Ontario says it will give pay raises to personal support workers throughout the health-care system in a bid to recruit and retain them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Doug Ford says about 147,000 workers in long-term care, hospitals, and community care are eligible for the increase.
Personal support workers in long-term care and community care will be eligible for a $3 an hour pay increase, while hospital PSWs will see a $2 an hour pay hike.
The temporary increase will cost the government $461 million, begins today and will expire in March 2021.
Ford says he has not ruled out continuing the pay raise next year.
Advocates in the long-term care and home care sectors have said low pay has contributed to PSW shortages before and during the pandemic.