OCSA Statement - National Indigenous Peoples Day 2023

Today, OCSA acknowledges National Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous History Month – an important time to recognize the extraordinary histories and cultures of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have called Canada home for many centuries.

June 21st was first named National Aboriginal Day in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc. This date was selected in part due to the significance of summer solstice in Indigenous culture, and was renamed National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2018 to align with government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation.

As one of Ontario’s preeminent healthcare advocacy organizations, OCSA is greatly concerned with the inequitable health disparities experienced by Indigenous Canadians, due in part to increased rates of poverty and food insecurity, as well as a lack of employment opportunities and suitable housing1. More needs to be done to ensure that Indigenous Canadians have equitable access to quality healthcare services, and that those services are developed and delivered in consultation with Indigenous communities to ensure that they are in sync with cultural values.

“Today, we recognize the incredible work of our Indigenous health and community care members and partners, and thank them for providing such critical community health supports to some of Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens,” says Deborah Simon, OCSA CEO. “Delivering community healthcare is challenging in the best of times, never mind in a time when we have a rapidly aging population, profound staffing and funding challenges, and institutional racism to contend with. I hope that Indigenous health and community care organizations will consider OCSA an ally and invite them to reach out to us should we be able to support their advocacy efforts for improved HCC funding and services for their communities.”

To expand your knowledge about National Indigenous Peoples Day and about the history, heritage, and resilience of Indigenous cultures across Canada, please visit these links:

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (PDF) - https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. (English only) https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html

Indigenous Perspectives Education Guide (Historica Canada) - http://education.historicacanada.ca/en/tools/493

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 information requests please contact:
Rhiana Alfadili – Communications Manager
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 ext. 219
rhiana.alfadili@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

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

Celebrating PSW Day 2025

By Karla Sealy • May 21, 2025

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.