Long Term Care Challenges: newsletter for the Long Term Care and all related facilities sector
July 4, 2025
Long Term Care Challenges:
Understaffing: due to wages, increased workloads, burnout, high staff turnover rates, compromised quality of care, lack of benefits and pension is key. Lack of funding for training, support to staff. Strategies to combat the privatization of LTC Homes.
Educate the Public about the negative consequences of for profit LTC lower quality of Care, moral rates increased inadequate staffing.
Emphasize the value of publicly funded care. Advocate for the benefits of publicly funded, not for profit.
Lobby Legislation. Demand Accountability holds elected officials accountable for their decisions regarding LTC funding and privatization.
Shirley Butineau – Thank you for 45 years of dedicated care!
Shirley Butineau grew up in the beautiful town of Penetanguishene. At the age of 16, she started her working career at Waggs Laundry, then worked at Motorola for a few years before being married at the age of 20, Shirley was taken out of school after the 8th grade to stay home and help care for her siblings. So, at the age of 33 and a mother of 3, she returned to school to get her high school diploma, all while continuing to work.In June of 1979, she started working at St. Andrews Centennial Manor, now known as Hillcrest Village Care Centre. Initially starting in the Laundry Department, then moving to her true calling as a Health Care Aide. After 45 years, she is still here and says that she loves her job and the people that she works with!Shirley’s daughter and grand-daughter have also joined the HillCrest Support Team, her daughter following in her footsteps as a Personal Support Worker and granddaughter working in the Housekeeping Department.Shirley’s care, compassion and desire to help others is shown not only during work hours, but in her personal life as well. On her days off, she spends her time caring for two of her sick in-laws. When she gets the chance, she says that she enjoys playing Bingo.We would like to thank Shirley for her hard work and dedication over the last 45 years! You are such an inspiration!
Meet the leaders of OPSEU/SEFPO Sector 8 – Long Term Care and all related facilities
Corrina Cadeau, Local 328 – Communications Coordinator
Corrina Cadeau’s connection to HillCrest Village Care Centre began at birth, as she was born at St. Andrews Hospital, which was converted into Centennial Manor in 1978. This bond deepened in 1992, when at the age of 19, she joined the facility’s team. Over the years, she has taken on numerous roles starting in the kitchen as a dietary aid and cook, and later working in the laundry and housekeeping. These experiences have given her a profound understanding of the facility and its operations, further fueling her dedication to its residents and staff.Her commitment to making a difference has led her to to actively serve on the Gift Fund Committee and the Infection Control Committee, as well as to be the worker member Co-Chair on the Health And Safety Committee as a Certified member.She also holds the position of President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 328, advocating tirelessly for her colleagues.Outside of work, Corrina is a devoted wife and mother of two. She enjoys gardening, spending time with friends and family , attending Pow Wows camping, crafting, beading, jewelry making, and cooking. Her enduring connection to HillCrest Village Care Centre and her passion for caregiving reflect her unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.[email protected] communications coordinator
Julie Graham, Local 305 – Secretary/Treasurer
I have been a PSW for 24 years and have spent the last 20 years at Local 305 – District Municipality of Muskoka (The Pines Nursing Home and Fairvern Nursing Home). I currently hold the position of Secretary/Treasurer. We have been very productive this year in the Sector and have had a first successful Bargaining Conference and we are in the planning stages for our second one later this year!We all look forward to meeting new faces at our next one where we are focusing on Mental Health in the Workplace. [email protected]
Monique Moustafa, Local 328 – Vice Chair
Hello to all my fellow Healthcare workers.It’s been a pleasure being your Vice-Chair over this last year. I’m looking forward to meeting more of my fellow colleagues.In this quarter we are going to be reaching out to all the LECs to get started on doing a social mapping of their facilities. So I hope I can touch base with as many of you as possible so we can get the ball rolling on this project. I do understand that most of you are busy with Bargaining etc…. We will also be having a Mental Health Conference this coming October. So, keep your eyes open for the dates.We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our 2nd Annual Sector 8 Conference. If you have any questions or need someone to talk to feel free to reach out to any one of our Divex members. We will be happy to assist in any way that we can.You can reach me at my email address at [email protected]
