Together with MPP Dave Smith and Peterborough Regional Health Centre President and CEO Lynn Mikula, Trent University President Cathy Bruce lauded two significant funding commitments from the Ontario government at an event on campus February 13, 2026.  

The event recognized a landmark $6.4 billion investment bringing greater stability to the province’s postsecondary system as well as $1.13 million in funding to support nursing upskilling at Trent University.  

Together, these investments reflect the province’s efforts to strengthen the foundation of higher education while also addressing critical healthcare needs in communities across Ontario. While the primary care funding provides immediate support for nursing upskilling at Trent, the broader postsecondary investment represents a major step toward greater stability for universities like Trent. 

Milestone $6.4B investment will support key learning experiences at Trent and strengthen the sector 
The Ontario government’s $6.4billion investment over four years introduces a new funding model and updated tuition framework. A substantial commitment, the investments provide Trent, and all public institutions in the province of Ontario, with greater stability, enabling long term planning that supports students and local communities. 

“These major investments come at a pivotal time for postsecondary institutions and for Ontario,” said President Bruce. “Trent University welcomes this funding as a substantial and positive step that strengthens planning, risk management and supports our efforts toward long-term sustainability."

"We look forward to reviewing the details of the announcement and understanding the specific roll-out for Trent. We are grateful to the Ontario Government, Minister Quinn, Minister Bethlenfalvy and to our local MPP David Smith for their work on these significant shifts. The University remains committed to responsible financial stewardship, efficient and effective practices, and ensuring every dollar supports our ability to provide top-quality programming and experiences for students, leading to a wide range of careers and opportunities.” 

While full allocation details for Trent are forthcoming, the University anticipates the funding will help enhance experiential learning opportunities for students and grow capacity in high-demand academic programs.

In the provincial announcement, the Honourable Nolan Quinn, minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, emphasized that this funding will ensure “the sustainability of our colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes” and prepare “our graduates with the in-demand skills they need to meaningfully find good paying, rewarding careers.” 

MPP David Smith ‘91, a proud Trent alumnus, underscored the regional impact of the announcement, and said: “This historic investment in our post-secondary institutions like Trent and Fleming will provide predictable, long-term funding… It’s also a recognition that our post-secondary institutions are the engines of our workforce and will continue to prepare generations of students in the high-paying and rewarding careers that will drive our economy for years to come.” 

$1.13M to support primary care nursing in the region 
In addition to the broader postsecondary investment, the event at Trent celebrated the Ontario Ministry of Health announcement that Trent will receive $1,132,500 over three years as part of Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan. Through the Trent program, which will welcome its first cohort at the end of March 2026, up to 350 nurses are expected to complete the 12-week online program over the initial three years. The funding was gratefully received from Minister Sylvia Jones and the Ministry of Health to also cover tuition costs for Ontario registered nurses enrolled in the program.  

“Trent is dedicated to healthcare education and supporting a healthy aging population through quality programs and research. This upskilling program reflects Trent’s long-standing commitment to community-focused health education and helps to address system-level challenges,” said President Bruce. “By creating accessible advanced primary care education for registered nurses, we can contribute to strengthening care teams and healthcare services for communities across Ontario.” 

MPP Smith noted that the initiative “gives our local health-care heroes the advanced tools they need to provide top-tier primary care right here in our community.” 

Speaking of the primary care announcement, Dr. Mikula spoke to the close relationship between Trent and PRHC and said: “This investment is wonderful news not only for Trent University, but for PRHC and the broader healthcare system we serve. Strong, sustainable health care depends on having skilled nurses who train in our community and choose to stay in our community. Trent and PRHC have been working together to support that goal, and this primary care upskilling initiative strengthens that partnership. By equipping more registered nurses with advanced skills, we are helping ensure patients and families across Peterborough and the Kawarthas have access to high quality primary care close to home.” 

Together, these provincial investments reinforce Trent University’s focus on delivering exceptional student experiences, expanding capacity in high need areas, and serving the evolving needs of the province. The funding supports Trent’s commitment to be regionally responsive, while also producing national and international impact.