---
title: FCO Highlights Key Priorities to Strengthen Long-Term Care in 2026 Ontario Budget Consultation Submission
description: FCO's 2026 Ontario budget submission emphasizes six key priorities to enhance long-term care, focusing on family engagement, quality of life, nutrition, communication, staffing, and equity.
---

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# [FCO Highlights Key Priorities to Strengthen Long-Term Care in 2026 Ontario Budget Consultation Submission](https://www.fco.ngo/all-news/fco-highlights-key-priorities-to-strengthen-long-term-care-in-2026-ontario-budget-consultation-submission)

 Written by [Family Councils Ontario](https://www.fco.ngo/all-news/author/family-councils-ontario) | Jan 28, 2026 6:15:46 PM

In November 2025, the Ontario government launched [public consultations for the 2026 provincial budget](https://www.ontario.ca/page/budget-consultations). 

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](https://www.sms.cac.gov.on.ca/en-CA/CampaignLandingPage/Index/960b768d-82c5-4b0d-9a4d-1dc4e54079df) by January 30. 

[View full post](https://www.fco.ngo/all-news/fco-highlights-key-priorities-to-strengthen-long-term-care-in-2026-ontario-budget-consultation-submission)

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