Jessica Zitman, Local 454 – Chair
Hello, My name is Jessica Zitman. I am the chair of sector 8. I have experience in both long term care, community work, retirement homes and social housing.My passion is to helping others where I can, and I am determined to improve the quality of life that all PSWs and RPNs have who are members of OPSEU/SEFPO. I strive to bring us all into a better place and feel more valued. If there are issues in your facility, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any[email protected]
Mercy Omagbon Idehen, Local 281, Health and Safety Coordinator
My name is Mercy Omagbon Idehen. I have been working in health care as a UCP/ PSW for 16 years in Hamilton I have been with the same employer for that long. I’m a mother and a grandmother. I also look after my elderly mother.I am a Unit steward for Local 281. I was previously in the health and safely committee at my workplace. I m very passionate about my job and responsibilities as health care worker and my role as a Unit steward.In 2023, I was elected as the health and safety coordinator for sector 8 LTC. My main goal is bring change to our work environment and be able to stand up for my resident and members. one of my favorite things to do is spending time with my family, traveling and making selfcare a priority. I believe knowledge communication, and team work we can make a change.[email protected]
Deadline for homes to install sprinkler extended to July 2026
All long-term care (LTC) homes will be required to have automatic sprinklers installed by January 1, 2025, as set out in Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Ontario Fire Code) under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA).Some homes will not complete sprinkler installation by January 1, 2025 and will be non-compliant. There has been a Minister’s regulation under the FPPA to extend the sprinkler installation deadline for designated LTC homes by 18 months (from January 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026) while ensuring consistent application of fire safety criteria that an LTC Home must meet during the interim period. 0. (Reg. 505/24: COMPLIANCE EXTENSION FOR LONG-TERM CARE HOMESThe regulatory exemption would apply to specifically defined LTC homes that qualify under one of following three categories established by Ministry of Long term Care (MLTC):
Those that have a contract to install sprinklers in an existing building by July 1, 2026.
Those that are party to an approved agreement to redevelop the home or beds at an existing or different location which will result in the home or beds being sprinklered by July 1, 2026.
Those that are in the process of closing (with an MLTC-approved closure agreement).
This regulation would not apply to those LTC homes that are in compliance with the sprinklering requirements of the Ontario Fire Code (whether compliance is achieved by meeting the code’s technical requirements or by having in place a Chief Fire Official-approved Alternative Solution or Life Safety Study).To ensure staff and resident safety while the unsprinklered LTC homes work toward meeting compliance, the following additional fire safety criteria would apply to the LTC homes covered by the regulation:
At least one supervisory staff in the LTC home is assigned to fire watch duty on a continuous basis to ensure that means of egress are kept clear and that fire hazards are noted and addressed.
Prescribed supervisory staff to complete designated online fire safety training by January 31, 2025 and submit certificate of completion to local Chief Fire Official within 15 days of completion.
More frequent observed fire drills for supervisory staff for an approved scenario on a cost recovery basis where applicable (frequency: every three months).
More frequent fire safety inspections by local fire department on a cost recovery basis where applicable (frequency: every three months).
Enhanced testing/maintenance for existing building fire alarm and voice communication systems and submission of records to local Chief Fire Official within 15 calendar days of receipt from service provider.
A portable fire extinguisher to be provided at each nurses’
In addition, all LTC Homes will still be required to:
Be in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code on all other fire safety requirements (i.e., no outstanding compliance or enforcement actions).
Update their Fire Safety Plans as required by the Ontario Fire
Be in compliance with MLTC requirements related to resident
Compliance will be enforced by local fire officials and/or MLTC inspections.
