Media Release: Overtime and agency staffing funding cuts could force bed closures and worsen workforce shortages in seniors’ care

Burnaby, B.C. (September 24, 2025) – The Province of B.C. has announced it will no longer fund overtime and agency staffing for long-term care and assisted living, as of Oct 31, 2025.

“We are in the midst of a nationwide shortage of healthcare workers,” said Mary Polak, CEO of BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA). “Like everyone else in this sector, we rely on overtime and agency staffing to fill the gap.”

Health authority standards require long-term care and assisted living operators to maintain staffing levels that will ensure the safety and well-being of seniors in continuing care. Without provincial funding to cover overtime and agency staffing costs, operators in many communities will struggle to meet these standards, particularly in regions already facing a shortage of qualified workers. BCCPA is warning that this will mean a reduction in services.

“We will always put resident safety first,” said Polak. “Operators may be forced to make difficult decisions, including pausing new admissions or closing beds.”

A loss of spaces for seniors in long-term care and assisted living will add to the pressures in acute care, as seniors remain stuck in hospital without safe discharge options. Reduced capacity could ultimately also lead to job losses in care communities across the province.

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As the Province responds to a record deficit, BCCPA is proposing immediate actions that could help to maintain services while reducing costs:

Freeze and review all new government-operated seniors care infrastructure projects
– B.C.’s construction costs are among the highest in Canada. Our members can help the government build the needed space for less.
Re-start the long-delayed discussions to establish a fair and sustainable funding model for long-term care and assisted living
– BCCPA members provide the majority of seniors’ continuing care in B.C. We have the expertise to propose funding solutions that work.
Work with BCCPA to enhance Health Human Resources planning
– Initiatives like the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) are working. Together with BCCPA, the government can achieve even more by expanding these opportunities

“The dollar value of these cuts is small compared to the overall health budget, but it is a huge hit to seniors’ care,” said Polak. “The recent BC Seniors Advocate’s report makes it clear this is the wrong time to reduce access for older adults.”

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MEDIA CONTACT
Jamie Lozano
Manager, Communications
jamie@bccare.ca
604-358-3615

ABOUT BCCPA
BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is the leading voice for B.C.’s seniors living, wellness and care sector. Our growing membership base includes over 500 long-term care, assisted living, independent living, home health, and commercial members across British Columbia. BCCPA members support more than 19,000 seniors annually in long-term care and assisted living settings and 6,500 independent living residents. Additionally, our members deliver almost 2.5 million hours of home care and home support services each year.

BACKGROUND

Who we are: BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) is the leading voice for B.C.’s seniors living, wellness and care sector, representing over 500 long-term care, assisted living, independent living, home health, and commercial members.
What’s changing: The Province has announced it will stop funding overtime and agency staffing—tools providers use to fill vacant shifts and ensure safe resident care.
What overtime and agency mean:
- Overtime – when existing staff work beyond their scheduled hours.
- Agency staffing – when external workers are contracted to cover shifts.
Scope: This change affects all supplemental funding in seniors care, including affiliated long-term care and assisted living providers across B.C.
Deadline: Funding will end October 31, 2025.