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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ONTARIO, October 1, 2026 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is marking the start of Community Support Month, recognizing the essential services, and the people behind them, that help Ontarians live safely, independently and connected at home and in their communities. This year’s theme, “Community First: Celebrating the people and services that make care at home possible,” highlights the role of community support in helping people live, recover and age in the places they know and where they feel they belong. Across Ontario, not-for-profit organizations provide services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day programs, assisted living and supportive housing, respite, homemaking, friendly visiting and hospice care. These services support independence and quality of life, help caregivers, and enable people to live safely at home for longer. They also strengthen the health system by helping prevent avoidable emergency department visits and hospital admissions, delaying or avoiding the need for long-term care, and supporting safe transitions home after a hospital stay. “Care at home is made possible by a network of people and services working together every day,” said Lori Holloway, CEO of OCSA. “Community Support Month is an opportunity to recognize that work and the difference it makes for individuals, families and communities across Ontario. It is also a reminder that strong community support is essential to a strong health system.” Community support organizations are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Staff, volunteers and partners respond to local needs, helping older adults and people with disabilities access practical assistance, social connection and ongoing support. As demand grows and people’s needs become more complex, these organizations face increasing pressures related to funding and workforce capacity. Recognizing their contribution also means supporting their ability to continue delivering the services people rely on. Throughout October, OCSA is encouraging member organizations, community partners and Ontarians to celebrate community support by sharing stories, recognizing staff and volunteers, and highlighting the impact of services delivered at home and close to home. “Behind every meal delivered, ride provided or opportunity for connection are people who make community care possible,” added Holloway. “This month, we celebrate their dedication and invite Ontarians to learn more about the services helping people remain independent, supported and connected.” OCSA invites the public to join the conversation using #CSM2026 and learn more at www.ocsa.on.ca . 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.
September, 2026 - Meals on Wheels Ontario is excited to partner with the LCBO on a province-wide fundraising campaign to support food security for seniors and people with disabilities across Ontario. Customers can purchase a reusable LCBO and Meals on Wheels tote bag, designed by Ontario artist Sarah Farquhar, at participating LCBO stores and online . 100% of proceeds from the tote bag campaign will be donated to Meals on Wheels Ontario to provide meals to seniors and people with disabilities. Funds raised through the campaign will help support clients experiencing financial hardship and help reduce barriers to accessing nutritious meals. Looking for a tote bag? Find a participating LCBO store near you. You can also purchase a tote bag online through LCBO. Share your support Picked up a tote bag? We’d love to see it! Share a photo of your tote bag on social media and tag Ontario Community Support Association so we can see and share your campaign moments. See more at MOW and LCBO Tote Campaign | Meals on Wheels | ON
