The Ontario government announced today that it plans to spend $20 million to double the number of long-term care home inspectors in the province.

Long-Term Care Minister Rod Phillips says the government intends to hire 193 staff by next fall.

The funds will create a ratio of one inspector for every two long-term care homes and will allow for more proactive visits.

Phillips says the province aims to hire inspectors with investigative backgrounds, such as in law enforcement.

The announcement comes ahead of legislation expected later this week that Phillips says will empower inspectors to lay charges on the spot.

Phillips says the government is following recommendations from the commission that examined conditions in Ontario’s long-term care homes, which saw thousands of COVID-19 infections and deaths during the pandemic.