Canadian health care system is facing an acute shortage of personal care support workers both in institutions and private care

The number of PSW positions expected to open nationwide before 2026 is expected to total approximately 34,400. In addition, Employment Canada notes that many full-time and part-time positions are available for personal support workers. 60 percent of PSWs work full-time, while 40 percent work part-time

Ontario seems to be; leading the Provinces in this critical labor shortage.

Personal Support Workers play a crucial role in providing care for the aging, injured and ill population. The main goal of a PSW is to create an environment of physical, emotional and social wellbeing where patients have the assistance they need to uphold good health, but also maintain their independence.  As the average age of the population continues to rise, Ontario needs more PSWs than ever before.

The staffing shortage got so bad during the summer of 2020 that the federal government deployed the military to care homes in Ontario and Quebec, where it was reported that some seniors died from dehydration and neglect. As a response, condensed, tuition-free PSW programs have popped up across the country.