Had a wonderful meeting today with MPP Natalia Kusendova regarding PSWs and our industry. Looking forward to many more positive meetings with discussions for actionable change.

Looking forward to our next meetings as the Professional Voice of PSWs.

Another fantastic meeting today! Lynn Steele - Founder & CEO of The Canadian PSW Network on the go as always, met with Neil Lumsden MPP to discuss plans for positive actionable change for PSWs. Thank you for your support MPP Lumsden.

Looking forward to our next meetings as the Professional Voice of PSWs.

Lynn Steele - Founder & CEO of The Canadian PSW Network enjoys meeting with MPPs to discuss PSWs positive actionable change for our industry. One of our latest meetings was with Michael Parsa who is always supportive of PSWs and our initiatives.

Looking forward to our next meetings as the Professional Voice of PSWs.

Even on the go, Lynn Steele - Founder & CEO of The Canadian PSW Network will always make time for meetings! It’s always a pleasure when we meet with MPP Logan Kanapathi to discuss positive action plans for PSWs in Ontario.

Looking forward to our next meetings as the Professional Voice of PSWs.

Fantastic meeting with Minister Calandra this week discussing PSWs and their role in delivering care to our community’s most vulnerable.

Looking forward to our next meetings as the Professional Voice of PSWs.

As Lynn Steele, founder and CEO of the Canadian PSW Network, says, “PSWs are stressed. They’re burned out, and they’re tired.” 

“The best time for these courses is now. All the modules tie-in so well to each other. In the hustle and bustle of being a PSW, I find that sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we’re doing that we forget to take those moments to breathe, to take those moments to put into practice the best practices that we’ve learned,” says Steele.

“I really think it’s going help PSWs to evaluate where their strengths are. It may even give PSWs a sense of accomplishment or a sense of confirmation that ‘yes, I am doing this right’,” adds Steele.

Click HERE to read the full article.

With COVID-19 highlighting the need for skilled personal support workers (PSWs) for long-term care facilities, a new continuing education course being launched this year by the University of Guelph is intended to enable Ontario PSWs to upgrade their skills quickly and easily.

The “micro-credential” program to be offered by U of Guelph’s Open Learning and Educational Support (OpenEd) department will address critical workforce shortages and improve quality of long-term care by mitigating employee burnout and improving resiliency and retention, said Michelle Fach, executive director of OpenEd.

The program is intended to help existing personal support workers to work more effectively within an increasingly complex care environment.

“Open Learning and Educational Support at the University of Guelph is committed to designing and developing courses and programs that not only respond to labour market demands but also have real-world impact within our community,” she said.

“This micro-credential program will be developed in collaboration with partners representing both the PSW profession and long-term care sector to ensure the curriculum provides students with the tools they need to be confident and successful in their work.”

Michelle Fach

OpenEd will develop the program in partnership with St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph and the Canadian PSW Network. Funding is being provided under the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund offered by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

“More than ever, we are seeing how integral the role of personal support workers is to the functioning of our long-term care and health sectors,” said Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris. “I’m very glad this funding will help address critical shortages and concerns within the PSW workforce so that individuals feel empowered to do and achieve their best while supporting the families and communities in their care.”

The online program will be accessible to PSWs across Ontario, including those in rural and remote areas.

Click the picture to read the full article.

Click HERE to visit the program information.

“We are our own worst critic,” she says. “You’re stronger than you think. You’re smarter than you think. Have faith in yourself. There are so many resources available.”

While working with an MPP to tackle some of the biggest challenges in the caregiving sector, Canadian PSW Network founder Lynn Steele is urging PSWs all over Ontario to upgrade their skills for free with support from Contact North | Contact Nord.

“Many PSWs don’t qualify for student loans and many can’t leave their profession to go to school. It’s a real catch-22. I just keep pointing them to Contact North.”

Steele herself has completed 11 certificates, including end-of-life care, medical terminology, integrative mental health, gerontology, and infectious disease and control.

Ramping up skills and qualifications, she says, is a critical part of improving both the quality of care PSWs provide and the caregiving sector itself.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Sudbury MPP Jamie West has reintroduced a private member’s bill (Bill 266 first introduced March 24th, 2021) that would raise the wage floor for all personal support workers in Ontario.

West said his proposed legislation would enable the province to “raise the wage floor permanently for all PSWs, regardless of their sector, and make sure they aren’t paying out of their own pockets to travel from client to client.”

West’s bill, An Act Respecting Minimum Pay for Support Workers, would permanently add temporary PSW pandemic pay to the minimum pay of support workers, and require that they are paid per kilometre travelled between work sites.

