OCSA Urges Government to Close Healthcare Sector Wage Gaps

(Toronto, ON. November 3, 2023.) Yesterday the government released its Fall Economic Statement. While it was good to hear the province echo their $370 million commitment to the home and community care sector, more support is needed. The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is reiterating its urgent call to close the wage gaps that exist between healthcare sectors to ensure that Ontarians across the province receive the best care possible. While OCSA appreciates the significant investments made in home and community care (HCC) in the 2023 provincial budget, closing the wage gap is essential to attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals in this sector.

The wage disparity between healthcare sectors has become a critical issue. On average, hospital nurses earn $10 more per hour than those working in HCC. Additionally, Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in Long-Term Care (LTC) earn $4 more per hour than PSWs in the community. This wage gap not only discourages professionals from working in HCC but also impacts the care available to clients who wish to remain in their homes and communities.

Retroactive increases to hospitals linked to Bill 124 arbitration awards threaten to exacerbate the wage gap. If we allow these disparities to deepen, healthcare professionals will continue to be deterred from working in HCC, resulting in a shortage of skilled workers for the sector and a reduction in service for clients.

Vacancies for front-line positions in home and community care are also alarmingly high at nearly 20%, and annual staff turnover is approximately 25% - staggering statistics that underscore the urgent need for action.

Past wage increases for PSWs have improved staff retention. Recently published research demonstrated that a wage parity would retain 1 in 5 PSWs who would otherwise have left their jobs in HCC, resulting in an additional 23.5 million care hours annually for Ontario's HCC clients.

OCSA strongly urges the government to take immediate action to close the wage gap in the healthcare sector to ensure fair compensation for healthcare workers while also improving access to high-quality healthcare for all Ontarians.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Rhiana Alfadili
OCSA Communications Manager
416-256-3010 / 1-800-267-6272, ext. 219
Rhiana.Alfadili@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

Celebrating PSW Day 2025

By Karla Sealy • May 21, 2025

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.

OCSA Launches New Campaign Empowering Ontarians to Call for More Support for Home and Community Care

By Karla Sealy • April 30, 2025

Against the backdrop of uncertain times, Ontarians need and want more access to these services

OCSA Joins Communities Across Ontario to Celebrate March For Meals 2025

By Karla Sealy • March 1, 2025

ONTARIO, March 1, 2025 - This March, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is proud to stand with communities across Ontario in support of March for Meals, an annual campaign highlighting the essential role of Meals on Wheels programs. Delivered in 181 communities across the province, these programs provide nutritious meals, social connection, and safety checks for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of belairdirect, encourages Ontarians to show their support for March for Meals and the local Meals on Wheels programs that serve their communities. Together, these programs deliver over 3 million meals annually and provide vital assistance to nearly 70,000 Ontarians. As the demand for nutritious and affordable meals grows, so too do the challenges faced by local programs—including underfunding and volunteer shortages. Now more than ever, community support is essential to ensuring these programs continue to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. “Meals on Wheels programs are a cornerstone of home and community care in Ontario, ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities have access to healthy meals, social connection, and safety checks,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “However, these programs face growing demand and funding challenges. March for Meals is an opportunity for all Ontarians to rally around these essential services and support their sustainability so that no one is left behind.” During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will host special events, engage local officials, and encourage community participation to raise awareness and support for these critical services. OCSA invites Ontarians to learn more about the impact of Meals on Wheels and explore ways to get involved. For more information on March for Meals and how you can support your local Meals on Wheels program, visit Meals on Wheels Ontario . About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) champions a strong, sustainable home and community care sector in Ontario. The association represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations that deliver high-quality services that help seniors, people with disabilities, and those with complex care needs remain independent in their homes and communities. These proactive and cost-effective services prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. For more information visit www.ocsa.on.ca or @OCSATweets For media inquiries please contact: Karla Sealy (she/her) Manager of Communications 416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242 karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca