January 29, 2025

The buzz has started. Ontario voters will go to the polls on February 27 to elect the next provincial government. At election time, Care Watch asks candidates questions – lots of them. We also encourage you to ask questions – the ones we suggest or ones of your own.

What happens in the election affects the services we receive.

We have written to party leaders and presidents. At election time, there are always plenty of promises, so we asked them specifically about their plans for:

Further investments in home and community care services. What services will investments pay for? How many more people will be able to receive these services?

Setting Ontario-wide standards for home and community care. How will they know whether providers are meeting them? What will they do if providers fall short?  

Selecting and working with suppliers to provide enough available equipment and supplies for home and community care. How will they prevent shortages?

Providing enough community-based personal support workers. How will they attract them and keep them working in the community?

Giving personal support workers in the community wages and benefits that are equal to those of personal support workers in hospitals and long-term care homes. How will they help these workers keep pace with inflation and increases in the cost of living?

Supporting unpaid caregivers. What will they do for the people who provide at least 70% of home and community care?

What can you do?

Your vote is a chance to make your voice heard about what is important to you.

• Think about what you need to know.
• Then don’t be afraid to ask. If you’re not satisfied with the answer, ask again.

You can find more information about voting and how to reach your elected representatives at Get Ready for the 2025 Provincial Election.

Ask, think, and then vote.