OCSA Statement on Bill 175 Proceeding to Committee During COVID-19
OCSA Analysis and Statement on Bill 175
The province had actively engaged the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) on the development of a new legislative framework for the home and community care sector, which led to the introduction of Bill 175 and the associated proposed regulation summary on February 25, 2020. OCSA had been supportive of the approach for developing Bill 175 and the province’s plan to modernize the sector. However, COVID19 has halted sector consultations on Bill 175 and the proposed regulations.
In the past number of months, the sector has been solely focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting and delivering services that enable frail seniors and adult with physical disabilities safely isolate and stay healthy during COVID-19. This is why OCSA believes that there is no need to hastily move the bill through the legislative process until further engagement with the sector. At present, OCSA strongly believes that the timing is not right to move forward with this legislation.
COVID-19 has had a great impact on the health sector and has fundamentally changed how services are delivered across the entire health sector. The passing of Bill 175 should be delayed until the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, which would enable the sector to better understand and incorporate key learnings from the pandemic response.
OCSA is calling on government to consult the sector about the lessons learned from COVID-19 in order to ensure a successful transformation of the home and community care sector for clients, providers and front-line staff. Our support of this legislation and associated regulations is contingent on open and transparent collaboration between government, the home and community care sector and other stakeholders. The recent pandemic is a great opportunity for us to learn, adapt and create resilient and sustainable systems for the future. We must make the most of this opportunity.
Summary of OCSA’s Analysis of Bill 175 and the Proposed Regulatory Framework
for the Modernization of the Home and Community Care Sector
At present, the Home Care and Community Services Act, 1994 (HCCSA) and associated regulations govern the home and community care sector. Much of the clinical and service delivery requirements in home and community care are set out in legislation and regulation as opposed to regulation and policy as is the case in other health sectors. Bill 175 proposes to repeal the HCCSA and establish the Connecting Care Act, 2019 (CCA), associated regulations and policy as the oversight framework to govern the sector. This proposal would shift the clinical and service delivery requirements from legislation to regulation and policy.
Overall, OCSA supports adopting a more patient focused regulatory system for the sector. Bill 175 moves away from rigid legislation that directs clinical services – such as service maximums and the need for client assessments –towards services that are more current and reflective of client need.
Summary of Recommendations
Bill 175
- Require Ontario Health Board meetings to be open to the public.
- Carry over the exemption from the Public Vehicles Act for transportation services funded by the Ministry of Health.
Bill 175
- Enshrine the principle that client fees should not be a barrier to accessing care in regulation.
- Develop a provincial framework for care coordination in order to ensure quality and consistency.
- Leverage existing care coordination resources to enhance front-line care and focus care coordination on those who need it most.
- Develop a clear and consistent policy framework to ensure an equitable and client focused approach to address the removal of service maximums.
- Offer support and resources for organizations, especially small organizations, that would be impacted by their designation as Health Information Custodians.
- Prescribe through regulation qualification standards and requirements for being a home and community care health service provider.
- Establish procurement guidelines for contracting services which include a preference for not-for-profit providers with a history of high-quality service.
- Do not proceed with the addition of public hospitals as a location of service for home and community care until comprehensive engagement with both the home and community care sector and the hospital sector is completed.
- Consult extensively with the sector before moving forward on the development of new regulations for residential congregate care settings.
