A trade war initiated by President Donald Trump is dominating the political agenda for governments at all levels across this country. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been front and centre in the ongoing dispute, speaking out against the destructive consequences triggered by our neighbour and largest trading partner.
But while Ford is correctly focused on taking action to protect our economy, his government can’t lose focus from other crises making life difficult for Ontarians – like the growing wage gap in the community health sector that is impacting the care millions of people rely on.
Strengthening health-care delivery and stabilizing the dwindling health-care workforce must be priorities for decision-makers.
Without action, we will see services cut, wait times grow longer, and more overcrowding in our emergency departments and hospitals – all at a time when the impact of the trade war could increase demand for community health services, including mental health supports.
From primary care to mental health and addictions support, home care and long-term care, the community health sector ensures that Ontarians receive the right type of care in the right setting. This helps keep people healthy, out of hospitals, and supported in their communities. But despite its crucial role, the sector is facing a growing crisis and an exodus of frontline health workers.
Community health workers – more than 200,000 nurses, personal support workers, social workers and other workers from across the province – are paid significantly less than their peers doing similar work in hospitals, schools and other publicly funded organizations.
The wage gap is now more than $2 billion, and the consequences are dire. Every day, workers are leaving their jobs in the community health sector, making it harder for patients to access the care they need.
The community health sector serves some of Ontario’s most vulnerable populations – seniors, people with disabilities, those with chronic health conditions and individuals facing barriers to accessing care. These individuals depend on this workforce to help them manage their health, live independently, and receive the right care in the right place.
Community health workers are passionate about the work they do. They care deeply for their patients and clients. But the wages paid are simply not enough to keep up with the cost of living, despite doing the same or similar jobs to their colleagues in other parts of the health care system.
Investing in community health workers not only addresses an urgent staffing crisis but is also fiscally responsible. Every dollar spent on community care reduces strain on hospitals, emergency departments, and other expensive acute care services, ultimately saving the province money.
The Ontario government needs to take action to close the wage gap and support the future of community health care – and the patients who depend on it.
Closing the wage gap means a stronger, more resilient community health sector – one that will continue to be there for us all, now and in the future.
