More than 400 long-term care workers in Thunder Bay are on strike as they push for improved wages and better working conditions.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) says approximately 97% of members voted in favour of strike action, with all eligible workers signing up for strike duty.
Union representatives argue that long-term care staff are being left behind when it comes to compensation, despite the essential role they play in caring for residents.
OPSEU President J.P. Hornick says workers are deeply committed to their jobs, but many are struggling to make ends meet.
“They love the work they do,” Hornick said. “But if they can’t pay their bills, they simply can’t afford to stay.”
The union says it will remain on the picket line until a fair deal is reached.
A healthcare facility in Bedford is expanding its care capacity with 110 new beds for those who don’t need acute care but still require support.
The expansion at West Bedford Transitional Health helps bridge the gap from hospital to home for those aged 18 and older, easing pressure on busy emergency departments.
Premier Tim Houston toured the new wing Wednesday alongside healthcare workers and partners. He says the facility has saved more than 27,000 acute care bed days since opening in December 2024, freeing up hospital space for patients who need it most.
Premier Tim Houston greeting patients at West Bedford Transitional Health. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING
“It’s not just the only one [transitional health centre] in Atlantic Canada, it’s the only one in Canada. And the rest of the country is looking at what we’re doing here to help people transition back to home in a safe, efficient way,” says Houston.
The expansion is operated by Shannex, a Canadian company that provides a range of care options for seniors. The company says this new phase will expand both capacity and the types of patients served.
President of Shannex, Jason Shannon. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING
President of Shannex, Jason Shannon says during the first phase, “we had patients come from over 14 different tertiary care centers around the province from every different department you can imagine in the health system.”
Multipurpose rehabilitation room and apartment suite at West Bedford Transitional Health. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON
The facility has served hundreds since opening and now includes a total of 178 suites with private bathrooms, rehabilitation gyms and smaller therapy spaces, transition-to-home apartments, shared living areas, outdoor rehab activities, and classrooms for community programming.
Patients work to regain independence with support from the Nova Scotia Health Community Outreach team.
Premier Tim Houston with Dr. Christy Bussey speaking about new wing at West Bedford Transitional Health. PHOTO: NATALIE CHIASSON/ACADIA BROADCASTING
The site can now accept some patients directly from the community who are assessed once admitted.
Dr. Christy Bussey says phase 2 will bring, “patients that have never been at West Bedford before, which is the patient population we’re really excited for.”
Police in Thunder Bay have laid criminal charges against a 52-year-old woman and the long-term care facility where she is employed following the death of an 86-year-old resident who was in their care.
Investigators say Pioneer Ridge Long-Term Care Home failed to take reasonable steps to prevent serious bodily harm to the resident. Authorities also allege efforts were made to obstruct the investigation that began on February 11, 2025, after the Crimes Against Seniors’ Division received a report about an incident that took place at the facility.
Charges against the seniors care home include:
• Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code • Obstructing Justice contrary to section 139(2) of the Criminal Code
The charges stem from an inquiry into the senior’s death on March 6, 2025. During the investigation, police say they uncovered additional injuries involving residents that were previously unreported and unrelated to the original case.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information about potential elder abuse to contact Detective Constable Kevin Middleton at .
