FCO Highlights Key Priorities to Strengthen Long-Term Care in 2026 Ontario Budget Consultation Submission

In November 2025, the Ontario government launched public consultations for the 2026 provincial budget. 

Drawing on input from service users and sector partners, FCO submitted a report outlining strategic recommendations to address gaps and improve outcomes for residents, families, and staff in long-term care (LTC). The submission identified six priority areas for investment and improvement, supported by actionable recommendations to drive meaningful change.  

A snapshot of these priority areas is outlined below: 

1. Strengthen Family Council Capacity and Engagement through province-wide training, digital tools, and standardized supports to enhance communication and support family and Family Council-driven quality improvement initiatives. 

1. Expanding Quality-of-Life Supports with enhanced recreation, emotion-focused care, and regular satisfaction surveys to support resident well-being and meaningful daily engagement. 

1. Improving Food, Nutrition, and Mealtime Experience by investing in culturally appropriate meals, specialized diets, and inclusive mealtime practices that promote safe, dignified, and social dining. 

1. Enhancing Communication, Transparency, and Emergency Preparedness through family-centred communication, public reporting, and preparedness planning to strengthen trust, accountability, and safety. 

1. Strengthening Human Health Resources by prioritizing recruitment and retention strategies, competitive wages, and professional development to ensure equitable, high-quality direct care. 

1. Advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Cultural Safety by increasing access to interpreters, inclusive training, and support for community-led programs that promote culturally responsive, safe care. 

 FCO welcomes collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Long-Term Care to advance these priorities and support sustainable, system-wide planning for the sector. We also encourage sector partners and Family Councils to share their perspectives by submitting input through the official online portal by January 30.