OCSA calls for sizeable 2024 investment in home and community care to allow sector to pay staff equitably and meet skyrocketing demand for services

(Toronto, Ontario. December 12, 2023.) The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) urges the provincial government to make a significant investment in home and community care in the 2024 Budget to allow the sector to compensate their staff fairly, and to meet the increasing demands for services as Ontario’s population ages.

In their pre-budget submission, OCSA recommends that the province commit to an investment of $533 million to fortify and stabilize the home and community care sector. It suggests the $533 million investment be structured as follows: 

$290 million to increase service providers’ operational budgets by 3% and service volumes by 3% this year to meet growing community need and to build a comprehensive basket of home and community care services in each community across the province.  
Up to $77 million for retroactive pay increases to prevent wage disparities from worsening as a result of Bill 124 arbitration awards
$116 million in increases to keep pace with increases in other sectors and start closing the gap between the sectors. 
Approximately $50 million to apply the permanent $3 an hour PSW wage increase to all hours of work not just direct care hours.

“We acknowledge and are grateful for the government’s substantive investment in home and community care in the 2023 budget,” noted Deborah Simon, CEO of Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA). “Unfortunately though, our sector is facing a perfect storm - a health human resources crisis due in large part to wage inequity between sectors, as well as skyrocketing demand for services. Without significant financial investments and dedicated strategic planning over the next few years, this storm will continue to worsen, and many vulnerable Ontarians will be denied the services they rely on to live well and safely at home and in their communities.”

In the last budget, the province allocated $18 million for community support PSWs and other community support staff were allocated wage increases of 2%. Home care staff also received increases of 3 and 4.6%. While OCSA is grateful for these increases, they are still a considerable distance from the 11% increase awarded to hospital nurses and the 8% increase for emergency medical services, and therefore exacerbate the wage gap and prevent services providers from being able to recruit and retain the workforce they need to deliver these critical community healthcare services.

“We know that the majority of elderly Ontarians and those experiencing disability prefer to receive care at home,” says Simon, “And with Ontario’s 80+ population projected to more than double by 2040, the government needs to take urgent action to ensure that the home and community care sector is adequately funded and resourced to provide Ontarians with healthcare where and how they prefer to receive it – at home and in their communities, and delivered by trained professionals.” 

To read OCSA’s full pre-budget submission, click here.  For further information, please contact Rhiana Alfadili at OCSA at rhiana.alfadili@ocsa.on.ca.  

More Updates

Ontario Community Support Association Welcomes $1.1 Billion Investment in Home Care Announced in Fall Economic Statement

By Davina Yawson • November 7, 2025

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) welcomes the Government of Ontario’s announcement in the 2025 Fall Economic Statement of a $1.1 billion investment to protect and expand home care services. This significant commitment demonstrates government’s recognition of the vital role that home and community care plays in the province’s healthcare system. “The Ontario Community Support Association welcomes this significant investment in home care. Previous funding commitments have helped stabilize the sector, supporting a measurable reduction in staff turnover and fewer missed care visits. These improvements mean more Ontarians are receiving the care they need, when and where they need it. We encourage the government to continue to invest in programs like Hospital to Home and organizations that bring together home care, community support, and independent living services, which are essential to building a system that keeps people healthy, connected, and cared for at home.” — Lori Holloway, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Community Support Association As the province looks ahead, OCSA stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and system partners to advance innovative models that integrate home care, community support, and independent living services. Together, these efforts will help build a sustainable, connected system that keeps people healthy and cared for at home. About the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) OCSA represents the full spectrum of organizations that deliver home and community support services across Ontario, helping people live independently and with dignity where they want to be—at home. Through advocacy, research, and member collaboration, OCSA works to strengthen the sector and build a more connected, person-centered health system. Media Contact: Karla Sealy Ontario Community Support Association Email: karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca Website: www.ocsa.on.ca

OCSA releases new policy paper: Transforming Seniors’ Care—A Roadmap for Creating Healthy Ageing Community Hubs in Ontario

By Davina Yawson • June 13, 2025

With Ontario’s senior population expected to nearly double by 2046, the need for coordinated, community-based care has never been more urgent. OCSA’s latest policy paper outlines a practical roadmap for scaling Healthy Ageing Community Hubs—integrated models that deliver health, social, and housing supports to help older adults age safely at home. The paper identifies six key policy recommendations: integrated and flexible funding, expansion of existing models, streamlined regulation, digital health integration, empowered local leadership, and province-wide service mapping. These hubs are already demonstrating improved outcomes—from reduced hospital use to higher client satisfaction—but scaling them requires system-level action. This paper is a call to policymakers, health system leaders, and community organizations to build on what works.

Lori Holloway Appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Community Support Association

By Karla Sealy • May 30, 2025

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