Ontario extends wage increase for personal care workers

The Ontario government is extending a temporary pandemic wage increase for personal support workers in long-term care homes and similar facilities.

The three-dollar per hour raise will now continue until Oct. 31.

This latest temporary wage increase builds on the government’s previous wage enhancement extension on June 11, which was set to expire today.

“Since the outset of the pandemic, personal support workers and direct support workers have been critical in supporting some of our most vulnerable patients,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott.

“As we head into the fall, ensuring Ontario’s personal support workers are supported will ensure patients continue to receive the high-quality care they need.”

Ontario will invest an additional $169 million for over 158,000 workers eligible to receive the pay boost.

The wage increase program began last October.