OCSA Statement - Mandatory Vaccinations
OCSA strongly supports and encourages the mandatory vaccination of all health team members to help keep Ontarians safe. The Ontario Government’s Directive 6, mandating a vaccination process among higher risk settings, was a positive first step. However, OCSA believes we need to go beyond the Directive to protect clients and patients in our care.
It is critically important that as a health care system, we have consistent vaccination policies across all sectors. We are aligning with Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS) and other health associations and institutions in our assertion that all health team members, which includes home and community care workers, should be mandated for vaccination, except for those who have a medical or human rights exemption. We support a transitional approach to these vaccination policies from the current Directive 6 mandate.
This approach provides the safest layer of protection for clients and patients across the health care system for the prevention of COVID-19.
The home and community care sector has long helped to keep vulnerable Ontarians safe at home. We have applied strong Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures to protect workers, clients, patients, and caregivers which has resulted in our sector having the lowest rates of virus transmission in the health care system. However, all health settings must take further steps. Vaccination is critical to continuing to protect the most vulnerable against COVID-19.
We call on our government funders and referral sources to support direction across all health sectors and to work collaboratively with our providers to mitigate any capacity challenges as we work through the next phases of implementation. OCSA will work closely with the provincial government to ensure that we serve the needs of vulnerable Ontarians receiving care at home and in their community.
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 http://www.ocsa.on.ca and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets
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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.
OCSA Launches New Campaign Empowering Ontarians to Call for More Support for Home and Community Care
Against the backdrop of uncertain times, Ontarians need and want more access to these services
ONTARIO, March 1, 2025 - This March, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is proud to stand with communities across Ontario in support of March for Meals, an annual campaign highlighting the essential role of Meals on Wheels programs. Delivered in 181 communities across the province, these programs provide nutritious meals, social connection, and safety checks for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of belairdirect, encourages Ontarians to show their support for March for Meals and the local Meals on Wheels programs that serve their communities. Together, these programs deliver over 3 million meals annually and provide vital assistance to nearly 70,000 Ontarians. As the demand for nutritious and affordable meals grows, so too do the challenges faced by local programs—including underfunding and volunteer shortages. Now more than ever, community support is essential to ensuring these programs continue to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. “Meals on Wheels programs are a cornerstone of home and community care in Ontario, ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities have access to healthy meals, social connection, and safety checks,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “However, these programs face growing demand and funding challenges. March for Meals is an opportunity for all Ontarians to rally around these essential services and support their sustainability so that no one is left behind.” During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will host special events, engage local officials, and encourage community participation to raise awareness and support for these critical services. OCSA invites Ontarians to learn more about the impact of Meals on Wheels and explore ways to get involved. For more information on March for Meals and how you can support your local Meals on Wheels program, visit Meals on Wheels Ontario . 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 that 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
