Friday, June 6, 2025

CLAC Members and Staff Lobby for Change in Ontario Healthcare

Key issues brought forward include fair compensation, expansion of mandatory WSIB coverage, violence in long term care, and permanent wage enhancements for non-PSW employees

On May 5, a group of members and representatives travelled to Toronto for CLAC’s Ontario Healthcare Lobby Day at Queen’s Park. This is an annual event where members and representatives bring pressing issues in the healthcare sector to the attention of provincial ministers and members of provincial parliament (MPPs) and advocate for change.

This year, 15 CLAC healthcare members attended, as well as several CLAC representatives and staff. The group met with provincial government staff from three key ministries (Seniors and Accessibility; Health; and Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development) and had 15 meetings with members of provincial parliament.*

One of these meetings resulted in an MPP accepting a member’s invitation to come visit their long term care home himself.

Thank you to all our members who participated. Your voices are what makes days like this so impactful.

Below is a reflection on the day by Local 303 member Reynante M. Trinidad, who is a care technician with the Victoria Order of Nurses in the London Homecare Branch. Rey serves his fellow members as a steward, member of the union bargaining committee, and a member of the Local 303 Board.

Lobby Day Reflection

By Reynante M. Trinidad

Lobby Day was more than just an event—it was an eye-opening and affirming experience. What impacted me most was hearing from two MPPs who were visibly surprised to learn that homecare workers are often treated like gig workers.

When CLAC highlighted this reality, it resonated—not only with them but with everyone who lives this experience daily.

As someone working in home support, I felt seen and heard. For once, the challenges we face—lack of recognition, inconsistent support, and the undervaluing of our essential role—were brought to the forefront. Witnessing that shift in awareness unfold in real time was truly powerful.

During Lobby Day, CLAC spotlighted four key issues affecting workers in healthcare:

1. Fair Compensation and Working Conditions for Homecare Workers

The team emphasized the need to end the gig-worker treatment of personal support workers (PSWs) and nurses. Low wages, unpaid travel time, and unpredictable schedules destabilize and devalue the homecare sector.

2. Mandatory WSIB Coverage for Residential Care Workers

CLAC advocated for comprehensive WSIB coverage (workers compensation) for all care workers—including those in residential settings, who are too often excluded from this essential protection.

3. Violence in Long Term Care

Violence against front-line workers in long term care remains a serious concern. CLAC called for additional training and support to handle the violence and aggression challenges healthcare workers face in the workplace daily.

4. Permanent Wage Enhancement for Non-PSW Employees in Long Term Care

Lagging wages are driving workers from the sector, causing significant attraction and retention issues. As a witness to this advocacy, I was deeply moved by the support for PSWs and nurses and for cooks, aides, housekeepers, and other vital long term care staff who often go unrecognized. They deserve fair wages that reflect the value of their contribution.

During the lunch reception, some MPPs shared their responses. One MPP’s invitation to collaborate with CLAC truly boosted my morale as a member—it was a powerful confirmation that this advocacy is not a waste of time but rather a continuous, peaceful movement that gives voice to important issues.

I believe many CLAC members also want their voices to be heard. We have a strong spirit of leadership and volunteerism, and I encourage you to get involved, speak out, and connect with your union representative. They are there to listen, support, and empower you.

I’m genuinely impressed by how CLAC continues to advocate for healthcare workers, not from the sidelines, but through meaningful actions like Lobby Day. This kind of advocacy fosters hope, unity, and real momentum. It reminded me that one voice can spark awareness in a peaceful, democratic way—and that many voices together can drive lasting change.

Let’s keep moving forward—together.

*Full list of MPPs CLAC members and staff met with on Monday, May 5, 2025

Dr. Adil Shamji, MPP for Don Valley East and Liberal Critic for Primary Care, Urgent Care, Public Health, Indigenous Affairs and Housing
Ms. Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre
Ms. Bobbi Ann Brady, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk
Ms. Catherine Fife, MPP for Waterloo and NDP Shadow Minister for Economic Development Job Creation and Trade
Ms. Dawn Gallagher-Murphy, MPP for Newmarket Aurora and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long Term Care
Ms. France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt and Shadow Minister for Health and Francophone Affairs
Mr. Jamie West, MPP for Sudbury and NDP Critic for Labour, Energy and Mines
Ms. Jennifer (Jennie) Stevens, MPP for St. Catharines and NDP Shadow Minister for the Solicitor General
Mr. John Fraser, MPP for Ottawa South and Liberal Critic for Labour and Education
Ms. Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock
Ms. Lee Fairclough, MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Mr. Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
Mr. Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington
The Hon. Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West and Associate Minister for Energy Intensive Industries
Ms. Stephanie Smyth, MPP for St. Paul's and Liberal Critic for Seniors and Accessibility

CLAC Members and Staff Lobby for Change in Ontario Healthcare

Lobby Day Reflection

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