705 - 864 - 2785
Diane'sDreamDeliversThirdDonation
byStevenEllwood
Diane's Dream is on roll!
The third donation of $500 went to the EarlyONCentre.LocatedonGolf Course Road, it is a free service open to parents/caregivers and their children. The local daycare centre aims to provide a caring and versatile early learning environment and a rich resource centre, providing a warm social environment for adults and children alike. They also host a range of special activities and events.
Diane's Dream collects empty cans and bottles, returning themto LCBOsandBeerStores. All the money raised is then passedontoalocalcause.
The draw for this gift was held live at The Hub last Friday night."Thenextwillbeassoonas I raise $500 again," says Diane Daigle-Dinel,vowingtocontinue her charitable crusade. "The cans and bottles have already started coming in.
Thank you to everyone!" You can reach o u t t o Diane on FB Messenger.
ThunderBay—SuperiorNorthNewDemocratsElect FullDelegation,Preparefor2026Convention
Members of the Thunder Bay—Superior North New Democratic Party RidingAssociation met Monday evening to elect a full slate of delegates and adopt key resolutions ahead of Canada’s NDP Convention 2026, taking place March27–29inWinnipeg.
The well-attended Federal General Membership Meeting confirmed a complete delegation to Convention and included presentations from all federal NDP leadership candidates,givinglocalmemberstheopportunity toheardirectlyfromthoseseekingtoleadtheparty duringacriticalperiodofrenewal.
Among the resolutions adopted was “Nation-Building Highway Safety and Connectivity,” calling on the federal NDP to recognize highway twinning and 2+1 highway projects particularly along the Trans-Canada
Highway in Northern Ontario as essential nation-building infrastructure The resolution emphasizes safety, economic connectivity, and coordinated delivery with Indigenous governments, using Canadian labour and materials.
“People in Northern Ontario know firsthand what happens when essential infrastructure is treated as optional,” said Lise Vaugeois,NDPMPPforThunderBay—Superior North. “Safe, reliable highways are about lives, access to services, and whether communities are connected or left behind. I’m proud to see local memberspushingthisissueforwardnationally.”
“This meeting showed that our riding is organized, engaged, and ready to contribute constructively to the federal party’s direction,” said Sandra Goodick, President of the Thunder
Bay—SuperiorNorthNDP
“Ourmemberscameprepared,hadserious discussions,andensuredThunderBay—Superior NorthwillhaveastrongvoiceatConvention.”
AmongthoseelectedasdelegateswasJoy Wakefield, Secretary of the Riding Association andformerfederalNDPcandidate.
"Our members are focused on practical solutionstoaddressthehousingandaffordability crises, championing workers, and holding the Liberalstoaccountastheybreakstrikesandfailto address the high cost of living,” said Wakefield. “Weneedtofocusonthebiggestchallengesfacing peoplerightnow."
Canada’s NDP Convention 2026 in Winnipeg will bring together delegates from across the country to debate policy, elect party leadership,andsetprioritiesfortheyearsahead.
SuccessorfailuredependshowtheNorthlanderisreintroduced
ByÉricBoutilier
Psst.Haveyouheardthelatestnewsabout theNorthlander?TheGovernmentofOntariosays it’sbringingitbackin2026.
No gimmicks. No more of the same old songanddance.
Sometimethisyear,OntarioNorthlandwill reinstate passenger rail service between Timmins andToronto.
The return of this train has been one of Premier Doug Ford’s longstanding promises to votersinthenortheastregion.
Duringhisparty’sfirsttwotermsinoffice, Metrolinx and Ontario Northland produced business case reports, carried out trial runs along the proposed route, and completed various track improvements.
The province also broke ground on the Timmins-Porcupine Station, and began constructing platforms and waiting facilities betweenMathesonandMuskoka.
At the beginning of January, plenty of politicians lined up to be photographed in front of the first of three new yellow and blue trainsets, deliveredrecentlybythemanufacturer Ishouldbeexcited.Instead,I’mnervous.
