Ontario announces plan to better prepare for future health emergencies

Ontario is looking to implement new measures and expand on current policies in order to better prepare for future health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, the province announced its plan to “stay open,” which aims to ensure Ontario is better equipped to respond to another health crisis.

Among other measures, the plan includes new legislation that would make permanent a $3-an-hour wage enhancement for PSWs that the government has been extending for a few months at a time since 2020.

Ontario is also looking to recruit more doctors, nurses and personal support workers to the province’s health system.

The legislation would also ensure annual reporting on personal protective equipment and require the province to update its emergency plan every five years.

The government also announced $81 million over the next two years to expand the Community Commitment Program for Nurses for up to 1,500 nurse graduates each year to receive full tuition reimbursement in exchange for committing to practice for two years in an underserved community.