Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Supporting Ontario’s Healthcare Heroes

CLAC pushes the Ontario government to provide for better conditions for members working in long term and retirement care

Ontario Healthcare Healthcare

By Aren Plante, Representative, Grimsby Member Centre

CLAC continues to stand up for healthcare workers across Ontario—especially those in long term care and retirement homes. Members working on the front lines as PSWs, RNs, dietary staff, housekeeping, and support roles know better than anyone the challenges facing the sector. That’s why, in our recent prebudget submission to the Ontario government, CLAC made 13 strong recommendations to improve working conditions, safety, and wages for you and your coworkers.

4 Highlights for Healthcare Members

Fair Compensation – We’re calling for a permanent wage increase not just for PSWs but for all non-PSW staff in long term care. Roles like cooks, aides, and cleaning staff are essential, yet many haven’t received fair wage increases for years. We’re also pushing for wage parity between homecare and long term care, because similar work deserves similar pay no matter the setting.
Transparency in Staffing – We’re also asking for clear, public reporting on how many hours of direct care are being provided in each long term care facility. This ensures accountability and helps identify where more staffing supports are needed.
Stronger Protection On the Job – Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. That’s why we’re urging the province to extend mandatory WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage to workers in retirement homes and residential care facilities. Many of you work under private insurance that doesn’t provide the same support after a workplace injury. Public coverage under WSIB would ensure better care and fairer treatment if something happens on the job.
Addressing Workplace Violence – Sadly, violence in care settings—especially dealing with responsive behaviours related to dementia—is all too common. CLAC is asking for mandatory, in-person training for front-line staff in programs like Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, with regular recertification. Hands-on training can really help staff feel more prepared and protected.

These are just a few of the ways CLAC is advocating for you at Queen’s Park. Your dedication to care is the beating heart of our healthcare system, and we’ll continue pushing for better conditions, better wages, and better support.

If you have questions or want to get more involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to your steward or representative!

Supporting Ontario’s Healthcare Heroes

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