OCSA recognizes National Nursing Week amid calls for a system wide health human resource plan

Toronto, Ontario – This National Nursing Week, May 9-15, the Ontario Community Support Association joins in recognizing the contributions of the registered nurses (RNs), registered practical nurses (RPNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) who provide support and care to Ontarians daily. 

“Over the course of the pandemic we have witnessed the extraordinary efforts of nurses, whether it be at home and in the community, in long-term care or in hospital,” says OCSA CEO, Deborah Simon, “This Nursing Week, we say thank you to all nurses for your commitment.”

The OCSA is also renewing their call for wage parity for nurses and other frontline positions in the home and community care sector as an important way to ensure staff retention. According to a recent OCSA membership survey from December 2020 and December 2021, there has been a 421% increase in vacant RN positions and 331% increase in vacant PSW positions in the home and community care sector. 

“Ontario needs a comprehensive health human resource strategy that includes funding for home and community care as part of the overall continuum of care in our province,” says Simon, “As we celebrate the tremendous efforts of nurses this week, we urge the province to build capacity across all sectors so that Ontarians have access to a high performing health care system and integrated care delivery.” 



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. 


For comments/queries please contact: 

Karla Sealy 

Communications Manager 

Ontario Community Support Association 

416-256-3010 ext. 242 

Karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca 

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