The act also establishes a Support Worker Wage Review Commission so that PSW wages are regularly reviewed and do not fall backwards in the future.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath committed in her long-term care and home care platform to raise PSW wages by $5 per hour if elected in 2022, and to turn part-time and temporary PSW gigs into full-time careers.

Lynn Steele, founder and CEO of The Canadian PSW Network, said many PSWs, specifically in home care, are often forced to work 12-14 hour days in order to be paid for eight hours of work, while receiving little compensation for the vehicle gas and maintenance costs that come out of their own pockets.

“This alone is a massive deterrent to attracting and retaining PSWs,” said Steele. “Thousands of PSWs don’t qualify for the wage enhancement given during this pandemic, and never have because of the sector they work in. We think that starting with a minimum wage floor for PSWs across all sectors is a step in the right direction to showing them how crucial they are to caring for our society’s most vulnerable population.”

Click HERE to read the full article.

Click the picture to read the full Official Statement.

There are growing calls for an apology and “accountability” after a TikTok account connected to the Ontario Personal Support Workers Association (OPSWA) posted videos that appear to make disparaging remarks about people living in long-term care and the role of personal support workers.

“This is a serious misrepresentation of our industry, of the people that work in the industry, and it’s very demeaning and there needs to be accountability for that,” said Lynn Steele, founder of the Canadian Personal Support Worker Network.

“It’s taking a real hit to the morale of the great PSWs,” she added.

The association posted a statement on Twitter on Thursday, noting, in part, it “firmly condemns any actions that seek to undermine vulnerable communities. The OSPWA does not condone any messaging or actions that downplay the severity of dementia or any vulnerable person.”

That statement is not sufficient for Steele, who is calling for an apology and action.

“PSWs are accountable to the people they work for, to their residents, to their family members, to the public and if this is the type of representation that PSWs are being given that’s not doing much service to PSWs or the industry at all … we need to be more positive, more professional,” she said.

Click the picture to view the full article.

We at the Canadian PSW Network have always prided ourselves in promoting the PSW industry in a positive light because we value our industry for the knowledge and skills that PSWs possess.

We have heard the term before that not everyone can be a PSW.

This shows the significance of PSW regulation with title protection, education standards and enforcing standards of practice and conduct of the profession.

Mocking and degrading our industry, our patients and our vulnerable is not conducive to the positivity that so many PSWs bring to patients and loved ones.

We were dismayed at this display of public disregard for our seniors, and this is the type of behaviour that makes it so much harder for great PSWs to gain the respect and the trust of the public.

Please have faith that not all PSWs engage in this behaviour, and thousands of PSWs have reached out to voice their disdain for the actions of a single PSW's poor judgement.

Thank you to PSWs for all you do keeping the care in health care. We appreciate you.

Click the picture to view the statement.

Thank you to Mayor Bill Mauro and the City of Thunder Bay!

Click HERE to read the Full proclamation.

The Canadian PSW Network spoke on Bill 283 as it pertains to Personal Support Workers.

Bill 283, An Act to amend and enact various Acts with respect to the health system.

Joined by staff from legislative research, Hansard, and broadcast and recording.

Click the picture to read the full statement and discussion that took place on behalf od PSWs by Lynn Steele, Fouder & CEO and Lisa Wauchope, Chair of The Board.

Click HERE to read the full transcript.

Sudbury MPP Jamie West has introduced a bill to permanently raise the wage floor for personal support workers.

“Many people think Ontario has a shortage of PSWs. The reality is that Ontario has a shortage of non-precarious, fair-paying PSW jobs,” West said. “PSWs enter this field because they care about people and have a vocation to help. It’s shameful many of them have to leave the profession they love because they can’t afford to make ends meet.”

West’s bill, Support Workers Pay Act was proposed to resolve the poor working conditions and inequalities he said many PSWs face on the job. The bill urgently and permanently adds the temporary PSW pandemic pay to the minimum pay of support workers and requires that they are paid per kilometre travelled between work sites.

The act also establishes the Support Worker Wage Review Commission so that PSW wages are regularly reviewed and do not fall backwards in the future.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath committed in her long-term care and home care platform to raise PSW wages by $5 per hour if elected in 2022, and to turn part-time and temp PSW jobs into full-time careers.

Click the picture to read the full article.

"According to a survey from the Canadian PSW Network, about 65 per cent of respondents said they would get the vaccine, but 16 per cent said no (others were unsure)."

Click HERE to see the Statistical Data in REAL TIME... or go to the SURVEY HERE.

