Ontario’s proposing to increase fines for long-term care homes that don’t have air conditioning in every resident’s room.

In addition, the Ford government’s looking to loosen some educational or training requirements for certain nursing home staff, including cooks and other food service workers.

A posting to the province’s regulatory registry proposes increasing the fine to a maximum of $25-thousand for nursing homes that do not meet legislative requirements.

So far the largest fine handed out has been $1,100.

Legislation passed in 2021 required homes to install air conditioning in all resident rooms by last June.

A spokesperson for the long-term care minister says all but 36 of Ontario’s 627 nursing homes have complied.

The proposals are posted on-line for comment until March 5.