Ontario to boost home care funding as long-term care bed goal may be missed

Ontario is adding $1.1 billion to home health care under its 2026 budget while officials acknowledge the province is unlikely to meet its target of 58,000 new or upgraded long-term care beds by 2028.

Ontario's 2026 budget increases funding for home health care as the province confronts challenges in meeting its long-term care construction target. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the government will keep building but acknowledged the goal of 58,000 new or upgraded beds by 2028 is unlikely to be achieved. The budget projects a $13.8 billion deficit for the coming fiscal year. Officials reported that about 26,000 beds are open, under construction, or approved to start construction as of February. Key details: - The budget includes an additional $1.1 billion for home health care, and officials said roughly $6 billion will be invested in home care over the next few years. - Funds are intended to support hiring more nurses and personal support workers and to expand home-based medical care. - The province reported about 26,000 long-term care beds are open, under construction, or approved to start construction. - Finance Minister Bethlenfalvy said the government will continue to build but indicated the 58,000-bed target may not be met by 2028. Summary: The budget redirects more resources toward home care and workforce supports, which officials say is part of a strategy to provide care where people prefer to be served. Funding for home care will roll out over the next three years. Specific timelines for completing the full 58,000-bed target are undetermined at this time.