The Ontario government says it is investing more than $26 million to train nearly 3,000 new long-term care workers, as part of efforts to strengthen staffing levels and improve care for residents.
The funding will support two targeted programs aimed at both new and existing workers. The province is allocating an additional $5.5 million to the Supporting Professional Growth Fund, bringing its total to $15.5 million in 2025–26. The program helps current long-term care staff upgrade their skills and advance their careers and has supported more than 92,000 workers since 2022.
Ontario is also investing $21 million to expand the Living Classrooms program, which integrates education directly into long-term care homes. The expansion will include practical nurse Living Classrooms, allowing students to study and work in their home communities. The province says the initiative will train close to 3,000 personal support workers and registered practical nurses by 2029.
Unlike traditional programs, Living Classrooms allow students to alternate between in-class learning and hands-on experience within long-term care homes.
The investment builds on Ontario’s $4.9-billion, four-year staffing plan, which focused on recruitment, training and retention in the long-term care sector. The government says strengthening the workforce is a key part of its broader plan to improve long-term care across the province.
Written by: C. Clyne