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February 5, 2026 News

Ontario Investing Over $21 Million to train 700 new long-term care staff

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February 5, 2026

Ontario is investing $21.5 million over four years to train 700 new long-term care staff through two targeted programs:

Read the full news release

  • The PSW Learn and Earn Program — Ontario is providing $17.6 million in new funding to help existing long-term care staff, including resident support personnel and dietary aides, train as personal support workers (PSWs), through online coursework followed by paid, on-site clinical placements.
  • PSW to PN Learn and Earn Program — Ontario will invest $3.9 million to train 40 current PSWs to become registered practical nurses, giving eligible staff the ability to advance their careers and provide better resident care.

Long-term care homes manage applications to the program, working with Humber Polytechnic that delivers the program. Interested long-term care homes can find more information on Humber Polytechnic’s program website.

Ontario is offering incentives to PSW students and eligible PSWs to launch careers in long-term care homes and in the home and community care sector.

Quote from CEO Donna Duncan:

“We commend the government for this investment, which builds on an unprecedented level of support for long-term care in Ontario. In rural and northern communities especially, protecting care means investing in the people who are already at the heart of our homes, where care shapes daily life. By upskilling frontline staff and creating meaningful pathways for growth, this funding helps protect four hours of direct care, strengthens continuity and supports the long-term care workforce to grow and thrive.”

Budget 2026 is a chance to protect Ontario by protecting long-term care.

This announcement reflects our members’ priorities to protect our workforce. Ensuring long-term care remains a stable, rewarding place to build a career.

Learn about our priorities along with practical, evidence-informed recommendations to protect Ontario by strengthening long-term care now and into the future.

OLTCA 2026 Provincial Budget Submission