While some may see this as a milestone moment, legitimate concerns have been raised abouttheeaseofuseanddependabilityofthenew service, the trainsets themselves, the selection processofwhichcommunitieswouldhoststations, and the overall governance of provincially funded publictransportationinNorthernOntario.
In an email from the Ministry of Transportation, a spokesperson claims that «Ontario Northland’s strong partnership with CN has helped [...] develop a train schedule that will deliverreliableandconsistentserviceforthereturn
oftheNorthlander». Howexactly?
The Canadian, an existing passenger train operated by VIA Rail, is routinely late along the samestretchoftracktheNorthlanderintendstouse betweenTorontoandWashago.
A week before Christmas, it took VIA’s flagship train an embarrassing four hours to traverse a distance Ontario Northland expects to takeslightlylessthantwo.
Hasthegovernmentmadeanyprogresson anewpassingtrack(nearthevillageofZephyr)to ensure passenger and freight train meets are brief andseamless,asoriginallyproposedintheUpdated InitialBusinessCase?
TheMTOsaystheNorthlander«willnotbe subjecttospeedrestrictions»byCNthankstosome specialized equipment that «improves the train’s electricalinteractionwiththetrackcircuits».
It’s a positive development, but ultimately meaningless if the trains themselves regularly fail duringthewinter.VIARailisallegedlyusingolder locomotives to ensure their new equipment continues operating in cold temperatures, at least onatemporarybasis.
Despite repeated appeals from residents and local leaders, the communities of Beaverton, Cobalt and Iroquois Falls — all located along the rail lines in question — will not have train stops without so much as an explanation from the province.
Instead, Ontario Northland is revising its «bus schedulesandworkingwithpartnerstoexplorethe integration of local transportation options at Northlanderstops».
In theory, this should allow passengers to make last-mile connections particularly in nearby cities and towns situated some distance
fromtherailway
Inpracticethough,howisthissupposedto workincommunitiesthatdon’toperatelocalpublic transitduringthemiddleofthenight?
There’s also the issue of what the separate railconnectiontoCochranewilllooklike.
Finallycomesthe64,000$question:What mechanismsareinplacetopreventnewattemptsat divestmentofOntarioNorthland’sassets?
BoththeProgressiveConservativesandthe Liberals came within a hair of liquidating this century-old, publicly-owned corporation in 2001, andagainin2012.
TransportationMinisterPrabmeetSarkaria stressed in an interview that the «Northlander will be around forever» and that it should have never beencancelled.
Theprovinceintendstofundpassengerrail on the profits of Ontario Northland’s freight division.
However in the era of American tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on Canadian businesses, is this a viable plan? Does the Northlander’s existence depend solely whether or notthecompanycangenerateenoughshipmentsof rawmaterials?
RestoringrailserviceintheNorthisgoing to be a true test of the government’s abilities to properlycompletemajortransportationprojects. The mistakes made on the now cancelled London GO Train pilot, and delayed Eglinton CrosstownandFinchWestlightrailtransitprojects inTorontosureleavealottobedesired.
Convenient, comfortable, reliable and affordabletrainserviceiswhattravelersultimately want.
AstheplaywrightClareBootheLuceonce said:Theheightofsophisticationissimplicity
Fromthearchives of Chapleau
AllanMcNiece'Mac'AustinmemberofoneofChapleau's earliestfamilies,lawyer,judgeandathletehasdied
Moments
MichaelJ. Morris
Allan McNiece 'Mac'Austin, a member of the family who established the first store in Chapleau, a lawyer and judge on the Superior CourtandCourtofAppealforOntario,diedon January12,2018.
His obituary notes that Mr. Austin was the beloved husband of Margaret Kyle for 66 years. Adored father of Allan (Lyn), Jim (Sue) andTom(Rosaria).DevotedandlovinggrandfatherofMaggie(JeremyPackard),Gren,Graham
(MalloryLazarus)andMichael.
