OCSA statement on the Ontario government’s investment in accelerated training for PSWs

OCSA statement on the Ontario government’s investment in accelerated training for PSWs

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TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2021 - Today’s announcement by Premier Ford and Ministers Fullerton and Romano to invest money into accelerating training for PSWs is welcome news to OCSA and a serious step in the right direction. PSWs are the backbone of our health care system and Ontarians desperately need thousands more of them to be able to live safely in their homes and communities and in long-term care (LTC). 

The health care system is experiencing a dire staffing shortage and this investment will go a long way in bringing people into the field. However, as noted in our budget submission, PSWs in the home and community care sector are the lowest paid in the entire health system – making on average 19% less than PSWs in the hospital sector and 9% less than PSWs in the LTC sector. Without appropriate staffing in our sector, the pressure on the LTC sector will only increase, especially considering Ontario’s rapidly aging population.

“We recognize that this is a long-standing staffing issue and appreciate the Ford government’s willingness to invest in needed solutions,” said Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association. “The home and community care sector is at a disadvantage when it comes to recruiting and retaining staff because of past funding disparities and in order to keep vulnerable Ontarians safe at home we need support to eliminate that pay gap.”

OCSA looks forward to working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure all sectors have the qualified staff they need to serve their clients and patients.

About OCSA
Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 230 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services that help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These compassionate and cost-effective services improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. They are the key to a sustainable health care system for Ontario. For more information, visit www.ocsa.on.ca and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets

To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Michele Vantrepote, Communications Manager, OCSA
416-256-3010 ext. 242

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By Karla Sealy May 30, 2025
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Toronto, ON — Today, on Personal Support Worker (PSW) Day , the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) proudly joins communities across the province in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Personal Support Workers. PSWs are the backbone of Ontario’s home and community care system, providing essential support that enables people to live safely and independently at home. Each year on May 19th, PSW Day is an opportunity to show our deep appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of these vital frontline workers. Whether helping seniors with daily tasks, supporting people with disabilities, or providing companionship to those facing isolation, PSWs deliver the care that’s needed—and the care that’s wanted—every single day. As Ontario faces a growing demand for home and community care, the role of PSWs has never been more important. OCSA continues to advocate for investments that will strengthen the PSW workforce, and this is part of the Everyone Needs Home and Community Care advocacy campaign. OCSA encourages all Ontarians to take a moment today to thank a PSW in their life. You can also visit www.everyoneneedscare.ca to learn more about how to support the people who provide essential care in your community. Happy PSW Day—and thank you to all the Personal Support Workers who make a difference every day.
We sent an email because everyone needs home and community care.
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