Fredrica Henry-Pottinger

On any given day in Toronto, Fredrica Henry-Pottinger might be helping someone take their first trip to a movie theatre, supporting a resident through a behavioural crisis, or simply sitting beside an older adult reading a book aloud. These moments, which may seem small on the surface, are everything to her. 

“I see each individual as a gift. Rights matter, but so do real opportunities for people to shape their own lives, build connection, and do what matters to them.” 

After more than two decades as a care provider, she has built a career, and a calling, around that belief. What began as informal support work evolved into structured roles planning trips and events, then work in a children’s home, and eventually a position at Community Living Toronto. Today, she works as a residential support worker, supporting adults with developmental disabilities in a group home. 

At the heart of Fredrica’s work is the idea that care must support dignity, autonomy, and belonging. She supports six individuals who require 24-hour care, helping with daily routines while also supporting goals, relationships, and experiences that matter to them. 

“The fun part of my job is creating plans of care and short-term goals to improve quality of life. Seeing someone go to a movie for the first time, make a new friend, or enjoy a community barbecue is really exciting.” 

These moments, often taken for granted, reinforce why the work matters. But despite the rewards, Fredrica is candid about the realities facing frontline workers. 

“This is one of the lowest-paid sectors. We touch lives like first responders, nurses, and teachers—but the wages don’t reflect that.” 

Many workers juggle multiple jobs—days in schools, evenings in group homes, and weekends wherever they can. The result can be physical, emotional, and social burnout, with little time or money for personal well-being. 

Fredrica’s commitment extends beyond her shifts. For the past decade, she has been active in the Canadian Union of Public Employees, advocating for workers and those they support. Her work spans local to national levels, focusing on health and safety and worker’s rights, including opposition to policies like Ontario’s Bill 124, which capped public sector wage increases at 1 per cent for three years. 

The law was repealed in February 2024 after court rulings found it unconstitutional. While many workers have received negotiated wage reopeners and back pay, the compensation process is ongoing for many others. 

“We were called heroes during COVID. But at the same time, our wages were being capped.” 

Fredrica also points to broader challenges, including reliance on non-unionized agency staff and barriers facing temporary foreign workers. Immigration classifications can leave skilled care workers under-recognized and underpaid, with limited pathways to permanent residency. 

“These workers don’t have the same rights. And yet they’re essential to the system.” 

Originally from Jamaica, Fredrica has called Canada home since 1986. Caregiving, she says, has become second nature. After a career spanning more than 20 years, she remains deeply committed, but clear-eyed about what needs to change. 

“I hope at some point value is placed on a wage that allows us to be comfortable.”

Until then, she and thousands like her continue to hold up a system that depends on their dedication, even as it struggles to support them in return.