OCSA calls for an integrated cross-sector health human resource strategy
The long-term care staffing plan will decimate the home and community care workforce without a comprehensive approach
DOWNLOAD PDFTORONTO, December 18, 2020
– Yesterday, the government of Ontario released a staffing plan intended to address challenges in the long-term care (LTC) sector. The overall aim of the plan is to improve the quality of care for residents in the sector, a necessary goal. That being said, the newly released plan will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the home and community care sector and will cause staffing issues in an already precarious workforce. Without adequate health human resources to keep seniors and those with disabilities well and safe at home, the pressures on LTC homes will only increase.
This is why the government must develop an integrated and comprehensive strategy that recognizes the interdependencies between various health sectors and ensures a stable and resilient workforce across our health system. Only by developing an integrated plan, can we ensure that addressing staffing challenges in one sector does not come at the expense of individuals receiving care in other sectors across the continuum.
“We are currently dealing with crippling staffing shortages across our health system. Sectors across the system share the same pool of qualified health human resources,” said Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA). “The competition for the very scarce health human resources is ferocious and home and community care organizations continue to find themselves at a significant recruitment and retention disadvantage due to historical funding discrepancies.”
The majority of home and community care organizations report losing staff to the LTC and hospital sectors, where pay is significantly higher. A recent survey of OCSA members found that for 60% of organizations low pay rates and opportunities in other health sectors were the primary reasons why PSWs left their organizations. The current wage gap for PSWs working in the community sector versus the hospital sector is an average of 18.7% or $3.57 an hour. The gap is 9.2% or $1.75 an hour for PSWs working in long-term care.
OCSA is committed to working with the province and other stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive and integrated health human resources strategy that ensures all sectors have an adequate supply of qualified staff in order to provide the best possible care to individuals who need it.
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About OCSA
Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 230 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.
To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Michele Vantrepote
Communications Manager
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 ext. 242
Michele.Vantrepote@ocsa.on.ca
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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.
