Ford demands TMU's new med school educate qualified students 'regardless of their race'

'The government has spoken to TMU about their equity admissions' amid criticisms of relaxed standards and limits on non-equity applicants

Premier Doug Ford is demanding Ontario’s newest medical school educate qualified individuals “regardless of their race or background,” amid backlash over the school’s plan to loosen academic qualifications and screen out prospective students by race or status.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s new medical school in Brampton is expecting more than 5,000 applicants for 94 spots, of which three-quarters will be designated for students who are Black, Indigenous, or from “equity-deserving” groups. The latter include those who identify as LGBTQ, disabled, poor, and “racialized people.” It has also loosened certain common academic requirements.