Born in Chapleau in 1928, he was the third son of Allan McNiece Austin and Alice Dickinson. He was predeceased by his brother, JamesMcNiece;andissurvivedbyhisbrothers, JohnBeresfordandRichardJackson;andmany cousins,niecesandnephews.
Writing in Chapleau Trails, edited and publishedbyDr.WilliamR.Pellow,Mr.Austin wrote that his great uncle T.A. Austin established a store in tent at Chapleau in late 1885, andin1886movedtoabuildingonBirchStreet. The tent store was located in "old Chapleau" nearthesiteofLadyMintoHospital.
His grandfather James McNiece Austin arrivedshortlythereafter,tookoverthestoreand operatedituntil1904.Hisfatherafterwhomhe wasnamedwasbornin1896.
Bythelate1890s,theirlumberbusiness was established cutting ties for the Canadian Pacific Railway eventually becoming the biggest supplier of ties to the railway In 1901, his grandfather and G.B. Nicholson became partners.Mr Nicholsonbecamethefirstreeveof Chapleau,alsoin1901.
Byabout1908,Mr.Austinwrotethathis grandfather took over operation of a hydro electricoperation.IthadbeenownedbyMageau andLeblanclumber
His grandfather, who had served in World War I died, and Mr Nicholson became presidentofthelumbercompanywithhisfather asvicepresident.
Growing up in Chapleau, he spent his summersworkingforthefamilybusiness.
'Mac' was born and received his early education at Chapleau Public and Chapleau High Schools , before following his older brothers south to attendTrinity College School inPortHope.HewentontoVictoriaCollegeat theUniversityofTorontoandwasamemberof thefirstclasstograduatefromtheUniversityof TorontoLawSchool.
His obituary notes he was a student, associate,partnerandmanagingpartnerwiththe firmnowcalledWeirFoulds,LLP From1987to 2003 he served as a judge in the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal for Ontario. After retiring from the bench he returned to WeirFoulds and participated in arbitration and mediationwork.
WeirFoulds,LLP notes on its web site that "The HonourableAllan McNieceAustin is counsel to the firm, providing the insight and
experience of 32 years of practice and 17 years on the bench. Mac was an articling student, lawyer and partner at Mason, Foulds (now WeirFoulds LLP) from 1952 to 1986. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Ontario (Trial Division) (now the Superior Court) in December1986,andtotheCourtofAppealfor OntarioinMay1992.Hehashadadistinguished career..."
Hisobituarysaysthat"Hewasanatural athlete and an accomplished cross-country runner,andhelovedsailingandskiingwellinto hislateryears.Hewasadedicatedandlong-time member of Eglinton St. George's United Church.HelovedGod,hisfamilyandhiswork. Helovedlife."
AServiceofThanksgivingwas heldon Monday, January 22nd at 2:00 p.m.in Eglinton St.George'sUnitedChurch.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mac's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto M4R 1K8, www.alzhei mer.ca. Condolences, photographs and memoriesmaybeforwardedthroughwww.humphrey milesnewbigging.com.
I extend my deepest sympathy to his familyaswellasmysincerethankstohisniece ElizabethAustinforherassistance.
HonourableAllanMcNieceAustinwithhis wife
AustinstoreinChapleaucirca1886
AllanMcNiece'Mac'Austin
FONOM BringsNorthernOntarioPrioritiestothe Forefrontatthe ROMAConferenceinToronto
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities(FONOM)isinTorontothisweek fortheROMAConference,followingafull-day Board of Directors meeting held on Sunday, January18,2026,inToronto.
The FONOM Board meeting set the stage for a focused and coordinated advocacy effort at ROMA, with resolutions and policy positions advancing on infrastructure, public safety, economic development, housing affordability,andhealthandsocialservices.
