For 15 years, Halima has supported herself and her three children by working long hours taking care of older clients in retirement homes or in their personal residences in Toronto.
But as COVID-19 infections surged last year, Halima's hours were slashed because care workers in Ontario were restricted to working in only one facility, and suddenly she could not afford the 1,800 Canadian dollars ($1,407) monthly rent on her apartment.
Halima, who asked to be identified by her first name only, has managed to keep a roof over her head by cutting back on groceries. As a part-time worker, she has no benefits and no paid sick days.