The pandemic exposed major holes in our long-term care system. Here's how the next government can address them.
Long-term care homes are supposed to ensure that older adults and people with chronic conditions can live with dignity, safety and quality support. But Canada’s long-term care homes are under severe pressure – chronic underfunding, staffing shortages and inadequate oversight have led to gaps in care. Strengthening long-term care means investing in safe staffing levels, improved living conditions and a public system that prioritizes residents’ well-being over profit.
Understaffing, poor facility infrastructure and lack of mental health support are just a few of the issues faced by residents.
Without enough staff, long-term care workers are overextended, which increases turnover and impacts the consistency of care.
As Canada’s population ages, the demand for long-term care beds and services continues to climb.
Create mandatory national standards: The Act needs to adopt the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines, including a minimum of 4.5 hours of direct care per resident daily.
Support workers: a robust national workforce strategy, aligned with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) 5R Framework, must address precarious employment, ensure fair compensation and attract skilled caregivers to the sector.
Increase accountability: develop targeted strategies to bring back retired or inactive nurses while attracting new graduates and internationally educated nurses into the public health care system.
Eliminate for-profit homes: by phasing out private for-profit long-term care facilities and staffing agencies, federal resources can be redirected to public and non-profit care models that prioritize residents over profit.
Your voice is our strongest hope for meaningful investment in public health care, putting an end to the nursing shortage in Canada. Complete the following steps below to pressure all political parties.
Show your support for a strong public health system – write to the party leaders today and demand better health care for everyone.
Click below to record a video and share your thoughts on why strong public health care – and proper support for nurses – is essential.
From shareable social media graphics to step-by-step local action guides, our toolkit has everything you need to amplify the call for stronger public health care in your own community.
On election day, vote for a candidate who is committed to protecting and enhancing public health care in Canada. Visit Elections Canada to find your riding and make a plan to vote.