Over 2,000 medical students in Ontario can have their education expenses paid for by the province if they agree to work as family doctors anywhere in the province for five years, two members of Doug Ford’s cabinet shared during a news conference in London.
Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and health minister, along with Nolan Quinn, minister of colleges and universities, revealed an extra $220 million in funding to enhance the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, which was introduced in 2023. This announcement took place on Thursday at Western University. To qualify, students need to enroll in a postgraduate family medicine residency program at an Ontario medical school.
The funding will back four groups of students starting residencies from July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2030. Eligible students will receive funding that can retroactively cover undergraduate medical-school tuition fees, textbooks and other educational costs. In exchange, they must commit to practicing family medicine in Ontario for a minimum of five years after finishing their training.
The province estimates that this program could assist up to two million people in accessing or staying connected to primary care services.
“This expansion of the (Ontario Learn and Stay Grant) program is a key part of our government’s strategy to link everyone in the province with quality primary care,” Quinn stated.
“By eliminating obstacles to this fulfilling profession we’re drawing top talent into our healthcare networks, allowing our medical students to concentrate on their studies while bringing more skilled and dedicated healthcare providers into communities throughout the province.”
Quinn expressed his belief that doctors who spend five years within a community are more likely to stay as they build families and relationships there. The province has seen similar outcomes among those who received the existing grant.
“We notice that with the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant-specifically its first iteration aimed at rural areas-that recipients do choose to remain because they form friendships and become part of the community. As family physicians are essential members of the community, ultimately their commitment will make it easier for them to stay there.”
John Yoo, dean of Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, mentioned that the university’s involvement in family medicine goes back to 1967 when Ian Mc Whinney became Canada’s first chairperson for a university department focused on family medicine.
“That tradition continues influencing our identity. Family medicine is central to our mission because where and how we train physicians should align with what our communities need,” Yoo noted.
He also added that Western students train across more than 60 communities at over 110 healthcare partner locations throughout Southwestern Ontario.
“When learners spend real time within a community-getting acquainted with its residents and forming significant connections-they realize that community isn’t just a place for training; it’s somewhere they belong-a space where they can create lives and make meaningful contributions,” Yoo said.
Allison Young grew up just outside London and joined The as a reporter in 2026. She is a graduate of Carleton University’s journalism and humanities program.
ayoung@postmedia. com
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