Scarborough–Agincourt, ON — October 16, 2025
Ontario has announced a historic $1.92 billion investment aimed at strengthening staffing levels and improving the quality of care across the province’s long-term care homes. The funding will help ensure that seniors receive more consistent, compassionate, and high-quality care in a safe and supportive environment.
The announcement took place at the Mon Sheong Long-Term Care Centre in Scarborough–Agincourt, where the Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care, and Scarborough–Agincourt MPP Aris Babikian highlighted the province’s continued commitment to improving care standards for Ontario’s aging population.
This new funding follows the government’s achievement earlier this year of surpassing its target of providing an average of four hours of daily direct care for residents by nurses and personal support workers (PSWs). The initiative reinforces the government’s long-term goal of building a stronger and more compassionate care system that prioritizes both residents and frontline staff.
“Seniors are the pillar of our society, which is why this critical $2 billion investment will ensure that we support the staff and personal support workers in our long-term care system. This historic investment is just one part of our government’s efforts to ensure that seniors live in dignity, with access to the care, support, and respect they deserve.”
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Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough—Agincourt
Since taking office, the Ontario government has made major strides in transforming long-term care through expanded funding, workforce growth, and infrastructure improvements. Efforts have included hiring tens of thousands of new nurses and PSWs, as well as advancing the construction and upgrading of 58,000 long-term care beds across the province.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care has emphasized that the new $1.92 billion investment will further support the recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare professionals, ensuring that every long-term care resident benefits from safe, dignified, and personalized care.
Mon Sheong Long-Term Care Centre, one of the most respected care providers in the region, was recognized during the announcement for its commitment to providing high-quality, culturally and linguistically sensitive care. The organization continues to serve as a model for excellence in supporting seniors and promoting dignity and respect in care delivery.
“At Mon Sheong Foundation, we are committed to providing the best care across our five homes. We are pleased to see the new investment from the Ontario government to support employment costs and further strengthen efforts in hiring, training and retaining our workforce. It not only enhances our staff’s growth and development, but also ensures higher quality care for the seniors we serve.”
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Tim Kwan, Chairman, Mon Sheong Foundation
Seniors aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing demographic group in Ontario, driving the demand for enhanced long-term care capacity and staffing. In the first quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year, residents received an average of 4 hours and 5 minutes of PSW and nursing care each day—exceeding the province’s original target.
To meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals, the Ontario government has also invested $56.8 million to expand enrolment in nursing programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities. Additional incentives of up to $35,400 are being offered to PSW students and eligible workers to encourage careers in long-term care and community care sectors.
The $1.92 billion staffing investment builds on the province’s multi-year plan to modernize long-term care and ensure a sustainable future for Ontario’s seniors. These ongoing efforts focus on increasing capacity, improving resident care, and supporting the dedicated healthcare professionals who form the foundation of the system.
With these measures in place, the province continues to deliver on its commitment to create a long-term care system that prioritizes safety, respect, and quality of life for every senior in Ontario.