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Ontario, Canada — April 1, 2026 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society (Ontario SPCA) are launching a new partnership to support seniors and their pets by delivering pet food alongside Meals on Wheels deliveries. This collaboration brings together community support providers and animal welfare services to address a practical challenge faced by many older adults—accessing pet food due to limited mobility, fixed incomes, or transportation barriers. By leveraging existing Meals on Wheels routes, volunteers can now also deliver pet supplies donated by the Ontario SPCA during their regular visits. The initiative is being introduced through an initial pilot with a small group of participating providers, including Meals on Wheels Sudbury, and Meals on Wheels Cornwall, which has already completed its first pet food deliveries to local seniors. “Meals on Wheels programs do far more than deliver food, they are a vital connection point into the community,” said Lori Holloway, CEO of OCSA. “This partnership reflects how organizations can work together to respond to real, everyday challenges seniors face. It’s a practical example of how community-based care supports the whole person, not just clinical needs.” “Pets are family, and we know the positive impact they have on people’s mental and emotional health,” said Jennifer Bluhm, VP, Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “This partnership helps remove barriers so seniors can continue to enjoy the companionship of their pets.” The program is already making an impact at the community level, with local providers seeing firsthand how small supports can improve quality of life for clients. “Pets can play a powerful role in reducing the isolation many seniors experience,” said Tammi Lear, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels Sudbury. “Meals on Wheels Sudbury is excited to partner with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society to help keep our seniors healthy, connected, and able to remain in their homes with their pets.” “Meals on Wheels Cornwall is proud to be the first organization to pilot this program with the Ontario SPCA,” said Andree-Ann Morin, Meals on Wheels Coordinator, Glen Stor Dun Lodge. “This pilot program recognizes that food security doesn’t stop with the individual — it includes the pets who bring comfort and companionship. Thanks to the Ontario SPCA, we’ve already been able to help clients who were struggling with the cost, access, and special dietary needs of their pets. Even with just a few clients so far, we’ve seen how removing this worry can improve overall wellbeing.” Evidence shows that pets can reduce loneliness and support mental well-being among older adults. Small, practical supports like this can play an important role in maintaining health, preventing more complex needs over time, and improving client outcomes. This new partnership demonstrates the potential of cross-sector collaboration to better support seniors aging at home, while strengthening connections between health, community, and social supports. OCSA and the Ontario SPCA will continue working together to explore opportunities to expand the program with additional community partners across Ontario. Media Contact: Karla Sealy Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca 416-256-3010 / 1-800-267-6272 ext. 242 About the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is the leading voice for home and community care in Ontario, representing hundreds of not-for-profit organizations delivering both home care and community support services across the province. OCSA members provide essential services including nursing, personal support and therapies; Meals on Wheels, transportation, caregiver supports, and other programs that help people remain safely in their homes and communities. Serving over one million Ontarians each year, OCSA works with government and system partners to advance integrated, community-based care as a cornerstone of a sustainable health system. About the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been operating for more than 150 years. The organization provides care, comfort, and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario, and works to keep pets and people together through a variety of community support services, education, and animal wellness initiatives.
Ontario, March 27, 2026 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) welcomes the Ontario government’s continued investment in home care and community support services as part of the 2026 provincial budget. Building on recent commitments, this investment signals a sustained shift toward strengthening care in the home and community as a central pillar of Ontario’s health system. As demand continues to grow—driven by an aging population, increasing caregiver strain, and sustained pressure across hospitals and long-term care—expanding access to care outside of institutions is critical to improving system flow and long term sustainability. “We are listening closely to what Ontarians are telling us—and so is the government,” said Lori Holloway, CEO of OCSA. “People want to receive care at home and in their communities, surrounded by the people and supports that matter most. This investment reflects that reality and moves us further toward a system designed around where people actually want and need care.” Home care and community support services each play distinct but complementary roles. Home care provides essential clinical and personal care in the home, while community support services focus on prevention, independence, and quality of life through programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day programs, and caregiver respite. Together, they form the foundation of a modern, community-based care system that helps people remain at home longer while reducing avoidable hospital use and delaying or preventing long-term care placement. This level of sustained investment has the potential to significantly expand access to care at home, strengthen community capacity, and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the province—while supporting a more balanced and sustainable health system overall. OCSA is committed to working with government and system partners to ensure these investments translate into real improvements in access, stronger community supports, and measurable impact for Ontarians. About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association represents more than 200 not-for-profit organizations providing home care and community support services across the province. OCSA members deliver essential services that help people live independently, age at home, and reduce pressure on hospitals and long-term care. 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
Province-wide campaign highlights Meals on Wheels as essential to community care
