The Ontario Government recently announced additional support for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) including a temporary wage increase. The announcement of the $461 million plan is further evidence of the essential work PSWs are performing in our healthcare system.

A personal support worker (PSW) provides vital services in the healthcare sector by helping those unable to take care of themselves. Such workers can work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and similar settings.

The temporary wage increase will be effective October 1, 2020 to over 147,000 workers who deliver publicly funded personal support services. The wage increase will be reviewed on a periodic basis. More details about the announcement can be found here.
This initiative, as well as, previously communicated incentives are meant to attract and retain PSWs and are a reflection of the importance of the role PSWs have played during the pandemic and will continue to play in our healthcare system going forward. For more information about our Personal Support Worker program please click here