Click the Picture to be taken directly to the article.

ATTENTION: All PSWs and Frontline Healthcare workers in Ontario & Canada

2020 has been a hard, dark year for Personal Support Workers and Frontline Healthcare workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2020 is also the year for PSWs to be recognized as they should be.

We are pleased to announce that our non-profit has been recognized as an authentic Network in support of PSWs. Therefore, this PSW Day, May 19th, PSWs will be honoured by The Canadian PPE Network with a Special Illumination of our colours (green and blue) at one of the most iconic National Monuments in Canada: Niagara Falls!

We at The Canadian PPE Network, our partners and sponsors thank you for the sacrifices you make every day to keep the care in Healthcare. 

We want to give a very special thanks to The Niagara Falls Illumination Board for their show of support for PSWs and frontline Healthcare workers across Ontario and Canada.

Please note: Niagara Parks are closed, and we don't advise visiting the location at this time. Should you choose to view these events in person, you must adhere to social distancing protocols and in no way is Niagara Parks, The City of Niagara Falls, The Canadian PPE Network or their affiliates responsible for any liabilities that may be encountered.

Stay safe, stay healthy.

Kindest regards,

Lynn Steele

Founder & President

Read the Announcement HERE

We were pleased to attend this Zoom meeting of appreciation for health care and allied health care workers set up by The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health for the Government of Canada.

And thank you to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for attending and speaking to us.

“I’m hearing that care staff are going in and out of the hospitals, going from job to job, and I said we need to get on top of this,” she said, of the lack of health and safety precautions such as personal protective equipment. “I’m standing up for the workers because they should not be exposed to these things, and the people they’re taking care of shouldn’t be exposed to it either.”

“Every single PSW on the planet is scared right now. And I get why they’re scared, I feel for every single one of them,” she said. “Would you want to be someone walking around thinking, ‘Oh my God, my patient died this morning from COVID-19, was it me’?”

“With the coronavirus, it’s a very different ball game,” said Steele. “The risk is high to PSWs and the patients we take care of. The PSWs are more concerned about taking care of their patients, and they’re terrified of getting sick themselves and unknowingly transmitting it to the next person they go to.”

“It’s an unsung profession, and there is a serious shortage of PSWs,” Steele said. “Before COVID-19, everybody knew there was a shortage crisis with personal support workers. Now, we need them more than ever on the front line.”

“All that the frontline workers are asking for after a respectful pay increase that reflects their true value, is to be able to do their jobs safely,”

Read the article HERE

November 4th, 2019, we were in attendance at an exclusive invite for a Round Table on Mental Health & Addictions hosted by MPP Logan Kanapathi and Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, Michael Tibollo.

We were very humbled, and proud, to be asked to come and speak about how Mental Health & Addictions are affecting PSWs and Frontline healthcare workers, in turn, affecting them within their profession.

The survey that we put out to our members and followers was answered with a resounding 486 responses in 3 weeks, and the data was brought forward to this Round Table so as we could give a voice to the voiceless, and discuss how we can make mental health and addiction support stronger, and more easily attainable in Ontario.

We look forward to many more Round Tables, and being a part of this monumentally important issue that affects so many every day.

To all the PSWs, Nurses, and Frontline workers that assisted us in the survey, sent us emails asking questions, offering input, giving perspectives, ideas and suggestions; please know you are finally being heard because we are the voice that is speaking for you.

And thank you for trusting us to do that.

Read the Statistical Data HERE

MPP Joel Harden speaks up on the issue of Whistleblower protection for PSWs... (or lack thereof...) Click the picture to be taken to the full video.

PSWs are afraid.

“As a PSW myself working in the home care sector and previously LTC, I can attest that there is definitely a fear of “whistleblower” repercussions ranging from management and administration to coworker backlash including increased micromanaging, biased performance reviews, and even bullying tactics.

I have been a victim of it myself in past positions.

If PSWs and frontline healthcare workers weren’t afraid of retaliation or dismissal, then why do we have so many speaking to reporters and media under false names, anonymity, and behind silhouettes on tv?

Zero tolerance, anti bullying & whistleblower initiatives only look good on internal policy & procedure manuals & posters on hallways. Words without actions are nothing more than that; just words.”

-Lynn Steele

Founder & CEO

The Canadian PSW Network

As pointed out by MPP Joel Harden on Oct 20th in The Legislative Assembly, PSW’s and frontline healthcare workers ARE afraid to speak up.

They don’t believe there is true Whistleblower Protections in place.

