OCSA Statement - Ontario Fall Economic Statement 2021
November 16, 2021
The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is calling on the Ford Government to do more to support the more than one million vulnerable Ontarians relying on Community Support Services after the release of last week’s Fall Economic Statement which did not provide an investment for these important services.
The Ontario Government announced an injection of $548.5 million over three years specifically for the expansion of home care services to support client’s post-hospitalization. This funding is long overdue, and more is required to ensure that critical home care services can continue.
However, home and community care services can do more. While Ontario hospitals and long-term care homes are still under tremendous pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Support Services play a critical role in providing much needed support to the health care system by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and delaying admission into long-term care. These services include programs such as Meals on Wheels©, Adult Day Programs, Attendant Care services, assisted living and respite care that all allow vulnerable individuals to continue to live independently and safely in their homes and communities.
Like other parts of the health care system, Community Support Services have seen increased demand and increase costs due to the pandemic.
Community support services are provided by not-for-profit organizations whose mission is to support the most vulnerable in our society with services they are unable to access elsewhere. Without crucial new investments, many of these organizations will be left with financial deficits and no choice but to cut services, create waitlists or in some cases, increase client fees. OCSA urges the government to take immediate action to ensure community support providers also receive a necessary investment to continue to care for their clients, many of whom have nowhere else to turn.
The sector cannot retain and deploy adequate staff to meet the needs of clients without increased support from government - millions of Ontarians - seniors and people with disabilities across Ontario - depend on this service.
The OCSA is calling on the government to act urgently to address an impending crisis, leaving Ontarians with no support when they are most at risk. We will continue to stress to the government that without supporting the entire home and community care sector, pressure on long-term care will increase as well as the ability to clear hospital post-surgical backlogs.
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.
About Community Support Services
Community Support Services are an essential part of home and community care and include programs such as Meals on Wheels©, Adult Day Programs, Attendant Care services, assisted living and respite care. The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the importance of these supports, and the critical role they play in the health system.
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
