CBU Celebrates Transformative Gift from BMO and Welcomes Second Cohort of Students at Cape Breton Medical Campus

As the Cape Breton Medical Campus welcomes its second cohort of medical students in September, Cape Breton University is recognizing a transformative $1 million donation from BMO that is helping shape the future of healthcare education in Nova Scotia.

The gift reflects BMO’s commitment to strengthening communities by expanding access to healthcare and supporting the education of future physicians. By supporting the Cape Breton Medical Campus, BMO is investing in the next generation of physicians who will train and practice in rural communities across the province.

CBU President and Vice-Chancellor David C. Dingwall says BMO’s leadership support is helping ensure the long-term success of the Cape Breton Medical Campus and its mission to improve healthcare across the province.

“BMO recognized the potential of the Cape Breton Medical Campus to transform healthcare in our region, and we are incredibly grateful for their confidence in this vision,” says Dingwall. “Their $1 million donation is helping educate future physicians, strengthen healthcare in rural Nova Scotia and create lasting opportunities for generations to come. Partnerships like this demonstrate what is possible when organizations invest in the future of our communities.”

With more than $14 million raised through the Forever CBU Campaign in support of the Cape Breton Medical Campus and related health initiatives, individuals, families, businesses and community organizations have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare education and the future of rural medicine in Nova Scotia.

The Cape Breton Medical Campus was created through a partnership between Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine and the Province of Nova Scotia. With a focus on family medicine, rural medicine and community-based learning, the campus is helping address physician shortages while preparing future doctors to serve communities across Nova Scotia, including Indigenous and African Nova Scotian communities. Through this donation, BMO is helping build a stronger healthcare system and supporting the next generation of doctors who will serve where they are needed most.

Photo caption from left to right: Deanne Chaulk, Regional Vice President, Sara Salter Burke, Vice President, Development, CBU Dr. Stephanie Langley, Senior Associate Dean, Cape Breton Medical Campus, Peter MacLeod, Senior Relationship Manager, Gabriela MacDonald, Relationship Manager, Ashley Snow, Branch Manager, Joelle Brown, Branch Manager.

Officially opened in May 2026, the state-of-the-art Medical Sciences Building provides an exceptional learning environment where students receive world-class medical education while training in the communities that need them most.

“Access to healthcare is an essential part of building strong, resilient communities,” said Deanne Chaulk, Regional Vice President, Personal Banking, Nova Scotia, BMO. “The Cape Breton Medical Campus is helping address one of Nova Scotia’s most pressing challenges by educating future physicians in the communities where they are needed most. Through this gift, we’re supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders while helping strengthen care for rural communities across the province.”

The Cape Breton Medical Campus welcomed its inaugural class of 30 medical students in 2025 and officially opened its permanent Medical Sciences Building in May 2026. The second cohort of students begins classes this month, continuing to build a new generation of physicians committed to caring for communities across Nova Scotia.