George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
As the federal government looks to address workforce shortages, aging populations and rising care demands, George Brown is responding with innovative health care programs that integrate technology-enabled learning, simulation training and sustainability.
Parliamentary Secretary of Health and Member of Parliament Maggie Chi toured the Waterfront Campus on May 20 to get a first-hand look at our leading-edge teaching and simulation spaces alongside Dr. Wendy Ellis, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. The visit offered an in-depth look at how the institution is preparing the next generation of health care professionals through applied, real-world learning.
Joining the visit were members of Chi’s team, including Ming Kai Wu, a current George Brown nursing student, and Elina Li, a George Brown alumna, highlighting the polytechnic’s strong connections across sectors and in public service.
Leadership dialogue focuses on health system priorities and talent development
Chi met with George Brown’s senior leadership team, including President Dr. Gervan Fearon, Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Hassun Malik, and Chief Financial Officer Michael Herrera. The discussion centred on shared priorities across the post-secondary and health care sectors, including workforce readiness, system capacity, international students, and the role of education in strengthening patient care outcomes.
The visit reflects continued federal interest in supporting innovative approaches to health education, particularly those that combine technology-enabled learning, simulation training, and sustainability. As governments look to address workforce shortages, aging populations and rising care demands, investments in applied post-secondary education remain a key policy lever.
The conversation also addressed the broader policy landscape, including the importance of sustained government investment in health education and training. With growing demand for skilled health care professionals across Canada, institutions like George Brown are playing a critical role in scaling up education capacity and aligning programs with system needs.
Aligning education, sustainability and public policy
The tour featured nursing, dental and simulation lab environments designed to mirror real-world clinical settings, underscoring the critical role of experiential education in addressing Canada’s evolving health workforce needs. Chi also visited Limberlost Place to learn more about its sustainability features and how the institution is integrating climate-conscious design into its learning infrastructure.
As governments increasingly prioritize sustainable building practices and low-carbon development in capital projects, facilities like these not only support advanced learning environments but also reflect broader commitments to climate resilience and responsible growth.
Start your journey in health care at George Brown and make a difference from day one.
