Government investments welcome, stronger public health measures also needed
September 25, 2020
Premier Doug Ford
Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON
M7A 1A1
OPEN LETTER
Dear Premier Ford,
It is with concern that we write you today around the growing number of new cases of Covid-19 these past couple of weeks. Earlier this week, the Public Health Agency of Canada released very concerning modeling of a second wave which is noted to be exponentially higher than the first. Yesterday, a group of 38 health care leaders along with the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA), a strong partner of ours, provided a list of specific actions
that could be taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The measures implemented now and where needed regionally, are essential in helping to reduce the risk reaching those levels.
We are supportive of your announcement this afternoon, to apply additional measures and restrictions to restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments and to close strip clubs as well as requiring businesses or organizations to comply with recommendations and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. We see this as a very positive step moving however given how rapidly these new cases are growing, we urge you to consider pushing public health measures even further. Our home and community sector providers who are actively on the frontline lines in the community, are concerned about the impact of this second wave of COVID-19, especially with heightened community transmission. We believe that enacting all the measures mentioned in the OHA’s letter, will help further curb the spread of COVID-19 and will protect the ability of our health care system, including home and community care, to continue providing essential services to vulnerable Ontarians during this pandemic.
We would like to acknowledge today’s announcements regarding investments for our sector. We were pleased that the government is investing $457.5 million to increase community capacity so that home and community care can be enabled to reduce pressure on the health care system considering the challenges around this pandemic. We look forward to learning more details about this announcement in the coming weeks.
Thank you,
Deborah Simon,
CEO
Ontario Community Support Association
Cc:
The Hon. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
Mark Lawson, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Premier
Heather Watt, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Health
Laurel Brazill, Director, Stakeholder Relations to the Minister of Health
Anthony Dale, President & CEO, Ontario Hospital Association
Board of Directors, Ontario Community Support Association
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TORONTO, May 30, 2025 - The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Holloway as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 30, 2025. A recognized leader in Ontario's health and community care sectors, Holloway brings over 20 years of experience driving system change, championing equitable access to care, and strengthening community-based services. Her appointment marks a full-circle moment—returning to OCSA after previously serving as Chief of Operations over a decade ago. Holloway's extensive leadership portfolio includes roles as CEO of Bellwoods Centres for Community Living, National Director of Health and Wellness at the Canadian Red Cross, and Interim CEO of CANES Community Care. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and proven ability to lead organizations through complexity while keeping people and purpose at the centre. "Lori is a values-driven leader with deep roots in our sector," says Steve Sherrer, Chair of the OCSA Board of Directors. "At a time when demand for home and community care is growing and the policy landscape is shifting, her strategic insight and operational expertise will be invaluable in advancing OCSA's mission. We're thrilled to welcome her back to the sector and this exciting role with the organization." Holloway takes over from outgoing CEO, Deborah Simon. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Deborah for her tireless dedication and lasting contributions," says Sherrer. "Thanks to her leadership, OCSA is well positioned to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead." This leadership transition comes at an important time as OCSA calls for more support for the sector through its Everyone Needs Home and Community Care campaign. Through the campaign, all Ontarians are encouraged to visit www.everyoneneedscare.ca to learn more and to connect to their MPPs for better funding, visibility, and support for home and community care. 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 please contact: Karla Sealy (she/her) Manager of Communications 416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242 karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca

Toronto, ON — Today, on Personal Support Worker (PSW) Day , the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) proudly joins communities across the province in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Personal Support Workers. PSWs are the backbone of Ontario’s home and community care system, providing essential support that enables people to live safely and independently at home. Each year on May 19th, PSW Day is an opportunity to show our deep appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of these vital frontline workers. Whether helping seniors with daily tasks, supporting people with disabilities, or providing companionship to those facing isolation, PSWs deliver the care that’s needed—and the care that’s wanted—every single day. As Ontario faces a growing demand for home and community care, the role of PSWs has never been more important. OCSA continues to advocate for investments that will strengthen the PSW workforce, and this is part of the Everyone Needs Home and Community Care advocacy campaign. OCSA encourages all Ontarians to take a moment today to thank a PSW in their life. You can also visit www.everyoneneedscare.ca to learn more about how to support the people who provide essential care in your community. Happy PSW Day—and thank you to all the Personal Support Workers who make a difference every day.

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