New university nursing program launch in Ontario

On November 5, 2024, Premier Doug Ford announced the first new university nursing program in Ontario in 20 years, launching a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Carleton University in Ottawa. The program will begin in September 2025, with the first class of up to 110 students graduating as registered nurses by 2029, ultimately enrolling over 200 new nurses annually by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ontario’s healthcare workforce, which includes a $50 billion investment in hospital projects. Nursing students will benefit from hands-on training in partnership with Queensway Carleton Hospital, ensuring practical experience from their first semester. This move aims to connect families to healthcare better and provide more opportunities for emerging nurses in the province.