Ontario is moving to strengthen its long-term care workforce with a $180-million investment aimed at attracting and retaining nearly 8,000 nurses across the province. The funding package, announced Wednesday, introduces new recruitment incentives, expanded mentorship opportunities and a pilot externship program designed to bring more nursing students into long-term care settings.
The province says the measures are part of its broader plan to shore up long-term care capacity amid a rapidly aging population and growing demand for resident care. Seniors aged 65 and older remain the fastest-growing demographic in Ontario, placing increasing pressure on long-term care homes already navigating staffing shortages.
In unveiling the initiative, Long-Term Care Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta said the investment is aimed at improving both the quality of care and the quality of life for residents. “Our government is improving long-term care by training, hiring and retaining thousands of health-care workers,” she said. “As a registered nurse, I know how important bringing more nurses into Ontario’s long-term care homes is to helping ensure residents receive the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.”
The new commitment builds on an earlier $56.8-million investment announced in August to expand nursing education seats at publicly assisted colleges and universities. That expansion is expected to train an additional 2,200 nurses for the health-care system in the coming years.
The most significant component of the latest funding package is the Nursing Partnership for Learning, Employment, Development, Growth, and Experience — known as Nursing PLEDGE. Backed by $110 million over three years, the program will help long-term care homes establish structured mentorship programs that pair experienced nurses with newcomers to the sector. The initiative aims to support close to 4,000 mentors and mentees by 2027-28, with the goal of strengthening skills development and improving retention.
The government is also rolling out a new incentive program targeting nurses willing to commit to long-term care roles. The Jumpstart Opportunities in Nursing in Long-Term Care (JOIN LTC) initiative includes $70 million over three years, offering eligible nurses a $25,000 payment in exchange for a two-year commitment to working in the sector. Those who relocate to rural, remote or northern communities will be eligible for an additional $10,000, plus a further $10,000 to offset relocation costs. The program is projected to bring 4,000 new nurses into long-term care homes by 2027-28.
To further strengthen the pipeline of future nurses, the province is also allocating $665,000 for a 2026-27 externship pilot program that will place up to 40 nursing students in long-term care homes. Officials say the pilot is designed to give students practical experience while helping homes stabilize staffing.
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the move is a necessary step to reinforce the province’s broader health-care system. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is continuing to protect Ontario’s health-care system — and that includes protecting long-term care,” she said. “Through this over $180 million investment, our government is launching new programs to attract and retain highly skilled nurses, ensuring Ontario’s seniors can receive the high-quality care they need and deserve, no matter where they live.”
Industry groups representing registered practical nurses, registered nurses and nurse practitioners welcomed the new funding, calling it a meaningful investment in the long-term care workforce.
Dianne Martin, CEO of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario, said the government’s approach addresses both recruitment and retention challenges. “WeRPN is pleased with the Ontario government’s comprehensive approach to supporting nurses in long-term care settings — the majority of which are RPNs,” she said. “This critical funding will not only attract more nurses to the sector but also ensure they are well-supported and encouraged to build lasting careers, translating to better, more consistent care for long-term care patients.”
Dr. Doris Grinspun, CEO of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, said the initiative will contribute to building a stable and highly trained workforce. “This investment represents a significant step forward in strengthening long-term care (LTC) across Ontario,” she said. “By supporting both new and experienced RPNs, RNs, and NPs, we are advancing the compassionate, high-quality care that residents need and deserve.”
Nurse practitioners — who play an expanding role in long-term care through clinical leadership and resident care — also stand to benefit from the recruitment measures. Dr. NP Michelle Acorn, CEO of the Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario, said the investment supports a critical segment of the workforce. “NPAO welcomes the initiatives and investments introduced today by the provincial government,” she said. “Supporting the recruitment and retention of NPs in LTC settings is critical to supporting the health, well-being and quality of life of Ontario’s seniors.”
The province says the investment aligns with its four-pillar strategy to improve long-term care, which includes staffing and care, quality and enforcement, modern home construction, and enhanced access to services for seniors.
