With today's budget, Ontario stood up to for-profit home care companies, according to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

"Our healthcare system is there to serve patients not profits," said Sharleen Stewart, president of SEIU Local 1.

Private American home care companies had demanded millions in handouts from the government for having to comply with basic Ontario laws.

The payout would have meant less money for patient services and investments in quality care.

"In times like these, every dollar needs to go to frontline services," said Ms. Stewart.

For-profit companies had sought exclusive payments that would have given them an unfair advantage over non-profit Canadian agencies that have been providing home care for decades.

SEIU said it would continue working in partnership with government to restore stability to the home care system and improve quality of care.