OCSA Statement on Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review
Toronto, Nov 4, 2021
- Today, the Ontario Government released the Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: titled “Build Ontario,” which made a commitment to invest $548.5 million over three years in the home and community care sector. A news release of the 2021 Fall Economic Statement can be read here.
This investment will expand home care and community care services, support additional staff including personal support workers and connect patients to the services they require. $61 million was also committed to expand home care services to enable the transition of patients recovering from surgeries or living with complex conditions from hospitals back into their homes. It is our understanding from communication with the Ministry of Health, there will be further investments to come for community support services (CSS). This is welcome news to OCSA and a serious step in the right direction.
The Economic statement also included a WeRPN Bridging Program. Through this program, Ontario is adding 900 registered nurses (RNs) and 700 registered practical nurses (RPNs) to increase nursing capacity to the home and community care sector. The program is upskilling personal support workers to registered practical nurses, and registered practical nurses to registered nurses.
“We appreciate the Ontario government’s willingness to invest in home and community care and launch a bridging program to recruit more RNs and RPNs,” said Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association. “Over one million people receive home community care services, and the need is growing. This funding will help enable individuals to receive care at home and in their community which is where Ontarians want to be. However, more must be done to address wage disparities in our sector.”
The health care system is experiencing a dire staffing shortage and the bridging program will support bringing more RPNs and RNs into the home and community care sector. We appreciate the dedicated investment in the Economic Statement to our sector, however, the challenge remains, due to Bill 124, that these investments cannot go into wages beyond one per cent. As we have noted on several occasions, the challenge remains that PSWs and Nurses in the home and community care are the lowest paid in the entire health system. Our sector is experiencing a significant shortage of PSWs and has lost over 3,000 nurses.
This alarming attrition rate of staff is due to these compensation disparities, and organizational capped salaries due to Bill 124, Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, which restricts providers from increasing salaries beyond a one per cent annual pay increase. Both have made recruitment and retention of home and community care staff extremely difficult.
We are pleased to see investment for the sector but will continue to stress to government that without appropriate staffing in our sector, pressure on Long-Term Care will increase as well as our ability to clear hospital post-surgical backlogs. Achieving wage parity for our sector is critical.
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.
To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Janice Bedore
Executive Assistant
416-256-3010
1-800-267-6272, ext. 224
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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
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
