Marion L. Reid Grant helping build PEI's health care workforce

More Islanders are pursuing careers in health care through the Marion L. Reid Grant, helping address workforce needs across Prince Edward Island's health system.

Today, 176 students are receiving support through the grant, and 32 graduates are already working in health care professions across the province. Grant recipients are studying and working in a range of high-demand fields, including nursing, social work, pharmacy, physiotherapy and medical imaging. 

“Every health care worker starts out as a student with a goal of making a difference. The Marion L. Reid Grant helps students access the education and training they need while encouraging them to build their careers here in PEI. By supporting local talent, we are strengthening the workforce Islanders rely on and improving access to care across the province.” 

- Minister of Health and Wellness Cory Deagle

Launched in 2024, the Marion L. Reid Grant provides eligible students with $3,500 a year for up to four academic years, for a maximum of $14,000, while they complete studies in one of 17 eligible health care programs at designated universities and colleges across Canada. Recipients commit to working in PEI's health system for two years after graduation. In 2025-26, the province increased the annual grant amount and expanded eligibility to include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, paramedicine and dentistry.

"The Marion L. Reid Grant helps remove financial barriers for students while creating clear pathways into rewarding health care careers in Prince Edward Island," said Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Jenn Redmond. "By supporting Islanders throughout their education and encouraging them to build their careers here at home, we are investing in both student success and the future of our health care workforce."

Named in honour of Prince Edward Island's first female Lieutenant-Governor, Marion L. Reid, the grant reflects her legacy of public service by supporting Islanders pursuing careers dedicated to caring for others. 

The grant is part of a broader provincial commitment to improving access to care by expanding educational opportunities for Islanders pursuing careers in health care. 

Through initiatives such as the Healthcare Priorities Program, which has provided free tuition to more than 800 Islanders in resident care work, licensed practical nursing and paramedicine programs through a $10 million investment, and ongoing support for the UPEI Faculty of Medicine, the province is helping more Islanders access the education and training needed to build health care careers at home while supporting the future needs of communities across Prince Edward Island.

Together, these investments are creating stronger pathways from education and training to careers in the Island’s health system, helping grow the workforce and improve timely, high-quality access to care for Islanders now and in the years ahead.

For more information, visit: 
Marion L. Reid Grant 
Healthcare Priorities Program
Jobs in PEI health care  

Media contact:
April Gallant
Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning
[email protected]

Autumn Tremere
Department of Health and Wellness
[email protected]

Backgrounder:

Marion L. Reid Recipient Breakdown