Ontario Misses Long-Term Care Staffing Target, Raises Transparency Concerns

The province failed to meet its 2023-24 legislated goal for hands-on care in long-term care homes, citing staffing shortages and other challenges.

Ontario fell short of its 2023-24 interim target of 3 hours and 42 minutes of daily hands-on care for long-term care residents, as required by a 2021 law.
The government quietly updated its staffing plan online to acknowledge the missed target, prompting criticism over a lack of transparency.
Staffing shortages remain a major barrier, with an estimated need for 13,200 nurses and 37,700 personal support workers to meet care goals.
High turnover rates among long-term care workers, driven by low wages and unstable jobs, are impacting care quality and staff retention.
Advocates and unions are calling for wage equalization, better benefits, and full-time roles to address staffing challenges and improve care delivery.