Read the comments in the PSW groups on Facebook, read the stories from family members in the Seniors in LTC Advocacy groups.

Spend a day on Twitter.

Look at the survey we put out regarding this exact topic.

In under 24 hours over 100 PSW and frontline healthcare workers spoke for themselves. They do not feel safe reporting. Majority have been victims of repercussions, and bullying.

The numbers are staggering.

View the results at www.canadianpswnetwork.org/surveys

Yes, there may be laws and legislation against retaliation and repercussions towards residents, staff and family, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. It does. We know it does. We live it daily. People break laws. Companies break laws. Every day.

That’s why there’s a section called “Constructive Dismissal” within the labour board. Because it happens. It can be very hard to prove sometimes, but just because you can’t prove it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

How many victims of various types of abuse have trouble proving it?

When do we stop the fear? When do we stop allowing this to continue? When will PSWs and frontline healthcare workers not have to live and work in fear?

ATTENTION: All PSWs and Frontline Healthcare workers in Ontario & Canada

2020 has been a hard, dark year for Personal Support Workers and Frontline Healthcare workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2020 is also the year for PSWs to be recognized as they should be.

We are pleased to announce that our non-profit has been recognized as an authentic Network in support of PSWs. Therefore, this PSW Day, May 19th, PSWs will be honoured by The Canadian PPE Network with a Special Illumination of our colours (green and blue) at one of the most iconic National Monuments in Canada: Niagara Falls!

We at The Canadian PPE Network, our partners and sponsors thank you for the sacrifices you make every day to keep the care in Healthcare. 

We want to give a very special thanks to The Niagara Falls Illumination Board for their show of support for PSWs and frontline Healthcare workers across Ontario and Canada.

Please note: Niagara Parks are closed, and we don't advise visiting the location at this time. Should you choose to view these events in person, you must adhere to social distancing protocols and in no way is Niagara Parks, The City of Niagara Falls, The Canadian PPE Network or their affiliates responsible for any liabilities that may be encountered.

Stay safe, stay healthy.

Kindest regards,

Lynn Steele

Founder & President

Read the Announcement HERE

“I’m hearing that care staff are going in and out of the hospitals, going from job to job, and I said we need to get on top of this,” she said, of the lack of health and safety precautions such as personal protective equipment. “I’m standing up for the workers because they should not be exposed to these things, and the people they’re taking care of shouldn’t be exposed to it either.”

“Every single PSW on the planet is scared right now. And I get why they’re scared, I feel for every single one of them,” she said. “Would you want to be someone walking around thinking, ‘Oh my God, my patient died this morning from COVID-19, was it me’?”

“With the coronavirus, it’s a very different ball game,” said Steele. “The risk is high to PSWs and the patients we take care of. The PSWs are more concerned about taking care of their patients, and they’re terrified of getting sick themselves and unknowingly transmitting it to the next person they go to.”

“It’s an unsung profession, and there is a serious shortage of PSWs,” Steele said. “Before COVID-19, everybody knew there was a shortage crisis with personal support workers. Now, we need them more than ever on the front line.”

“All that the frontline workers are asking for after a respectful pay increase that reflects their true value, is to be able to do their jobs safely,”

Read the article HERE

November 4th, 2019, we were in attendance at an exclusive invite for a Round Table on Mental Health & Addictions hosted by MPP Logan Kanapathi and Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, Michael Tibollo.

We were very humbled, and proud, to be asked to come and speak about how Mental Health & Addictions are affecting PSWs and Frontline healthcare workers, in turn, affecting them within their profession.

The survey that we put out to our members and followers was answered with a resounding 486 responses in 3 weeks, and the data was brought forward to this Round Table so as we could give a voice to the voiceless, and discuss how we can make mental health and addiction support stronger, and more easily attainable in Ontario.

We look forward to many more Round Tables, and being a part of this monumentally important issue that affects so many every day.

To all the PSWs, Nurses, and Frontline workers that assisted us in the survey, sent us emails asking questions, offering input, giving perspectives, ideas and suggestions; please know you are finally being heard because we are the voice that is speaking for you.

And thank you for trusting us to do that.

Read the Statistical Data HERE

We at the Canadian PPE Network have been working very hard to provide PSWs and frontline healthcare workers with the resources and support they desperately need.

We can tell them how much they’re valued with our words, keep meeting with Government and officials to make their voices heard, but they also want to see results. They want proof they’re being heard.

We wanted to find a way to show them how much we are working for them, how they are valued and respected, and we believe this special lighting of Niagara Falls was a great way to do it.