Shirley Butineau grew up in the beautiful town of Penetanguishene. At the age of 16, she started her working career at Waggs Laundry, then worked at Motorola for a few years before being married at the age of 20, Shirley was taken out of school after the 8th grade to stay home and help care for her siblings. So, at the age of 33 and a mother of 3, she returned to school to get her high school diploma, all while continuing to work.In June of 1979, she started working at St. Andrews Centennial Manor, now known as Hillcrest Village Care Centre. Initially starting in the Laundry Department, then moving to her true calling as a Health Care Aide. After 45 years, she is still here and says that she loves her job and the people that she works with!Shirley’s daughter and grand-daughter have also joined the HillCrest Support Team, her daughter following in her footsteps as a Personal Support Worker and granddaughter working in the Housekeeping Department.Shirley’s care, compassion and desire to help others is shown not only during work hours, but in her personal life as well. On her days off, she spends her time caring for two of her sick in-laws. When she gets the chance, she says that she enjoys playing Bingo.We would like to thank Shirley for her hard work and dedication over the last 45 years! You are such an inspiration!
Corrina Cadeau’s connection to HillCrest Village Care Centre began at birth, as she was born at St. Andrews Hospital, which was converted into Centennial Manor in 1978. This bond deepened in 1992, when at the age of 19, she joined the facility’s team. Over the years, she has taken on numerous roles starting in the kitchen as a dietary aid and cook, and later working in the laundry and housekeeping. These experiences have given her a profound understanding of the facility and its operations, further fueling her dedication to its residents and staff.Her commitment to making a difference has led her to to actively serve on the Gift Fund Committee and the Infection Control Committee, as well as to be the worker member Co-Chair on the Health And Safety Committee as a Certified member.She also holds the position of President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 328, advocating tirelessly for her colleagues.Outside of work, Corrina is a devoted wife and mother of two. She enjoys gardening, spending time with friends and family , attending Pow Wows camping, crafting, beading, jewelry making, and cooking. Her enduring connection to HillCrest Village Care Centre and her passion for caregiving reflect her unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.[email protected] communications coordinator
I have been a PSW for 24 years and have spent the last 20 years at Local 305 – District Municipality of Muskoka (The Pines Nursing Home and Fairvern Nursing Home). I currently hold the position of Secretary/Treasurer. We have been very productive this year in the Sector and have had a first successful Bargaining Conference and we are in the planning stages for our second one later this year!We all look forward to meeting new faces at our next one where we are focusing on Mental Health in the Workplace. [email protected]
Hello to all my fellow Healthcare workers.It’s been a pleasure being your Vice-Chair over this last year. I’m looking forward to meeting more of my fellow colleagues.In this quarter we are going to be reaching out to all the LECs to get started on doing a social mapping of their facilities. So I hope I can touch base with as many of you as possible so we can get the ball rolling on this project. I do understand that most of you are busy with Bargaining etc…. We will also be having a Mental Health Conference this coming October. So, keep your eyes open for the dates.We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our 2nd Annual Sector 8 Conference. If you have any questions or need someone to talk to feel free to reach out to any one of our Divex members. We will be happy to assist in any way that we can.You can reach me at my email address at [email protected]
Hello, My name is Jessica Zitman. I am the chair of sector 8. I have experience in both long term care, community work, retirement homes and social housing.My passion is to helping others where I can, and I am determined to improve the quality of life that all PSWs and RPNs have who are members of OPSEU/SEFPO. I strive to bring us all into a better place and feel more valued. If there are issues in your facility, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any[email protected]
My name is Mercy Omagbon Idehen. I have been working in health care as a UCP/ PSW for 16 years in Hamilton I have been with the same employer for that long. I’m a mother and a grandmother. I also look after my elderly mother.I am a Unit steward for Local 281. I was previously in the health and safely committee at my workplace. I m very passionate about my job and responsibilities as health care worker and my role as a Unit steward.In 2023, I was elected as the health and safety coordinator for sector 8 LTC. My main goal is bring change to our work environment and be able to stand up for my resident and members. one of my favorite things to do is spending time with my family, traveling and making selfcare a priority. I believe knowledge communication, and team work we can make a change.[email protected]