Building a Stronger Future for Long-Term Care Across Canada

In its 2026  National Long-Term Care Survey released on October 20 in Ottawa, CALTC  brought together provincial and territorial associations and long-term care operators to strengthen collaboration, advance advocacy, and share innovative approaches to care. The survey gives data and evidence to the current status of LTC in our nation. It demonstrates that LTC is neither in the same position it was before the pandemic, nor simply recovering from it, but shows it is evolving.

While some pressures have eased since the pandemic, the sector is evolving with great complexity and at a rapid pace. Workforce shortages, sustainable funding, aging infrastructure, increasing resident complexity, and the demands of a new era remain significant challenges.

The survey also highlights the outstanding work happening across the sector, with organizations developing innovative and valuable approaches to recruitment, education, technology, quality improvement, and resident care.

CALTC asks an important question: Should access to high-quality long-term care depend on where you live in Canada? Inroads in innovation are inspiring but alone are far from enough. A sustainable future for long term care across Canada requires investment that matches the expectations placed on long-term care, along with stronger collaboration, shared learning, and collective advocacy.

CALTC’s survey and work helps bring these issues into focus, ensuring the voices and experiences of operators and associations inform national dialogue and action.

The 2026 CALTC National Survey highlights both the ongoing challenges and the growing innovation shaping long-term care across Canada.

Workforce recruitment and retention, sustainable funding, infrastructure, and data capacity remain critical priorities. At the same time, emerging issues such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, and increasing resident complexity are creating new demands for the sector. Importantly, long-term care homes and associations are responding with innovative approaches to workforce development, education, technology, quality improvement, and modernization.

The message is clear: sustainable, high-quality long-term care requires a coordinated, system-wide approach. Strong advocacy, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and meaningful partnerships with governments and sector stakeholders are essential to addressing these interconnected challenges and building a stronger future for long-term care across Canada. Together, we can build more sustainable long-term care system that supports residents, families, staff, and the organizations delivering care across Canada.