It began back in 1996 as a three-year temporary transition measure, but on Friday, the High Wage Transition Fund was given a new lease on life by the Ontario Government.
The program helps balance wage inequities that allow Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew and Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke, to maintain higher staffing levels than authorized in the standard Provincial Funding formula.
The subsidy amounts to $92,773 annually at Bonnechere Manor and $75,780 at Miramichi Lodge.
The High Wage Transition Fund was extended to to December 31st, 2020, by Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, as Queen’s Park develops a long-term care staffing strategy.
the County of Renfrew believes its lobbying efforts helped persuade the Province this was the path to take.
Also being extended is a companion program that benefits one of the two homes.
The Structural Compliance Premium (SCP) began back in 1998, to allow the Ministry of Long-Term Care to pay long-term care home operators, who were not then eligible to receive other financial assistance to do structural upgrades.
This fund was only applicable to Bonnechere Manor, which used $197,100 in 2018 for a new roof.
The Structural Compliance Premium will now expire March 31st, 2020, and in the meantime, the Province will work out parametres of a new minor capital program.
