to home.”
Building on previous investments
The announcement builds on Ontario’s recent health workforce investments. In June, the province announced $4.2 million to accelerate nursing programs and add seats in rural and northern areas.
Since 2018, Ontario has added nearly 100,000 new nurses to the workforce, with another 30,000 students currently studying nursing at provincial colleges and universities.
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant has provided more than $96 million to over 8,200 students since launching in 2023-24. The program increases the number of nurses, paramedics and medical laboratory technologists in communities with the greatest need.
“Our government is continuing to take bold action to protect Ontario’s health-care system,” said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health. “By ensuring more people can become nurses in Ontario, we are building on our progress to strengthen the province’s world-class nursing workforce for years to come.”