"Our Board meeting ensured Northern Ontario arrives at ROMA with a clear, united voice," said Dave Plourde, President of FONOM "Municipal leaders across the North are dealing with real pressures on roads, policing, housing, and healthcare—and we are here to make sure provincial decision-makers understand both the urgency and the opportunity."
KeyPrioritiesBroughtForwardatROMA
Trans-Canada Highway 11 & 17 — A Nation-BuildingImperative
FONOM is calling on the Province to formallysupportthemodernizationofHighways 11 and 17 across Northern Ontario, including four-laning, twinning, and 2+1 safety designs. Thesecorridorsmovemorethan$200millionin goods every day, yet remain largely two-lane highwayswithsomeofthehighestcollisionand fatalityratesinCanada.
"These highways are not just Northern Ontario roads—they are national trade corri-
dors," said Plourde. "Ontario cannot remain the weak link in Canada's east–west transportation system. We are urging the Province to partner withthefederalgovernmentandrecognizethisas atruenation-buildingproject."
Mental Health & Addiction A CompassionateInterventionFramework
FONOM continues to press for targeted amendments to Ontario's Mental Health Act to better address severe addiction, particularly where individuals pose a risk to themselves or public safety and repeatedly cycle through emergency rooms, police services, and crisis systems.
"Whatwe'reaskingforiscompassionate,healthled intervention, not punishment," said Plourde. "Frontlineworkersandmunicipalitiesaretelling usthecurrentsystemisfailingpeoplewithsevere addictions. Doing nothing is no longer an option."
Policing Costs Fairness for Northern Communities
With policing costs rising faster than municipal revenues, FONOM is urging the Province to implement a $100 million Northern Ontario Policing Grant, phased in over three years, to address inequities facing small, rural, andremotecommunities.
"Public safety is non-negotiable, but the currentfundingmodelisunsustainableformany Northernmunicipalities,"Plourdesaid."Weneed a predictable, equitable solution that recognizes therealitiesofgeography,population,andcost."
& Strengthening Municipal Infrastructure
FONOMisadvocatingformakingtheNorthern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) program permanent, expanding eligibility, and preserving municipalities' ability to stack multi-year allocations to deliver major infrastructureprojects.
AdditionalResolutionsandAdvocacyItems
The Board also advanced resolutions and correspondenceon:
•Sitereadinessfunding
•Conservationauthorities
•OCIFfundinglevels
• Support for the steel, lumber, and forestrysectors
• Housing affordability, including removingHST/GSTfromnewhomes
• Blue Box reforms to extend producer responsibilitytotheICIsector
• Swim to Survive training and communitysafetyinitiatives
MeetingswithMinistersandDelegations
During ROMA, FONOM is participating in a Northern Economics Roundtable, meeting with Minister Bethlenfalvy, and engaging in a multi-minister delegation to present its policybriefsandresolutions.
"ROMA is about solutions," said Plourde. "Northern Ontario is ready to partner withtheProvinceandthefederalgovernmentto buildsaferhighways,healthiercommunities,and astrongerprovincialandnationaleconomy."
$50,000ofdrugsseizedinChapleau,twopeoplefacingtraffickingcharges
Two Chapleau residents are facing multiple drug trafficking charges after officers executedaControlledDrugsandSubstancesAct (CDSA)searchwarrantataChapleauresidence, resulting in the seizure of suspected fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine and cocaine with an
estimatedstreetvalueof$50,000.
OnWednesday,January14,2026,ajoint investigationwithNortheastRegionCommunity StreetCrimeUnit(CSCU),theNishnawbe-Aski Police(NAPS)Intelligenceunit,withassistance from the Superior East Emergency Response Team (ERT), Superior East Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) members, conducted a joint investigationthatculminatedintheexecutionof a warrant at a residence on Martel Road in Chapleau. During the search, officers seized suspected fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, speed, and cocaine, along with a scale and packagingmaterials.
