TORONTO — Ontario's long-term care minister says the province is reviewing pricing practices of nursing agencies.

Paul Calandra says the government has formed a technical committee to examine the challenges long-term care homes are facing.

A long-term care association that represents Ontario's non-profit homes say they are being overcharged by nursing agencies.

AdvantAge Ontario said two weeks ago that 100 of its long-term care homes across the province are paying $6 million per month collectively to nursing agencies.

Competition for nurses and personal support workers across the province remains fierce as the health-care system grapples with a severe staffing shortage.

The province says it is looking for recommendations from long-term care associations to address the issue.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 1, 2023.

The Canadian Press