Ontario is committing nearly $75 million to training and workforce development programs aimed at strengthening staffing across the province’s long-term care sector, as demand for skilled health-care professionals continues to rise alongside an aging population.
The funding, announced in Ottawa on August 21, will support thousands of students and existing workers over the next three years, with investments targeting personal support workers, registered practical nurses and registered nurses.
“Our government is protecting our long-term care system by adding skilled, qualified care providers to the workforce,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Ontario’s investments in training will prepare thousands of people for rewarding careers, while ensuring our long-term care home residents get skilled, professional care.”
More Than $58 Million Directed to Training Programs
The province is allocating more than $58 million across four major workforce initiatives.
The Bridging Education Grant in Nursing, or BEGIN, will receive $22.5 million over three years. The program helps personal support workers and registered practical nurses advance into higher nursing roles through tuition and other supports in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment. More than 1,500 participants have already used the program, and the extension is expected to add another 877 nurses to long-term care.
Another $18 million will go to the PSW District School Board Bursary Program, which is expected to help 6,000 additional people complete personal support worker training.
Ontario will also provide $3.89 million over three years for Collège Boréal’s Francophone PSW Learn and Earn Program. Since 2024, the initiative has helped 65 French-speaking long-term care employees qualify as personal support workers and is expected to train up to 120 more.
A further $13.8 million over two years will support PSW, practical nursing and pre-health programs at eight Indigenous Institutes, with an emphasis on culturally informed care for Indigenous residents.
Additional Funding for Existing Long-Term Care Staff
Ontario is also providing up to $15.5 million in base funding through the Supporting Professional Growth Fund for 2026-27. Long-term care homes can use the money for course fees, replacement staffing while employees train and in-house education. Since 2022, the fund has supported more than 143,000 staff.
“Ontario’s world-class postsecondary institutions are experts in training the health-care workforce that protects and cares for our loved ones when they need it most. By investing in these training programs, we are bringing more dedicated personal support workers, registered practical nurses, and nurses to long-term care homes across Ontario.”
– Nolan Quinn
Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
“Collège Boréal is grateful to the Ontario government for this meaningful investment in personal support worker training. With this substantial funding, Boréal will be able to strengthen the skills of a workforce that is essential to serving the most vulnerable and necessary for the well-being of Ontario society as a whole.”
– Daniel Giroux
President, Collège Boréal
Industry Groups Welcome Workforce Investment
“A strong long-term care workforce is essential to the quality of life and care of residents. Today’s announcement demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to supporting the recruitment and retention of staff and is to be commended. The investment will also provide much-needed support for Francophone and Indigenous communities.”
– Lisa Levin
CEO, AdvantAge Ontario
“WeRPN welcomes the Ontario government’s continued investment and partnership in delivering the BEGIN program, a vital stream of funding that has helped thousands of registered practical nurses (RPNs) and personal support workers (PSWs) bridge to new roles while staying committed to the sectors that need them most. By providing essential tuition and wrap-around supports to PSWs and RPNs, the program unlocks career paths and opportunities that may otherwise be unattainable. This renewed investment in the BEGIN program will assist in the continued growth of a strong nursing workforce and steady talent pipeline to ensure long-term care residents across Ontario receive the skilled, compassionate care they deserve.”
– Lori Singh
CEO, Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN)
“The province’s continued investment in staffing shows a real commitment to making long-term care a place people want to live and work. These programs don’t just train people, they build homegrown leadership, giving personal support workers and nurses a path to grow their careers within the same team and home they already know. Ontario’s population is aging quickly, and meeting the care needs ahead will take sustained commitment to pathways like these. We thank Minister Kusendova-Bashta and the government for recognizing that workforce development is care development, and we’re ready to keep building this together.”
– Donna Duncan
CEO, Ontario Long Term Care Association
Province Expands Long-Term Care Capacity
The workforce investments come as Ontario continues a broader expansion of its long-term care system, including plans for 58,000 new and upgraded beds. With residents aged 65 and older representing the province’s fastest-growing age group, staffing capacity is increasingly central to Ontario’s long-term care strategy.
The province says its approach focuses on staffing and care, quality and enforcement, modernizing facilities and improving seniors’ access to health and community services.