Asaresultoftheinvestigation,Michelle MARTINEAU, 31 years-of-age of Chapleau, wasarrestedandchargedwith:
· PossessionofaScheduleIsubstanceforthe purposeoftrafficking-cocaine
· PossessionofaScheduleIsubstanceforthe
purpose of trafficking - crystal methamphetamine
· PossessionofaScheduleIsubstanceforthe purposeoftrafficking-fentanyl
· Fail to comply with a release Order - two counts
AndXavierSTONE,34years-of-ageof Chapleauwasarrestedandchargedwith:
· PossessionofaScheduleIsubstanceforthe purposeoftrafficking-cocaine
· PossessionofaScheduleIsubstanceforthe purpose of trafficking - crystal methamphetamine
· PossessionofaScheduleIsubstanceforthe purposeoftrafficking-fentanyl
· FailtocomplywithProbationOrder-two counts
Both accused were held in custody for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice onJanuary15,2026.
OntarioInvestingtoProtectRuralCommunities
Province
As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government islaunching thesecond intake ofthe Rural Ontario Development Program, a $20 millioninvestmenttostrengthentheeconomiesof rural communities, build infrastructure and keep workersonthejob.Theannouncementwasmade at the 2026 annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference, with applications opening immediately for rural municipalities,businesses,Indigenousgroupsand not-for-profitorganizations.
“In the midst of global economic uncertainty,ourgovernmentisdoublingdownon our plan to protect Ontario and its rural communities,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re making record investments in rural services and infrastructure, and we’re cutting red tape and keepingcostsdowntohelpattractinvestmentsand create jobs in rural communities. I appreciate the supportandcollaborationfromROMAandallour ruralcommunitiesasweworktogethertoprotect workersandtheirfamiliesfromtariffs,economic uncertainty and anything else that comes our way.”
Last week, the government also announcedanadditional$700milliontohelp127 municipalities and First Nations communities upgrade and expand aging water infrastructure across the province. The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), which was increased to a total of $4 billion last year to support the province’s goal of getting more shovels in the ground and homesbuiltacrossOntario.Thefundingwillflow
to recipients through MHIP’s Health and Safety Water Stream (HSWS), which now totals $875 millionofthetotal$4billionMHIP.Fundingwill supportaccesstosafedrinkingwater,housing,job creation and protection for communities in the eventofextremeweatherevents.
ROMA is the rural voice of the AssociationofMunicipalitiesofOntario(AMO). The conference is an opportunity for municipal leaders and the province to collaborate on rural priorities, such as housing, infrastructure, transportation,healthcareandinternationaltrade. Thisyear,theOntariogovernmentisholdingover 650 meetings with municipalities and municipal organizationsfromacrosstheprovince.
“Ourgovernmentisworkingtoprotectthe peopleandfamilieswhocallruralOntariohome,” saidRobFlack,MinisterofMunicipalAffairsand Housing. “From making investments in infrastructure, to supporting Ontario farmers, to creating the conditions to get more homes built, we are doing what is needed to keep workers on the job and safeguard the bright future that is in storeforourruralcommunities. Ourappreciation goes out to the many municipal partners and ROMA Chair, Christa Lowry, who are working tirelesslytoadvancethesegoalsalongsideus.”
The Ministry of Rural Affairs will hold RuralSummitsin2026tohearaboutprogressand futureplansfortheprosperityofRuralOntario,as first detailed in Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s RuralEconomicDevelopmentStrategy.
Last year, Ontario announced additional support for the Ontario Risk Management
Program,investing$250millionperyearby202728 to help strengthen agri-food sector resilience duringmarketinstability.
Ontario is investing approximately $583 million this year through the Northern Highways Program, which includes widening Highway 69 from Sudbury to Parry Sound, upgrading Highway 584, and expanding sections of the Trans-Canada Highway from Thunder Bay to NipigonandKenoratotheManitobaborder.
