Training Support workers To cost $38.5M over 2 years

Parliament’s budget watchdog estimates it will cost $38.5 million over two years to train 4,000 new personal support workers across the country in a six-week accelerated online program and four-month internship.. Parts of the country have faced dire staffing shortages in long-term care homes, where COVID-19 outbreaks have strained resources and caused thousands of deaths. Miranda Ferrier, who heads the Canadian Support Workers Association, backs the training regime’s intent but worries it amounts to a band-aid solution. Ferrier is calling for greater regulation and professional recognition of the industry in order to cement higher wages, full-time hours, benefits and pensions, and thus boost staff retention and care quality.