Ontario Investing Over $1.1 Million at Trent University to Expand Local Primary Care Workforce
February 13, 2026
Investment will upskill 350 nurses at Trent/Fleming School of Nursing as part of province-wide Primary Care Action Plan
February 09, 2026
PETERBOROUGH — The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to protect Ontario’s health-care system by investing $1,132,500 at Trent University to expand the local primary care health-care workforce. This funding will upskill 350 registered nurses through a specialized program at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, part of the government’s $2.1 billion Primary Care Action Plan to connect everyone in Ontario to primary care by 2029.
“Our government is taking bold action to protect Ontario’s health-care workforce here in Peterborough and across the province,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By upskilling registered nurses through world-class institutions like Trent University, we are ensuring more families can connect to the primary care they need, close to home.”
To support the recruitment and retention of nurses in primary care, Ontario is providing Trent University with a total of $1,132,500 over three years for a new, innovative program. This 12-week upskilling initiative will help nurses gain critical skills, including:
- Chronic disease management
- Maternal and child care
- Immunizations and cancer screening
- Rural and Indigenous health specializations
Launching this year, the program at Trent University is designed to equip registered nurses with the expertise needed to work immediately in primary care settings, freeing up time for family doctors to focus on patients with more complex needs.
“Today’s investment builds on our government’s critical work to protect Ontario’s health-care workforce today and into the future,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “By expanding these seats at Trent, we are ensuring that the Kawarthas and surrounding regions continue to have highly skilled workers to provide compassionate care.”
“This investment in Trent University is a major win for the health and well-being of families here in Peterborough-Kawartha,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “The Ministry of Health’s recognition of the high quality of education provided by Trent University, is an endorsement of small urban, rural institutions and the value they provide to the health care system. The upskilling of 350 registered nurses at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing gives our local health-care heroes the advanced tools they need to provide top-tier primary care right here in our community. Trent’s partnership with PRHC and other local rural hospitals demonstrates that the Ministry of Health recognizes the value of rural Ontario.”
Local Investment and Student Targets
The funding for Trent University is scheduled to scale over the next three years to meet growing demand:
| Academic Year | Provincial Investment | Graduate Targets |
| 2025–26 | $192,500 | 30 students |
| 2026–27 | $495,500 | 160 students |
| 2027–28 | $444,500 | 160 students |
| Total | $1,132,500 | 350 students |
“This upskilling program reflects Trent’s long-standing commitment to community-focused health education and addressing system-level challenges,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “By creating accessible advanced primary care education for registered nurses, we are helping strengthen care teams and improve access to healthcare services for people and communities across Ontario.”
“Investments into rural healthcare are incredibly important,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO. “Communities like ours, with urban and rural populations spread across broad geographies, have unique needs and challenges when it comes to accessing care. PRHC looks forward to continuing to work with Trent and our other post-secondary partners to ensure learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their healthcare careers, and to provide patients with the best possible care and support, today and into the future.”
Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government continues to take decisive action to grow the province’s highly skilled health-care workforce.
Quick Facts
- The Primary Care Nursing Upskilling Program at Trent University is a 12-week, fully online program starting February 23, 2026.
- Upon completion, registered nurses will receive a certificate and receive priority admission to the RN-prescribing program at the University of Windsor.
- Since the launch of the Primary Care Action Plan, Ontario has already attached over 275,000 new patients to a provider, on track to meet its goal of connecting every Ontarian by 2029.
- Since 2018, Ontario has added over 100,000 new nurses and nearly 20,000 additional physicians to the workforce.