Earlier this month, the province marked a major milestone in its commitment to bring back theNorthlanderwiththearrivalofthefirstofthree new Northlander trainsets in Ontario The Northlander will span 740 kilometres between Timmins and Toronto, with 16 stops along the route,includingaconnectiontoCochrane.
Lastweekssolutions
MOMENTS IN TIME
OnFeb.2,1925,musherGunnarKaasenandhis13 dogs successfully delivered an antitoxin serum to Nome,Alaska,whichwasdealingwithawidespread diptheria outbreak, in a relay spanning 674 miles in fiveandahalfdaysandintemperaturesaslowas85 degreesbelowzero.
OntarioContinuestoProtectHealth-CareWorkforceintheNorth
Two new postsecondary programs in Northern Ontario are eligible for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
TheOntariogovernmentiscontinuingto deliver on its commitment to protect the province’s health-care system by expanding the OntarioLearnandStayGrant(OLSG)toinclude two new medical laboratory programs in NorthernOntario.
Building on the success of OLSG, students participating in the medical laboratory technologyprogramatCanadoreCollegeandthe medical laboratory science program at ConfederationCollegewillbeabletohavetheir tuition, books and other educational costs fully covered if they commit to working in Northern Ontario after graduation. This further bolsters Ontario’shighlyskilledhealth-careworkforcein the North, helping more people conveniently connecttocare,closetohome.
“Through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant,ourgovernmentisbringinghighlyskilled health-careworkerstocommunitiesandfamilies thatneedthemmost,”saidNolanQuinn,Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence
and Security “With two new OLSG-eligible medical laboratory programs in Northern Ontario, we’re removing financial barriers to help passionate, dedicated students pursue a world-class education, while connecting more peopletohigh-qualitycareintheircommunity.”
Both programs are slated to begin welcoming students in fall 2026. Students can learnmoreaboutthegrantapplication,aswellas information about other eligible programs and regions,atontario.ca/learnandstay
Thisexpansionbuildsonthethousandsof highly trained nurses, paramedics and medical laboratorytechnologistswhohavebeenorwillbe added to the workforce in high-need regions of theprovincewiththesupportofOLSG Sinceits launch in 2023, the government has invested more than $171 million to support 12,700 learnersacrosstheprovince.Thisincludesmore than $53 million invested in the North to train 3,850futurehealth-careworkers.
“Our government is continuing to take
Extremecoldcancels schoolbusesinChapleau
AlgomaandHuron-SuperiorTransportationServiceshaveannouncedMondaymorningthat duetotheextremelycoldtemperaturesintheNorthernarea(includingWawa,WhiteRiver,Chapleau, Dubreuilville,andHornepayne),allschool-relatedtransportationservicesarecancelledtoday. Schoolswillremainopen.Notransportationwillbeprovided. Allotherschooltransportationcoverageareasareoperatingasnormal.
bold action to ensure Northern Ontario has a strong health-care workforce now and for years tocome,”saidSylviaJones,DeputyPremierand MinisterofHealth.“Withthesetwonewmedical laboratoryprogramsundertheOntarioLearnand StayGrant,wearemakingiteasierforpeopleto access education and build their careers in the North,connectingmorefamiliestothecarethey needclosertohome.”
AsofJanuary2026,thereare200OLSG students in nursing and paramedicine programs thathaveeitherbegunCont’donP.8
OntarioContinuestoProtectHealth-CareWorkforceintheNorth
Two new postsecondary programs in Northern Ontario are eligible for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant
The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to protect the province’s health-care system by expanding the OntarioLearnandStayGrant(OLSG)toinclude twonewmedicallaboratoryprogramsinNorthern Ontario.
BuildingonthesuccessofOLSG,students participatinginthemedicallaboratorytechnology program at Canadore College and the medical laboratory science program at Confederation College will be able to have their tuition, books and other educational costs fully covered if they commit to working in Northern Ontario after graduation.This further bolsters Ontario’s highly skilledhealth-careworkforceintheNorth,helping morepeopleconvenientlyconnecttocare,closeto home.
