The Ontario government has hired 193 new long-term care inspection staff, including 156 new inspectors. Supported by an investment of $72.3 million, these new hires double the number of inspectors in the field completing on-site inspections and responding to complaints more quickly, to ensure every resident experiences the quality of care they deserve.
“These additional inspectors will help strengthen what is already Canada’s toughest inspection and enforcement regime,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care. “By delivering on our commitment to double the number of inspectors in the field, Ontario now has the highest inspector-to-home ratio in the country, surpassing our goal of having one inspector for every two homes in the province.”
Ontario is on track to build nearly 60,000 new and upgraded long-term care beds by 2028 to address wait lists and connect seniors with the care they need, including supports and social activities. As more seniors connect to care in long-term care homes, doubling the number of inspectors will help the province continue to ensure residents live with dignity in a safe, compassionate environment.
Doubling the number of long-term care inspectors is part of a wider suite of changes the government put in place in December 2021 to strengthen its enforcement capabilities. This includes adding strong, new compliance and enforcement tools, such as the ability for inspectors to issue monetary penalties for non-compliance and expanding the grounds under which the ministry would require a temporary manager be brought in to assist with the operation of a home, such as when there are concerns about the health, safety or welfare of residents.
The government is fixing long-term care to ensure Ontario’s seniors get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve both now and in the future. This work is built on three pillars: staffing and care; accountability, enforcement, and transparency; and building modern, safe, comfortable homes for seniors.