Brampton/Etobicoke – May 14, 2025 — William Osler Health System (Osler) and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing (DCSN) have officially launched a forward-looking Academic Practice Partnership (APP) aimed at shaping the future of nursing education and clinical practice in Ontario.
Unveiled at Brampton Civic Hospital, the initiative integrates academic learning with real-world clinical experience, supporting a seamless transition for nursing students from theory to frontline care. Grounded in education, practice, and research, the partnership is designed to build a skilled, resilient, and evidence-informed nursing workforce.
“This partnership strengthens the bridge between education and frontline practice,” said Tiziana Rivera, Executive Vice-President of Quality, Research and Chief Nursing Executive at Osler. “By embedding evidence-based practices into everything we do, we’re empowering nurses to lead the next wave of innovation in health care.”
A Strategic Investment in Nursing Talent and Innovation
TMU’s DCSN becomes the third academic partner in Osler’s growing network of Academic Practice Partnerships. The collaboration is a key step in addressing Ontario’s health system challenges, with leaders from both institutions pledging to enhance nursing education, research capacity, and people-centred care.
“Our faculty is committed to preparing highly skilled, compassionate nurses who think critically and drive innovation,” said Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor, Toronto Metropolitan University. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to improve health outcomes through collaboration, education, and research.”
The partnership supports Osler’s broader vision of:
- Building research capacity among nurses
- Fostering innovation in care delivery
- Creating sustainable, high-quality clinical learning environments
“This strategic agreement bridges the gap between academia and practice,” said Maher El-Masri, Director of the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing. “It allows both institutions to jointly address challenges in nursing education and strengthen the profession through collaborative solutions.”
“As the largest nursing school in Ontario, TMU brings unmatched expertise and scale,” added Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO of Osler. “Together, we are equipping future nurses with the tools, confidence, and compassion needed to lead in today’s complex health care system.”
This partnership reaffirms Osler’s commitment to sustainable clinical education and excellence in care, benefiting students, staff, and the communities they serve for generations to come.