“Through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, our government is bringing highly skilled health-care workers to communities and families thatneedthemmost,”saidNolanQuinn,Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “With two new OLSG-eligible medicallaboratoryprogramsinNorthernOntario, we’re removing financial barriers to help passionate, dedicated students pursue a worldclasseducation,whileconnectingmorepeopleto
high-qualitycareintheircommunity.”
Both programs are slated to begin welcoming students in fall 2026. Students can learn more about the grant application, as well as information about other eligible programs and regions,atontario.ca/learnandstay.
Thisexpansionbuildsonthethousandsof highly trained nurses, paramedics and medical laboratorytechnologistswhohavebeenorwillbe addedtotheworkforceinhigh-needregionsofthe province with the support of OLSG. Since its launchin2023,thegovernmenthasinvestedmore than $171 million to support 12,700 learners across the province.This includes more than $53 millioninvestedintheNorthtotrain3,850future health-careworkers.
“Our government is continuing to take boldactiontoensureNorthernOntariohasastrong health-careworkforcenowandforyearstocome,” saidSylviaJones,DeputyPremierandMinisterof Health. “With these two new medical laboratory programsundertheOntarioLearnandStayGrant, we are making it easier for people to access education and build their careers in the North, connecting more families to the care they need closertohome.”
Certain messages need to be repeated several times
As of January 2026, there are 200 OLSG students in nursing and paramedicineprogramsthathave either begun or completed their local service commitments and arealreadydeliveringexceptional care in communities across NorthernOntario.
“ S t r e n g t h e n i n g community health care is a strategic investment in Northern Ontario’s future,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By expanding the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, we’re helping train and retain health-care workers in the North, makingiteasierforpeopletoput down roots, raise families, and build careers. This stability supportslocalbusinesses,attracts newworkers,andwilldrivelongtermgrowthacrosstheNorth.”
Since 2023, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant has supported over 11,400 students in nursing programs, over 940 students in paramedicineprograms,andover290studentsin MLTprograms.
Applications for the Ontario Learn and StayGrantwillopeninSpring2026forthe202627academicyear
Through the Ontario 2025 budget, the government invested $261 7 million into the Ontario Learn and Stay program to continue supportingnurses,paramedics,andlabtechswho commit to working in high need regions of the province.
Through Budget 2025, the government is investing $160 million to cover the educational costsof4cohortsofmedicalstudentswhoagreeto practicing family medicine anywhere in the province.
OntarioContinuestoProtect Health-CareWorkforceintheNorth
Cont’dfromP.7\ or completed their local service commitments and are already delivering exceptional care in communitiesacrossNorthernOntario.
“Strengtheningcommunityhealthcareis a strategic investment in Northern Ontario’s future,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth “By expanding the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, we’re helping train and retain health-care workersintheNorth,makingiteasierforpeople to put down roots, raise families, and build careers. This stability supports local businesses, attracts new workers, and will drive long-term growthacrosstheNorth.”
The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant is a critical part of the Ontario government’s plan to protect the province’s health-care system and highly skilled workforce to ensure people and their families have access to high-quality health care,closetohome.
Since 2023, the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant has supported over 11,400 students in nursing programs, over 940 students in paramedicineprograms,andover290studentsin MLTprograms.
The Ontario Learn and StayGrantisacriticalpartofthe Ontario government’s plan to protecttheprovince’shealth-care system and highly skilled workforce to ensure people and theirfamilieshaveaccesstohighqualityhealthcare,closetohome.
Applications for the Ontario Learn and StayGrantwillopeninSpring2026forthe202627academicyear
Through the Ontario 2025 budget, the government invested $2617 million into the Ontario Learn and Stay program to continue supportingnurses,paramedics,andlabtechswho commit to working in high need regions of the province.