In this episode of A Minute with Maxwell: Mission in Motion, host Heather Maxwell sits down with Jodi Hall, CEO of the Canadian Association for Long Term Care, to unpack one of the most urgent challenges facing Canada today: how we staff, support, and sustain the future of long-term care.

With Canada now at a historic demographic turning point—more seniors than children—this conversation explores what it truly means to build a long-term care system that is resilient, modern, and centered on dignity. Drawing on national data, policy insight, and frontline realities, Jodi outlines why workforce shortages, infrastructure gaps, and system fragmentation are no longer future concerns—they’re already here. 

Through a deeply practical and policy-informed lens, Heather and Jodi explore:

• The demographic tipping point: Why Canada’s aging population is reshaping healthcare, workforce planning, and national priorities—and why long-term care must now be seen as critical infrastructure.
• Workforce shortages and retention challenges: With tens of thousands of vacancies across the country, the conversation breaks down why recruitment alone isn’t enough—and how retention, culture, and career development play a defining role.
• Leadership gaps in care environments: Why long-term care leadership roles are increasingly difficult to fill, and what needs to change to build the next generation of leaders in the sector.
• Infrastructure and modernization needs: From outdated buildings to growing waitlists, why Canada may need to nearly double long-term care capacity—and what that means for funding, timelines, and care quality.
• Technology, AI, and workforce enablement: How innovation can reduce administrative burden, improve communication, and support care teams—without replacing the human element at the core of care.
• National strategy and government collaboration: Why a coordinated, Canada-wide workforce and infrastructure strategy is essential—and what success could look like over the next five years.
• Redefining success in long-term care: A future where staffing is stable, care is high-quality, infrastructure is modern, and long-term care is seen as a respected, desirable career path.

This episode is a powerful call to action for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and organizations across the country: solving workforce sustainability isn’t just one priority—it’s the foundation that everything else depends on.

About Maxwell Management Group:
This podcast is brought to you by Maxwell Management Group, a national executive search and education firm specializing in the continuing care sector. For nearly two decades, they’ve partnered with organizations to build values-driven leadership, vibrant workplace cultures, and purpose-led employer brands.

Learn more: maxwellmanagementgroup.com

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction to Jodi and Mission in Motion
2:39 – Canada’s Demographic Shift: Why This Changes Everything
6:55 – National Priorities: Workforce, Infrastructure, Innovation
9:25 – The Reality of Staffing Shortages in Long-Term Care
12:19 – Recruitment vs. Retention: What Actually Works
23:03 – The Leadership Gap in Long-Term Care
24:46 – Workplace Culture, Burnout, and Psychological Safety
26:52 – Infrastructure Crisis and Capacity Challenges
31:34 – Technology and AI as Workforce Enablers
36:33 – A National Workforce Strategy: What’s Needed
40:06 – What Success Looks Like for the Future of Care
42:49 – Final Thoughts: Long-Term Care as Nation-Building