Ontario Aims To Add 2,000 New Nurses To Long-Term Care Sector

Ontario’s long-term care minister says the province is investing $100 million to help add 2,000 more nurses to the sector by 2025.

Minister Rod Phillips says the funding is part of Ontario’s commitment to increasing direct care for long-term care residents to an average of four hours per day.

The government’s investment will fund two separate programs to help Ontario reach that direct care goal.

The first program will provide up to $6,000 a year in tuition for personal support workers to become registered practical nurses, and up to $10,000 for registered practical nurses to become registered nurses. In exchange, participants will have to commit to working in the long-term care sector for the same time period as they receive the tuition supports.

“This support will help address barriers people face when they want to further their education,” Phillips said. “It’s a win-win scenario. More staff for long-term care, more educational and career opportunities for staff in long-term care.”

Ontario will also invest up to $38.3 million to help transform nursing programs at publicly funded colleges.

“These programs will be offered in English and French and will feature a combination of online and in-person learning, which provides more flexibility for people to learn on their own schedules.”

Phillips also says he will introduce new legislation Thursday to set long-term care standards.