Ford visits Humber to announce new long-term care training programs

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Canada is at a pivotal moment as its sovereignty and economy are under attack.

But he said at Humber Polytechnic on Feb. 5 that the province is working to counter external economic pressures to ensure Canadians remain working.

“We’re cutting red tape, keeping taxes and fees low, and helping workers keep more of their hard-earned money. We’re doubling down on our more than $223 billion plan to build, which is the largest plan of its kind in Canadian history,” Ford said.

This plan is to invest in highways, transit, education, health and long-term care. He said this will help create jobs and grow Ontario’s economy, he said.

Ford said this is so they have the revenues they need to invest back into the services that Ontario families rely on.

He said these services include support for seniors, so they can access the quality care they need and deserve.

“That’s why we’re investing $1.1 billion over three years to extend home care services to thousands more patients every year, helping them connect with nurses, physiotherapists and social workers so they can age safely at home,” Ford said.

He said to support seniors in long-term care, they are investing $6.4 billion to build 58,000 new and upgraded homes across the province.

Ford said the government is also providing $4.9 billion in long-term care staffing plans, which have already helped add more than 16,000 Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and nurses to Ontario’s workforce.

As part of the PSW Learn and Earn program, he also announced more than $21 million in funding to expand training programs for 660 staff at long-term care homes.

“This program offered by Humber provides participants with full-time online coursework, followed by a paid work placement, allowing workers to build the skills, advance their careers and earn more take-home pay, all without leaving their duties,” Ford said.

He said they are further launching a new Learn and Earn Pilot Program that would train 40 current PSWs to become Registered Practical Nurses.

Ford said long-term care home residents in Ontario are receiving more than an hour of additional daily direct care than they were five years ago.

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, said they are offering a $10,000 incentive to the PSWs if they come in to work in long-term care for a year. For nurses, a $25,000 incentive if they join for two years.

Kusendova-Bashta said that in addition to this, they also have a $25,000 relocation grant for those willing to work in northern and remote communities, as well as a $10,000 bonus for working in the north.

“So, if you’re a nurse, you can earn up to $45,000 additional income, and if you’re a PSW, you can earn up to $30,000 additional income, so like I said, long-term care is the place to be,” she said.

Following the media conference, the premier said he finds it very disturbing that seven Toronto Police officers and a retired officer were arrested for corruption by York Regional Police.

But he refused to elaborate because it is an active police investigation.

“They have a duty, and it’s very disappointing to hear what’s been going on. I don’t want the public to lose trust in our great police because they are incredible,” Ford said.