MPP Jill Dunlop Announces Ontario Investing over $800,000to Expand Nursing Enrollment in Simcoe North

September 12, 2025

The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect the province’s
health-care system by investing $800,320 to expand enrolment in the nursing program at
Lakehead University, training up to 20 additional nurses by 2029. This investment will help build
the pipeline of highly skilled nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses
that are needed to meet the growing need for more nurses in Simcoe North hospitals, long-term
care homes, community health centres and primary care clinics.

“Our government is proud to make this investment to expand nursing education right here in
Simcoe North,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This funding for Lakehead University will
support up to 20 additional nursing students and help train the next generation of frontline
healthcare workers. By strengthening local access to nursing education, we’re building a more
resilient healthcare system for the future.”

“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. “Through this investment, our government is
growing our critical health care workforce and protecting Ontario’s access to excellent care, close
to home, now and into the future.”

This funding is part of a larger $56.8 million investment to expand enrolment in nursing programs
across the province, adding 2,200 nursing professionals to Ontario’s health care workforce by
2029 to meet the growing need for more nurses in Ontario hospitals, long-term care homes,
community health centres and primary care clinics.

“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.”

As part of this investment, Ontario is expanding registration in online nursing pathways. These
programs will enable personal support workers and registered practical nurses to advance their
education and continue serving their communities.

“We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this investment in nursing education,” said Dr.
Gillian Siddall, President and Vice Chancellor, Lakehead University. “By adding up to 20 new seats
at Lakehead, we can train more nurses with the skills and compassion needed to serve Northern
Ontario, Simcoe County, and communities across the province. This support strengthens our ability
to prepare graduates who are ready to make an immediate impact in Ontario’s health-care
system.”

As a critical step in connecting everyone in Ontario to excellent care, our government continues to
make decisive investments into college and university programs that strengthen our workforce of
tomorrow and protect Ontario for generations to come.

“Our government is improving long-term care by training, hiring and retaining thousands of healthcare 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.”