The provincial government is injecting the healthcare system with a cash boost. The investment will go towards supporting home care services and a home care program. It is hoped that the extra funding will help ease overcrowding in hospitals.
Source: Theron/peopleimages.com
The news was announced in a press release issued today. The investment is part of the upcoming Fall Economic Statement. It states $982 million will be invested over three years to improve critical home care services. An additional amount of over $170 million is being allocated to expand the Hospital to Home program. This includes building 18 new sites for the program and expanding 23 existing ones.
“Our government has heard loud and clear that families across Ontario want faster and more flexible access to care that supports their recovery and independence,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. The province also notes that an aging population contributes to the strain on the healthcare system.
Organizations have long criticized the Doug Ford government and its actions in addressing the healthcare crisis. Last year, data from the Ontario College of Family Physicians showed that 2.5 million people were without a family doctor. The organization says two issues are plaguing family doctors: long hours spent filling out paperwork and a lack of compensation that keeps pace with the rising cost of living.
The recent investments have been applauded. Lori Holloway, the Chief Executive of the Ontario Community Support Association, says:
“Previous funding commitments have helped stabilize the sector, supporting a measurable reduction in staff turnover and fewer missed care visits. These improvements mean more Ontarians are receiving the care they need, when and where they need it.”
The 2025 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review is scheduled to be released next month as the year comes to a close.
