August 6,2025
RED FM News Desk
The Ontario government is committing $56.8 million to train 2,200 additional nurses in an effort to strengthen the province’s health care system. The funding will expand nursing education seats at publicly funded colleges and universities. It aims to meet the rising demand for nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered practical nurses in hospitals, long-term care, and community health centers.
The province is also creating flexible online pathways for career growth. It will allow personal support workers to earn Practical Nursing diplomas and registered practical nurses to complete Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Officials say this will speed up career advancement and add nurses where they are needed most.
Ontario is providing an extra $7.5 million to universities for clinical supplies and lab equipment. Nursing students will gain hands-on experience using modern tools to prepare for frontline care.
“This investment ensures Ontario can continue building a strong nursing workforce, so people have access to high-quality care close to home,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
The plan is part of the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario. It supports the province’s effort to solve health staffing shortages and meet growing demand for care, especially in long-term care homes.
Since 2018, nearly 100,000 new nurses have joined Ontario’s workforce. Another 30,000 are in training. The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant has given $96 million to over 8,200 students since 2023, helping expand the health-care pipeline.
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