Ontario government focuses on long-term care with $180M boost

The province is investing over $180 million in programs aimed at attracting and retaining up to 8,000 skilled long-term care nurses.

Announced by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, the investment includes $110 million over three years in Nursing Partnership for Learning, Employment, Development, Growth, and Experience (Nursing PLEDGE), a mentorship program that hopes to help nurses build their careers.

Other programs include financial incentives to spur retention in the province and a pilot project that enables dozens of students to gain valuable experience in nursing.

The $665,000 investment will enable up to 40 nursing students to work at long-term care homes as they work towards graduation.

“Our government is continuing to protect Ontario’s health-care system — and that includes protecting long-term care,” says Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones in a statement.

“Through this over $180 million investment, our government is launching new programs to attract and retain highly skilled nurses, ensuring Ontario’s seniors can receive the high-quality care they need and deserve, no matter where they live.”

People aged 65 and older make up the fastest growing age group in Ontario.