Investment will add 2,200 nurses to the province’s health-care workforce by 2029
Dianne Martin. CEO, Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN)
“Today’s (August 6th, 2025) announcement from the Ontario government is a strong commitment to strengthening our province’s nursing pipeline, and a vital step forward for the health and well-being of all Ontarians. This significant investment in the expanded enrollment in nursing programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities will directly support dedicated registered practical nurses, and ensure that more individuals are working together to bolster access to excellent care closer to home, ultimately benefitting patients and communities across Ontario.” – Dianne Martin. CEO, Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN)
A News Release from the Government of Ontario
Posted August 7th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect the province’s health-care system by investing $56.8 million to train 2,200 additional nurses.
By expanding the number of nursing training and education seats at publicly assisted colleges and universities across the province, the government is building Ontario’s pipeline of highly skilled nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses that are needed to meet the growing need for more nurses in Ontario hospitals, long-term care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.
“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.”
Ontario is also expanding registration in innovative, flexible online nursing training to help personal support workers and registered practical nurses seeking to advance their education.
Through these online pathways, personal support workers can pursue a Practical Nursing diploma at colleges and registered practical nurses can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Ontario’s colleges or universities.
Students or jobseekers interested in nursing careers can visit My Career Journey to learn more about becoming a registered nurse or a registered practical nurse.
Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Ontario Minister of Health
“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.”
In addition to expanding nursing enrollment, the province is providing a one-time investment of $7.5 million to help universities purchase nursing clinical supplies and laboratory equipment. This funding will equip nursing students with cutting-edge tools for hands-on training to the skills they need to thrive in their career.
“Our government is improving long-term care by training, hiring and retaining thousands of health-care workers,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “As a registered nurse, I know how impactful these investments will be to ensure we have the staff to deliver high quality care to Ontario’s long-term care residents.”
This expansion, announced in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, is the latest step in connecting every person in Ontario to connected, convenient care by addressing health human resource needs and supporting the growing demand for health-care professionals, including in long-term care homes.
Quotes
“Expanding nursing education is a critical step toward improving access to care. With more nurse practitioners (NPs) in the system, and with NPs integrated and working to their full scope of practice, more patients can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home. We applaud this investment in Ontario’s health workforce.” – Dr. NP Michelle Acorn
CEO, Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO)
“RNAO applauds the Ontario government for strengthening nursing education by adding 2,200 new seats to help address staffing shortages. Alongside this important investment, the government and employers must also prioritize retaining existing nursing talent – by ensuring safe staffing, competitive compensation across all sectors, and healthy work environments. Together, we can and must power nurses to build fulfilling careers in Ontario, so that Ontarians receive the highest quality care.”– Dr. Doris Grinspun
CEO, Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO)
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