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
DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE HERETORONTO, 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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