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Ontario Allocates Funds to Enhance Nursing Workforce

The Ontario government has announced an investment of $500 million aimed at increasing the number of nurses in the province. This funding is intended to support the education and training of over 20,000 nurses by 2027.

The initiative includes collaboration with the College of Nurses of Ontario to streamline the registration process for internationally educated nurses. This change is expected to allow these nurses to begin working in Ontario more quickly by eliminating certain educational assessment steps starting April 1, 2025.

Additionally, the Enhanced Extern Program will continue to provide opportunities for nursing students and internationally educated nurses to gain experience in hospitals under supervision. The government is also investing over $1.6 million to assist registered nurses in training to prescribe medications for specific conditions, with up to $1,000 available per nurse for tuition costs.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to address healthcare staffing needs and ensure timely access to care across Ontario.