The New Democrats are promising to hire more staff for long-term care facilities to ease the load on health care professionals, particularly licensed practical nurses and personal care attendants.

Party Leader Alison Coffin says she would ensure there are strong recruitment strategies in place, noting proper staffing improves overall care, makes life better for workers and saves money in the long run.

She says her party would work with public sector unions and professional organizations to make sure enough staff are hired to ease the physical and mental strain experienced by current workers.

The NDP has not said how much it would cost to do the hiring, insisting it’s more about making better choices. But Coffin says there’s no question better staffing levels would improve care and quality of life for years to come.