Ontario’s Community Health Sector Pre-Budget Submission 2024-25
This submission is provided by 10 provincial community health care associations in Ontario, spanning 1,300 member agencies. There is a $2 billion wage gap between workers in Ontario’s community health sector compared to those doing similar work in hospitals and other sectors. This is contributing to a critical staffing crisis for Ontario’s community health sector. Thus, the Ontario government needs to take action to close the gap and secure the stability of Ontario’s health care system.
The submission is supported by the November, 2023 Ontario Community Health Compensation Study report, which is informed by 362 organizations providing completed survey materials to a March, 2023 survey).
The multi-faceted community health workforce encompasses a range of specialized health care roles, including nurse practitioners (nurses) in primary care, addiction and social workers in mental health organizations, and personal support workers in home and community care and long-term care. They care for patients with highly complex needs that often have multiple severe and chronic conditions, and many patients face barriers to accessing health equitably. These healthcare workers often provide 24/7 service delivery, all while working with limited resources relative to acute care facilities. The workers play an essential role in Ontario’s health care system, ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place. Through a social determinant of health approach and a focus on prevention, where possible, this workforce also aids in reducing the burden on acute care settings, such as hospitals and emergency departments.
Published By: Compensation Working Group, Ontario community health sector
Publication Date: November, 2023
Click here to access Ontario’s Community Health Sector Pre-Budget Submission 2024-25
Click here to access Ontario Community Health Compensation Market Salary Review
