Give Ontarians The Care That's Needed - OCSA launches their 2025 Pre-Budget submission

Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) calls for urgent investments in Home and Community Care

Toronto, Ontario – September, 2024 – The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) has released its 2025 pre-budget submission report, The Care That’s Needed – The Care That’s Wanted, highlighting the critical need for increased investment in home and community care services across the province.

As Ontario’s aging population continues to grow, so too does the demand for services that allow seniors and people with disabilities to live safely and independently at home. The report outlines the steps needed to address the urgent challenges facing the sector, including expanding service capacity and improving workforce retention. Among its key recommendations, OCSA calls for:

A 5% funding increase to expand access to essential services, such as personal support, Meals on Wheels, transportation, and other community-based supports that allow individuals to remain in their homes.
A 3% wage increase for frontline workers, who provide critical care to vulnerable populations, ensuring fair compensation and supporting the sector’s ability to retain experienced staff and deliver high-quality care.

OCSA emphasizes that despite the growing demand for home and community care, the sector is struggling to keep pace. Waitlists for services are getting longer, and chronic staff shortages are making it increasingly difficult for people to receive timely and appropriate care.

"Without immediate investment, Ontario risks leaving many individuals and families without the support they need to live independently," said Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. "We are at a pivotal moment. The solutions are clear, but action must be taken now to prevent the crisis from worsening."

The pre-budget submission is a direct appeal to the Ontario government to prioritize home and community care in the upcoming budget. These services are not only cost-effective but are essential in supporting the health and well-being of Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens.

About OCSA
The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) champions a strong, sustainable home and community care sector in Ontario. The association represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations deliver high-quality services that help seniors, people with disabilities, and those with complex care needs remain independent in their homes and communities. These proactive and cost-effective services prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. For more information visit www.ocsa.on.ca or @OCSATweets

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Karla Sealy (she/her)

Manager of Communications

416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242

karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

OCSA Welcomes Ontario Budget Investment in Home and Community Care

By Karla Sealy • March 27, 2026

Ontario, March 27, 2026 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) welcomes the Ontario government’s continued investment in home care and community support services as part of the 2026 provincial budget. Building on recent commitments, this investment signals a sustained shift toward strengthening care in the home and community as a central pillar of Ontario’s health system. As demand continues to grow—driven by an aging population, increasing caregiver strain, and sustained pressure across hospitals and long-term care—expanding access to care outside of institutions is critical to improving system flow and long term sustainability. “We are listening closely to what Ontarians are telling us—and so is the government,” said Lori Holloway, CEO of OCSA. “People want to receive care at home and in their communities, surrounded by the people and supports that matter most. This investment reflects that reality and moves us further toward a system designed around where people actually want and need care.” Home care and community support services each play distinct but complementary roles. Home care provides essential clinical and personal care in the home, while community support services focus on prevention, independence, and quality of life through programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day programs, and caregiver respite. Together, they form the foundation of a modern, community-based care system that helps people remain at home longer while reducing avoidable hospital use and delaying or preventing long-term care placement. This level of sustained investment has the potential to significantly expand access to care at home, strengthen community capacity, and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the province—while supporting a more balanced and sustainable health system overall. OCSA is committed to working with government and system partners to ensure these investments translate into real improvements in access, stronger community supports, and measurable impact for Ontarians. About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association represents more than 200 not-for-profit organizations providing home care and community support services across the province. OCSA members deliver essential services that help people live independently, age at home, and reduce pressure on hospitals and long-term care. For media inquiries please contact: Karla Sealy (she/her) Manager of Communications 416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242 karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca

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By Davina Yawson • February 13, 2026

Ontario relies on community health workers every day to treat illness, support mental health, provide care at home, help people live independently, and keep families well, and in many cases, they provide this care 24/7. They care for people of all ages and backgrounds, often with highly complex needs, and they are essential to achieving a sustainable and high performing healthcare system. Closing the wage gap is not simply about fairness; it is about protecting access to care, reducing system pressure, and ensuring Ontario ’ s healthcare investments deliver maximum impact. The ten provincial community health associations are committed to working collaboratively with the government to build a stable, sustainable community health workforce, which supports a stable and sustainable healthcare system, a goal we all share.