$10 million investment by the McCall MacBain Foundation supports TMU students to excel in high-demand frontline health-care fields
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO – Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and the McCall MacBain Foundation are thrilled to announce the creation of the McCall MacBain Community Health Awards at TMU, a $10 million scholarship program for students in nursing, midwifery, social work, public health and nutrition. The McCall MacBain Foundation’s gift is the largest single investment in student scholarships in the university’s history.
“Through this generous gift, the McCall MacBain Foundation will significantly strengthen the health-care ecosystem,” said Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor, TMU. “Nurses, midwives, social workers, nutritionists and public health professionals — together with physicians — represent a model of inter-professional, integrated care. By supporting the educational development of these key players, the McCall MacBain Foundation’s investment is contributing to an increase in the capacity for comprehensive care,” he said.
“The McCall MacBain Foundation has worked globally to build opportunities for talented students to meet their potential,” said Alexandra Conliffe, Chief Executive Officer, McCall MacBain Foundation. “We hope this program will make it possible for committed students to pursue clinical excellence and build thriving careers as health-care leaders to meet the growing needs in their communities."
The Faculty of Community Services (FCS), which houses TMU’s nursing, midwifery, social work, public health and nutrition programs, has among the highest numbers of students demonstrating financial need. The McCall MacBain Community Health Awards at TMU will lower economic barriers, ensuring that financial constraints do not deter exceptional students from becoming the health-care leaders our communities need.
The McCall MacBain Foundation has also earmarked $700,000 of the gift as an incentive for others to support students in these disciplines. For a limited time, new donors to scholarships in nursing, midwifery, social work, public health and nutrition will unlock funds from the McCall MacBain Foundation, doubling the impact of their investment.
As Canada continues to grapple with an aging population and health-care shortages, the role of patient-facing practitioners has never been more vital. The Ontario Nurses Association has noted that the province faces a critical nursing shortage, with job vacancies tripling in five years and a projected need for 33,200 more nurses by 2032.
At the same time, the Association of Midwives of Ontario notes that demand for midwifery services continues to rise, with over 6,600 Ontarians denied midwifery care in 2023-2024 due to a shortage of midwives. These and other patient-facing professions, including social work, public health and nutrition, are key contributors to healthier communities.
The McCall MacBain Community Health Awards at TMU will support more than 30 new students each year in health-related programs with renewable funding, reaching more than 300 students in the first 10 years. After the initial 10-year period, the endowed awards will continue to support 4 new students in nursing per year in perpetuity.
The McCall MacBain Foundation invests globally in a variety of initiatives across education, the environment, and health. At TMU, the McCall MacBain Foundation has previously supported the university’s Peer Support program, helping increase access to mental health services for students.
About Toronto Metropolitan University
A world-class research institution and Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education, TMU offers more than 60 undergraduate programs, over 65 graduate programs, and 80 continuing education certificate programs. The university boasts ten faculties, including the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the new TMU School of Medicine. It is also home to 11 startup incubators, known as Zones, that support innovation across sectors – from health and life sciences to creative industries and social impact. Established in 1948, TMU is home to nearly 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 245,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit torontomu.ca.
About McCall MacBain Foundation
The McCall MacBain Foundation’s mission is to improve the welfare of humanity by providing scholarships and other educational opportunities that nurture transformational leadership, and by investing in evidence-based strategies to address climate change, preserve our natural environment, and improve health outcomes. The Foundation has supported, seeded, and scaled diverse educational programs, including leadership-focused scholarships, to support over 13,000 students across 70+ countries. Learn more at www.mccallmacbain.org (external link) .
Media Inquiries:
Lindsey Craig
Toronto Metropolitan University
lindseyc@torontomu.ca