Ontario Invests $180 Million to Strengthen Nursing Workforce in Long-Term Care
Province launching new incentives to recruit 4,000 new nurses and support 4,000 current nurses
TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving forward with a major investment in long-term care, committing more than $180 million to new programs designed to attract, retain, and support nearly 8,000 nurses across the province. The initiative is part of the province’s plan to protect Ontario’s long-term care system and improve the quality of care for seniors.
The announcement, released November 12, outlines three major initiatives aimed at building a stronger, more resilient nursing workforce: the Nursing PLEDGE mentorship program, the JOIN LTC incentive program, and a new externship pilot for nursing students.
$110 Million Nursing PLEDGE Mentorship Program
The Nursing Partnership for Learning, Employment, Development, Growth, and Experience (Nursing PLEDGE) will receive $110 million over three years to support mentorship programs in long-term care homes.
The initiative is expected to benefit 4,000 mentors and mentees by 2027–28, helping new nurses build skills, gain confidence, and transition more easily into long-term care careers.
Today, I announced our government is investing $180 million toward new programs that will help attract and retain close to 8,000 skilled nurses.
Building a strong, resilient nursing workforce is part of our plan to protect Ontario’s long-term care system.
Learn more:… pic.twitter.com/S2cvsxl10O
— Natalia Kusendova-Bashta (@NatKusendova) November 12, 2025
JOIN LTC Incentive Aims to Bring 4,000 New Nurses Into the Sector
Under the Jumpstart Opportunities in Nursing in Long-Term Care (JOIN LTC) program, Ontario will invest $70 million over three years to incentivize nurses who commit to working in long-term care for two years.
Eligible nurses may receive:
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$25,000 for a two-year commitment
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An additional $10,000 for choosing to work in a rural, remote, or northern home
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$10,000 for relocation costs, where applicable
The province projects the program will bring 4,000 new nurses into long-term care by 2027–28.
Externship Pilot for Nursing Students
In 2026–27, Ontario will invest $665,000 in an externship pilot enabling up to 40 nursing students to gain hands-on experience working directly in long-term care homes while completing their education.
Building a Stronger Long-Term Care System
The province’s investment builds on earlier actions, including $56.8 million announced in August to expand nursing education seats in publicly assisted colleges and universities, with a goal of training 2,200 new nurses.
Ontario continues to expand long-term care capacity through its plan to build 58,000 new and upgraded beds, address staffing shortages, and support quality improvements across the sector.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care notes that seniors aged 65 and older remain the province’s fastest-growing demographic. In the first quarter of 2025-26, long-term care residents received an average of 4 hours and 5 minutes of daily personal support and nursing care.
Public Statements From Key Stakeholders
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is continuing to protect Ontario’s health-care system — and that includes protecting long-term care. 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.”
– Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
What This Means for Ontario
The province says these new programs will help stabilize the workforce, reduce shortages, and improve the overall long-term care experience for residents by providing:
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More consistent staffing
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Better-supported nursing teams
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Stronger recruitment pipelines
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Enhanced career development opportunities
The initiatives form part of Ontario’s broader long-term care strategy built on four pillars:
Staffing and care; quality and enforcement; modern home construction; and connected, convenient care for seniors.
