TORONTO, ON, February 13, 2026 – Thousands of health-care professionals working at Ontario Health atHome have voted to be represented by the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA), confirming ONA as the best choice to advocate for their interests.
Two years ago, the Ford government ordered the 14 Ontario Health atHome (OHaH) branches to be merged into a single entity under Ontario Health. At that time, workers across the province were represented by several different unions. The Ontario Labour Relations Board subsequently ruled that the more than 8,000 workers would be divided into two bargaining units: a “professional” bargaining unit representing about 6,000 workers and a “clerical/support” bargaining unit representing about 2,000 workers. In the vote for the professional bargaining unit, ONA won the support of health-care professionals.
“We are incredibly proud and thrilled to have earned the trust and support of thousands of Ontario Health atHome health-care professionals,” said Erin Ariss, ONA Provincial President. “OHaH staff were clear about what they wanted: a union with a proven record of winning strong wages, delivering results at the bargaining table, and showing up in workplaces to fight for members.”
Throughout the campaign, ONA connected with thousands of OHaH staff through workplace meetings, town halls, phone calls, and texts. “As the largest union in Ontario that exclusively represents health-care workers, our specialization mattered,” Ariss added. “OHaH staff told us they wanted a union that understands health care, knows how to win, and isn’t afraid to take on tough opponents.”
“Whether it’s the Ford government or Ontario Health atHome management, ONA will stand up and fight for our members,” said Ariss. “This vote sends a strong message: health-care professionals chose a union that delivers and we are ready to get to work.”
ONA is the union representing 68,000 nurses and health-care professionals, along with 18,000 nursing student affiliates, who provide care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, community settings, clinics, and industry.
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