Ontario Invests $26 Million to Train Nearly 3,000 New Long-Term Care Workers

Ontario long-term care workforce investment aims to train nearly 3,000 new frontline staff while supporting education in local communities

WHITBY — The Ontario government is investing more than $26 million to train nearly 3,000 new frontline workers in long-term care, a move it says will strengthen staffing levels, support professional development and improve care for residents across the province.

The funding, announced Tuesday by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, will expand training opportunities through two targeted programs aimed at both new entrants and existing workers in the long-term care sector. The investment builds on Ontario’s $4.9-billion, four-year staffing plan focused on recruitment, training and retention.

“Our government continues to make historic investments to train more staff in long-term care,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, in a statement. She said the funding will help ensure residents receive “the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.”

Our government is investing $26 million to train and upskill long-term care staff, and expand the Living Classrooms program to provide Registered Practical Nursing students an integrated education in a long-term care home.

This program allows students to alternate between… pic.twitter.com/nATimIZAiR

— Natalia Kusendova-Bashta (@NatKusendova) January 6, 2026

Two Programs Target Workforce Growth

The $26-million investment will be delivered through two existing initiatives:

• Supporting Professional Growth Fund: Ontario is allocating an additional $5.5 million, bringing total funding to $15.5 million in 2025–26. The program supports training and upskilling for staff already working in long-term care homes. Since 2022, more than 92,000 eligible workers have participated.

• Living Classrooms Program: The province is investing $21 million to expand the Living Classrooms model, including the introduction of practical nurse training within long-term care homes. The program integrates classroom education directly into care settings, allowing students to study and work in their home communities. The province says the program will help train nearly 3,000 personal support workers and registered practical nurses by 2029.

Unlike traditional training pathways, Living Classrooms allow students to alternate between in-class instruction and hands-on experience within the same long-term care home.

Focus on Local Training and Retention

The government says the approach is designed to help address workforce shortages by keeping students connected to their local communities while gaining practical experience.

“Through this investment, our government is protecting Ontario by ensuring that future long-term care providers get both the world-class education and hands-on skills they need to thrive in their careers,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

Local leaders and sector organizations welcomed the announcement, noting that integrated training models can help recruit and retain staff while improving continuity of care for residents.

Part of Broader Long-Term Care Strategy

The province says the funding aligns with its broader long-term care plan, which focuses on four pillars: staffing and care, quality and enforcement, building modern homes and improving access to services.

Ontario has committed to building 58,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds and reports that daily direct care from nurses and personal support workers has increased by more than an hour per resident compared to 2021.

According to the government, the latest investment is part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the long-term care workforce while addressing the needs of an aging population.

Source:Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care — News Release, January 6, 2026

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