Ontario universities applaud government's investment in 100 new medical spaces across the province

TORONTO - Ontario universities welcome the Ontario government's new investment to support 100 additional medical spaces designed to help improve access to physician services. The Ontario government is providing operating funding and $35 million in capital funding to support these new positions.

"The government's announcement reflects its continued strong commitment to enhancing health care in the province by addressing the physician shortage through expanded medical education," said Dr. Carol Herbert, Chair of the Council of Ontario Faculties of Medicine (COFM) and Dean of the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western of Ontario.

The increase in undergraduate medical school positions is an important part of the government's physician resource plan, and builds on the two previous successful expansions of 160 new positions begun in 2000 and 104 new positions begun in 2005. This third expansion, along with the establishment of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, will increase the total number of first year spaces from 532 in 2000 to 952 in 2011.

Dr. Paul C. Genest, President of the Council of Ontario Universities, noted: "This government continues to demonstrate strong leadership and commitment to improving health care services to benefit all Ontarians, and the capital investment will also stimulate local economic activity by creating jobs in several communities around the province."

COFM values its strong partnership with government in improving Ontarians' access to physician services.