Personal Support Workers (PSWs) need a permanent pay raise this PSW Day
Personal Support Workers (PSWs) need a permanent pay raise this PSW Day
Download Release HereOCSA invites the public to sign a petition so that PSWs are paid the same regardless of where they work
TORONTO, May 19, 2021 – Today is PSW Day and Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is celebrating the crucial work that PSWs do today and every day, especially during COVID-19. We invite the public to sign our petition
asking the Ontario government to pay PSWs in home and community care the same wages as their counterparts in the health system so that they can continue to keep vulnerable Ontarians safe at home.
PSWs are dedicated and compassionate individuals that should be able to choose where they want to work based on their preferences. Unfortunately, due to years of underfunding, PSWs in home and community care are the lowest paid in the health system, making 19% less than PSWs in hospitals and almost 10% less than PSWs in long-term care. Organizations in our sector have not received regular base funding increases over the past decade, while inflation has increased by over 17%.
“PSWs deserve to be paid a fair wage, no matter who they want to work for in Ontario and this PSW Day we call on the government to make things right by making the temporary wage enhancement permanent and give PSWs in our sector wage equality,” said Deborah Simon, CEO Ontario Community Support Association. “Home and community care agencies have been asked to do more with less year after year and are losing valued staff to other sectors because they do not have the funds to compete.”
Not-for-profit home care agencies are at a breaking point and many of them are unable to provide more support to new people due to lack of staff. Community-based agencies can no longer count on fundraising nor can they expect clients to pick up costs through higher user fees to balance their books. The pandemic has negatively impacted fundraising revenues and left many of the most vulnerable unable to pay. With home and community care not being given additional funds in this year’s budget, we are facing an inevitable crisis.
“We need wage parity for PSWs immediately,” continued Simon. “Without more funds for staff pay as well as base budgets, people are suffering silently at home and caregivers are burning out carrying an unmanageable load.”
Ontarians that want to stay living in their homes and communities are finding it hard to get the support they need to do just that and their caregivers are burnt out. Sign the petition to send a clear message to the government here
and join the conversation using the hashtag #PSWWageEquality on social media.
About OCSA
The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 230 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services to over one million Ontarians. Our members help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These proactive 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
or @OCSATweets.
Interviews are available with Deborah Simon, CEO, OCSA. For more information please contact:
Michele Vantrepote
Communications Manager
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 x 242
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ONTARIO, October 1, 2026 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is marking the start of Community Support Month, recognizing the essential services, and the people behind them, that help Ontarians live safely, independently and connected at home and in their communities. This year’s theme, “Community First: Celebrating the people and services that make care at home possible,” highlights the role of community support in helping people live, recover and age in the places they know and where they feel they belong. Across Ontario, not-for-profit organizations provide services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day programs, assisted living and supportive housing, respite, homemaking, friendly visiting and hospice care. These services support independence and quality of life, help caregivers, and enable people to live safely at home for longer. They also strengthen the health system by helping prevent avoidable emergency department visits and hospital admissions, delaying or avoiding the need for long-term care, and supporting safe transitions home after a hospital stay. “Care at home is made possible by a network of people and services working together every day,” said Lori Holloway, CEO of OCSA. “Community Support Month is an opportunity to recognize that work and the difference it makes for individuals, families and communities across Ontario. It is also a reminder that strong community support is essential to a strong health system.” Community support organizations are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Staff, volunteers and partners respond to local needs, helping older adults and people with disabilities access practical assistance, social connection and ongoing support. As demand grows and people’s needs become more complex, these organizations face increasing pressures related to funding and workforce capacity. Recognizing their contribution also means supporting their ability to continue delivering the services people rely on. Throughout October, OCSA is encouraging member organizations, community partners and Ontarians to celebrate community support by sharing stories, recognizing staff and volunteers, and highlighting the impact of services delivered at home and close to home. “Behind every meal delivered, ride provided or opportunity for connection are people who make community care possible,” added Holloway. “This month, we celebrate their dedication and invite Ontarians to learn more about the services helping people remain independent, supported and connected.” OCSA invites the public to join the conversation using #CSM2026 and learn more at www.ocsa.on.ca . Media Contact: Karla Sealy Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca 416-256-3010 / 1-800-267-6272 ext. 242 About the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is the leading voice for home and community care in Ontario, representing hundreds of not-for-profit organizations delivering both home care and community support services across the province. OCSA members provide essential services including nursing, personal support and therapies; Meals on Wheels, transportation, caregiver supports, and other programs that help people remain safely in their homes and communities. Serving over one million Ontarians each year, OCSA works with government and system partners to advance integrated, community-based care as a cornerstone of a sustainable health system.
September, 2026 - Meals on Wheels Ontario is excited to partner with the LCBO on a province-wide fundraising campaign to support food security for seniors and people with disabilities across Ontario. Customers can purchase a reusable LCBO and Meals on Wheels tote bag, designed by Ontario artist Sarah Farquhar, at participating LCBO stores and online . 100% of proceeds from the tote bag campaign will be donated to Meals on Wheels Ontario to provide meals to seniors and people with disabilities. Funds raised through the campaign will help support clients experiencing financial hardship and help reduce barriers to accessing nutritious meals. Looking for a tote bag? Find a participating LCBO store near you. You can also purchase a tote bag online through LCBO. Share your support Picked up a tote bag? We’d love to see it! Share a photo of your tote bag on social media and tag Ontario Community Support Association so we can see and share your campaign moments. See more at MOW and LCBO Tote Campaign | Meals on Wheels | ON
