Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has officially opened the doors of its new School of Medicine in Brampton, marking the first new medical school in Ontario in more than three decades, and the first in the Greater Toronto Area in over a century. From more than 6,000 applicants, just 94 students were accepted into the inaugural class — a majority of them women — making this milestone not only historic for Brampton, but also a powerful step forward in advancing gender representation in medicine.
The achievement comes after years of advocacy and collaboration. “From the start, this was about believing in Brampton’s potential and refusing to accept being left behind,” said Councillor Rowena Santos. “As we welcome this first class of students, I feel proud knowing that kids growing up in Brampton can now train here, practice here, and transform healthcare in their own community.”
Mayor Patrick Brown called the opening a defining moment for the city. “Brampton has long fought for the healthcare investments it deserves. Today, with TMU’s School of Medicine, we are finally seeing that vision become reality,” Brown said. “This medical school will not only train future doctors but also deliver immediate healthcare benefits to our residents. It is a win for Brampton families and a win for Ontario.”
The new facilities will include classrooms, labs, research space, and an integrated health centre expected to serve 1,700 patients, offering hands-on training for students while expanding access to care.
The launch also aligns with Brampton’s broader ambitions to become a hub for health and life sciences. Already home to more than 2,300 companies employing 13,000 people in the sector, the city is seeing annual employment growth of 6%. Future plans include new wet labs to support research and startups, international partnerships through MedTech Canada, and hosting the Life Sciences Ontario Regional Tour in 2026.
For Brampton, welcoming the first medical school class is both a victory and a beginning. It affirms the city’s potential as a leader in healthcare innovation while offering its young people the opportunity to study medicine close to home.
“This is a historic day for Brampton,” Brown added. “It shows the power of persistence and partnership — and it’s only the beginning of what we can achieve together.”