We thank the Niagara Falls Illumination Board for joining us in honouring our PSWs and frontline workers and hope we can show it every year going forward.

Stay safe, stay healthy.

ATTENTION: All PSWs and Frontline Healthcare workers in Ontario & Canada

2020 has been a hard, dark year for Personal Support Workers and Frontline Healthcare workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2020 is also the year for PSWs to be recognized as they should be.

We are pleased to announce that our non-profit has been recognized as an authentic Network in support of PSWs. Therefore, this PSW Day, May 19th, PSWs will be honoured by The Canadian PPE Network with a Special Illumination of our colours (green and blue) at one of the most iconic National Monuments in Canada: Niagara Falls!

We at The Canadian PPE Network, our partners and sponsors thank you for the sacrifices you make every day to keep the care in Healthcare. 

We want to give a very special thanks to The Niagara Falls Illumination Board for their show of support for PSWs and frontline Healthcare workers across Ontario and Canada.

Please note: Niagara Parks are closed, and we don't advise visiting the location at this time. Should you choose to view these events in person, you must adhere to social distancing protocols and in no way is Niagara Parks, The City of Niagara Falls, The Canadian PPE Network or their affiliates responsible for any liabilities that may be encountered.

Stay safe, stay healthy.

Kindest regards,

Lynn Steele

Founder & President

Read the Announcement HERE

“I’m hearing that care staff are going in and out of the hospitals, going from job to job, and I said we need to get on top of this,” she said, of the lack of health and safety precautions such as personal protective equipment. “I’m standing up for the workers because they should not be exposed to these things, and the people they’re taking care of shouldn’t be exposed to it either.”

“Every single PSW on the planet is scared right now. And I get why they’re scared, I feel for every single one of them,” she said. “Would you want to be someone walking around thinking, ‘Oh my God, my patient died this morning from COVID-19, was it me’?”

“With the coronavirus, it’s a very different ball game,” said Steele. “The risk is high to PSWs and the patients we take care of. The PSWs are more concerned about taking care of their patients, and they’re terrified of getting sick themselves and unknowingly transmitting it to the next person they go to.”

“It’s an unsung profession, and there is a serious shortage of PSWs,” Steele said. “Before COVID-19, everybody knew there was a shortage crisis with personal support workers. Now, we need them more than ever on the front line.”

“All that the frontline workers are asking for after a respectful pay increase that reflects their true value, is to be able to do their jobs safely,”

Read the article HERE

November 4th, 2019, we were in attendance at an exclusive invite for a Round Table on Mental Health & Addictions hosted by MPP Logan Kanapathi and Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, Michael Tibollo.

We were very humbled, and proud, to be asked to come and speak about how Mental Health & Addictions are affecting PSWs and Frontline healthcare workers, in turn, affecting them within their profession.

The survey that we put out to our members and followers was answered with a resounding 486 responses in 3 weeks, and the data was brought forward to this Round Table so as we could give a voice to the voiceless, and discuss how we can make mental health and addiction support stronger, and more easily attainable in Ontario.

We look forward to many more Round Tables, and being a part of this monumentally important issue that affects so many every day.

To all the PSWs, Nurses, and Frontline workers that assisted us in the survey, sent us emails asking questions, offering input, giving perspectives, ideas and suggestions; please know you are finally being heard because we are the voice that is speaking for you.

And thank you for trusting us to do that.

Read the Statistical Data HERE

This month, we had the absolute pleasure of meeting with Guy Bourgouin, MPP/Député Mushkegowuk-James Bay/Baie-James who was wonderfully gracious, and completely understanding & sympathetic to the plight of PSWs across Ontario, and Canada.

We are proud to have a personal Letter of Endorsement from him, and look forward to meeting with him again.

Click HERE to Read The Letter!

Earlier this month, we also met with the MPP for Guelph, Mike Schreiner, who has committed to standing with us, and all PSWs & frontline workers to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, recognition, and supports that are so desperately needed.

To all our frontline - we say this:

We hear you. We're listening to you.

We are standing up for you, and with you.

Thank you for keeping the CARE in Health Care.

We are so proud to have a Letter of Endorsement from MPP Schreiner!

Click HERE to Read The Letter!

Our Official Public Launch In Aurora, Ontario for York Region with Mayor Tom Mrakas, President & Founder Lynn Steele, and VP & Executive Director Kathleen Scott.

Click HERE To Read SNAPD Article

Looking for a perfect gift for that special PSW in your life?

A gift for yourself?

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100% of the proceeds go back into The Network for our PSW’s.

8” glass pillar candle.

$10 flat rate includes taxes AND shipping.

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