Health Care

Health and well-being for all through groundbreaking medical research, innovative technology and high-quality care.

To meet the health-care needs of Ontarians of all ages today and in the future, universities, government and health providers must work together to promote a comprehensive approach to care, ensure access to the latest health research and technology, produce advances in preventive care, train the health professionals our province needs, and support the development of age-friendly communities.

Health Care (pdf)
Key Facts
16.7%
Of Ontarians today who are 65 and older
10,000+ health professionals graduate from university programs each year,
including nearly 4,500 nurses and more than 3,000 doctors
25%
Of Ontarians projected to be 65 and older by 2041
  • Ensuring Ontario continues to have strong and accessible health-care requires hard work across the whole system and in our communities. It requires:
    • Scientists and researchers who are developing the latest medical technology and treatments.
    • A full assortment of programs and initiatives including continued improvements to our hospitals, greater access to home care and long-term care homes, and a renewed focus on mental health, preventive care, and strategies to preserve health.
    • Communities with services, infrastructure and cultural activities that are accessible for people of all ages to help Ontarians enjoy healthy, enriching lifestyles at every stage of their lives.
    • Equal access to high-quality services in all parts of the province.
  • Today, 16.7 per cent of Ontarians are 65 and over, outnumbering Ontarians who are under 15 for the first time. By 2041, the Ontario Ministry of Finance estimates that one in four Ontarians will be a senior.
  • As Ontario’s population grows and ages, it is estimated that health care spending will account for 55 per cent of Ontario’s program spending by 2050, up from 42 per cent today.
  • Whether it’s through educating nearly 4,500 nurses and more than 3,000 doctors every year, investigating how to use the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve medical treatments, or partnering with communities to offer care to those who don’t have access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner, universities play a pivotal role in providing Ontarians with a comprehensive and robust health-care system.
Experiential learning

Experiential learning is when students learn by doing, using their theoretical knowledge in practical, real-life, or work-related situations. There are many types of experiential learning activities designed to give students practical skills for their future career, including co-ops and internships, as well as projects in which students work on solutions to employer or industry challenges.

“Ontario’s health-care system is facing some remarkable challenges, particularly over the next 20 years, and universities are going to be key partners, not just to hospitals but all providers, in coming up with ideas that ultimately address those core challenges."
- Anthony Dale, President and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association, at the Ontario’s Universities Roundtable on the Aging Population
Making an Impact
on Health Care
Creating a digital dialogue for health care
Future Maker Story
Jianhong-Wuv
Jianhong Wuv
University
Researcher profile
Engineering a data-driven health-care revolution
Future Maker Story
What Ontario Universities
Are Doing

In partnership with hospitals and health organizations across the province, universities are having an impact on every aspect of care. Our work includes:

Conducting health research that helps develop personalized cancer treatments, therapeutic robotics, mental-health treatments and much more.

Producing research that keeps Ontario’s health-care system efficient and cost-effective. This includes work looking at how to help patients move comfortably and efficiently from hospital to community and long-term care.

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Educating the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals and managers who provide our communities with the highest-quality care. More than 10,000 students graduate each year from a variety of university health programs, including rehabilitation sciences, dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, optometry, physiotherapy and midwifery.

Working with communities to support the development of age-friendly policies and infrastructure, and to help ensure our health-care system is equitable and accessible to people of all ages.

How Government Can Help
  • Providing financial support

    Continue to financially support research in medicine and health care.

  • Supporting health research

    Work with universities, hospitals, start-ups and others so that the best health research and inventions reach Ontarians when they need them.

  • Ensuring access to high-quality health care

    Continue working with universities to ensure Ontario has the right number and mix of health care professionals working where they are most needed so that all Ontarians have access to high-quality health care close to home.

Partnering for a Better Future
By investing in health research, comprehensive care and age-friendly communities, we can ensure that Ontarians across the province, no matter their age or where they live, have access to strong and reliable care that helps them lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Read the Report

In our report, you will find a comprehensive summary of what we heard from Ontarians and how Ontario's universities are working across all sectors to help students thrive, support our communities, and drive a growing, dynamic province.

summary report
full report
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Resources

Browse through reports and related materials to find out about Ontario universities' role in everything ranging from university graduate employment to family medicine and community transformation.

Resources: Mental Health
Ontarians' Priority Issues