They deserve every dime.

We have the most long-term care, retirement and supportive housing in our community and now area residents working in them are receiving a pandemic pay increase.

The Ontario government is raising the pay of frontline healthcare workers by $4 hourly on top of their existing hourly wages.

Employees working over 100 hours monthly would receive lump sum payments of $250 per month for each of the next four months, and can earn up to $3,560 in additional compensation, the province says.

Those eligible to receive the payment will be staff working in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities, as well as those providing home and community care and some staff in hospitals.

The announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford on April 25 at Queen’s Park.

“These people put themselves in harm’s way to care for our sick and vulnerable citizens,” Ford said. “It’s time we give something back to those who sacrifice so much day in and day out.”

Staff providing frontline clinical services, along with those providing support services, such as cleaning and meal preparation, will be eligible to receive the pandemic payment. The additional compensation is temporary and would begin flowing immediately and continue for 16 weeks

The Ontario government have strongly supported frontline workers, including providing free emergency child care and securing necessary medical equipment and supplies.

The announcement was met with applause by appreciative front-line workers, many who have been working overtime battling the coronavirus. For more see news.ontario.ca