The Ontario government is investing more than $180 million to launch programs aimed at attracting and retaining nearly 8,000 nurses in long-term care homes across the province.
“Our government is improving long-term care by training, hiring and retaining thousands of health-care workers,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “As a registered nurse, I know how important bringing more nurses into Ontario’s long-term care homes is to helping ensure residents receive the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.”
The province said the investment will support several new initiatives, including the Nursing Partnership for Learning, Employment, Development, Growth, and Experience (Nursing PLEDGE) program and the Jumpstart Opportunities in Nursing in Long-Term Care (JOIN LTC) program. Together, these initiatives are expected to bring 4,000 new nurses into long-term care by 2027-28 and support 4,000 existing nurses through mentorship and career development.
The government is also introducing a pilot externship program that will allow up to 40 nursing students to gain experience in long-term care homes as they complete their studies.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is continuing to protect Ontario’s health-care system — and that includes protecting long-term care,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “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.”
Industry leaders welcomed the announcement, emphasizing its potential to strengthen Ontario’s long-term care workforce.
“WeRPN is pleased with the Ontario government’s comprehensive approach to supporting nurses in long-term care settings — the majority of which are RPNs,” said Dianne Martin, CEO of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario. “This critical funding will not only attract more nurses to the sector but also ensure they are well-supported and encouraged to build lasting careers, translating to better, more consistent care for long-term care patients.”
Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, said the investment “represents a significant step forward in strengthening long-term care (LTC) across Ontario.”
“By supporting both new and experienced RPNs, RNs, and NPs, we are advancing the compassionate, high-quality care that residents need and deserve,” Grinspun said. “Nurses play an essential role in enhancing the lives of seniors, and these programs will help build a more stable, expert, and dedicated workforce — one that honours both residents and the nurses who care for them in Ontario’s LTC homes.”
Dr. NP Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario, said the new initiatives are crucial to supporting the health and well-being of Ontario’s seniors.
“NPAO welcomes the initiatives and investments introduced today by the provincial government,” Acorn said. “Supporting the recruitment and retention of NPs in LTC settings is critical to supporting the health, well-being and quality of life of Ontario’s seniors. We look forward to continuing to work with the provincial government to foster LTC environments where NPs can thrive, build careers, develop skills and protect Ontario’s most vulnerable.”
The province said the investment builds on its broader plan to strengthen long-term care through four key pillars: staffing and care, quality and enforcement, modern and safe homes, and improved access to services for seniors.
