Comments on Proposed Regulations to Modernize the Legislative Framework for Home and Community Care
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Toronto - July 29, 2020 - As Bill 175 has now received Royal Assent, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is pleased to provide additional feedback to the province on the development of the new regulations to govern the home and community care sector.
As we called for during our presentation to the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs, the province must continue to collaborate with the sector on the development of the proposed regulations and policies. As an association, our support is contingent on the province actively collaborating with the sector and adopting an open and transparent engagement process. Our statement and recommendations on Bill 175 can be found here.
This document provides feedback on the 14 proposals contained in Appendix A, “Modernizing the Legislative Framework for Home and Community Care,” published by the Ministry of Health on the regulatory registry found here.
OCSA represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services to over one million Ontarians. Our members help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These proactive and cost-effective services improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. They are the key to a sustainable health care system for Ontario.
Overall, OCSA supports adopting a more patient-focused regulatory system for the sector. Our support of these proposed regulations is contingent on the province actively collaborating with the sector on the detailed regulations through an open and transparent engagement process going forward.
We welcome the clarification in differentiating “community support services” (CSS) from community services. There are many types organizations across several sectors that define themselves as “community services.” The sector will benefit from a clearer distinction of community support services.
We would also like to highlight that the proposed regulations outline a new regulatory framework to maintain the current model of community support service delivery by not-for-profit organizations as well as the continued delivery of home care services by not-for-profit organizations. This important inclusion of not-for-profit services is critical to leverage the important contribution of community volunteers in the delivery of care and active community engagement and governance. OCSA strongly supports this inclusion and our overall support of the regulatory changes is contingent on the inclusion of this requirement.
For our detailed feedback, download our full document, "Comments on Proposed Regulations to Modernize the Legislative Framework for Home and Community Care," (PDF).
About OCSA
Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 240 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services that help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These compassionate and cost-effective services improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. They are the key to a sustainable health care system for Ontario.
For more information, visit www.ocsa.on.ca and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets.
If you have further questions or comments, please contact:
Deborah Simon
CEO
Deborah.simon@ocsa.on.ca
416-256-3010 ext. 231
Or
Patrick Boily
Director of Policy
Patrick.boily@ocsa.on.ca
416-256-3010 ext. 228
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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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