TMU School of Medicine receives $25M federal boost
Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) School of Medicine in Brampton will be receiving a $25 million capital investment from the federal government to help expand health care in the Peel Region.
The federal government made the announcement today at an event at the TMU medical school celebrating the funding agreement. The $25 million investment, revealed in the federal budget, also builds on previous support from the Province of Ontario to complete the renovation of the former Bramalea Civic Centre into a state-of-the-art medical training site.
"Today, we are here to celebrate an important milestone in the development of our School of Medicine: the finalized agreement with the Government of Canada to support our continued growth here in the city of Brampton,” said Mohamed Lachemi, TMU president and vice-chancellor.
“We are grateful to Prime Minister Mark Carney, President of the Treasury Board Shafqat Ali, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, the Ontario Minister of Infrastructure David Piccini, and the federal government for their confidence in our vision. I’d also like to acknowledge our biggest champion in Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown, and the City of Brampton for their partnership in making this school possible.”
TMU MD students joined in celebrating a milestone funding announcement that will contribute to their medical training through support for leading-edge clinical training facilities, labs and research spaces.
TMU’s School of Medicine is focused on training primary care and family medicine doctors to help fill critical care gaps in Peel and beyond. The government commitment will expand medical training and increase access to health care in the Peel Region and across the country.
"This announcement is recognition of the national significance and potential impact of TMU’s School of Medicine and its model of medical education, in particular family medicine, grounded in community, accessibility and innovation,” said President Lachemi. “This funding will ensure that our facilities match the scale of our ambition and the needs of our students, faculty, partners and patients.”
"It is truly an honour to be back at the TMU School of Medicine,” said the Hon. Shafqat Ali, president of the Treasury Board and MP for Brampton Centre during the event’s remarks.
“President Lachemi and the team at TMU, thank you for your leadership, dedication and commitment in creating history by opening the TMU School of Medicine in Brampton – the first new medical school in the GTA in 100 years. You have made history, and I am truly honoured to represent Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Government of Canada as we embark on this journey together.”
MP Shafqat Ali, president of the Treasury Board, highlights how the Build Communities Strong Fund will ensure health care infrastructure – including hospitals, emergency rooms and medical schools – can respond to the health care needs of Canadians across the country.
MP Ali highlighted how in a rapidly changing and uncertain world, stability means building stronger communities.
“The one thing we can control is how we choose to build here at home, including what we are building here in Brampton. The choices we make today will shape our country for generations to come.”
Patrick Brown, mayor of Brampton also shared remarks.
“I want to start off by thanking Mohamed Lachemi for his years of dedication to TMU and [his] friendship to the city of Brampton,” he said. “This medical school is going to train the physicians of tomorrow. It’s going to train physicians to work in the new hospital we’re building. If there’s ever a city that could use a medical school, it’s this one: Canada’s fastest-growing city.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown believes in the power of partners to build a health care system that is more accessible and that empowers future doctors and health care professionals for the Peel Region.
Transformational investment
Following the recent opening of its updated north wing, the $25 million investment will fund the final phase of the building's redevelopment. This includes state-of-the-art instructional spaces and clinical training facilities that will support a model of education that is community-based, culturally competent and patient-centred.
“Last week, we welcomed our second cohort of MD students,” said President Lachemi. “As you know, our vision is clear: to prepare the next generation of physicians to deliver compassionate, innovative and community-focused care.”
MP Ali shared powerful final thoughts.
“This [commitment] means better access to care, strong communities and a more resilient health care system. The cost of health care is not just a cost – it’s an investment in people and in Canada’s growth."
TMU’s School of Medicine welcomed 109 new residents to its school in July and its second cohort of 94 MD students this month. With over 400 total undergraduate and postgraduate learners now enrolled, the School of Medicine has reached a major milestone in its expansion.
Earlier this year, the federal government announced the $25 million investment to support the TMU School of Medicine. Today, that promise is fulfilled.
A regional turning point, the launch of the TMU School of Medicine in 2025 marked the first new medical school established in the Greater Toronto Area in over a century, and intentionally situated in the Peel Region to address long-standing gaps in community-based care.