OCSA urges federal and provincial governments to reach agreement on home and community care funding

Renewed federal investments must protect gains in home care and address growing gaps in community support services

TORONTO, October 13, 2026 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is joining provincial and territorial health ministers in calling on the federal government to renew targeted health care funding and reach an agreement that protects investments in home care while expanding support for community support services.

With $1.2 billion in annual federal funding for home and community care scheduled to expire in March 2027, OCSA is calling for a renewed federal commitment to support the growing number of Canadians who need care at home.

"Federal investments in home care have delivered real results for Ontarians, helping more people receive care in their homes and communities," said Lori Holloway, CEO, OCSA. "We cannot afford to lose that progress. We need governments to reach an agreement that protects these investments while addressing the growing demand for care."

OCSA's analysis of previous investments in workforce compensation and care-delivery infrastructure found that PSW turnover declined by 38%, helping retain more than 1,000 workers. Providers also added 1,400 new PSWs, delivering an additional 1.8 million hours of care and preventing more than 1.5 million missed personal support and nursing visits.

Despite these gains, workforce shortages, wage disparities and growing demand continue to put pressure on providers.

OCSA is also calling on governments to address a significant gap in existing federal funding: community support services.

These services include Meals on Wheels, transportation to medical appointments, adult day programs, caregiver respite, homemaking and assisted living. They help seniors and people with disabilities remain independent at home while reducing pressure on hospitals and long-term care.

National Institute on Ageing research highlights the scale of unmet need. Applying its findings to Ontario suggests approximately 135,000 people may face significant unmet need for community support services.

OCSA estimates Ontario would need to increase community support services funding by almost $300 million over the next five years simply to maintain current service levels as the population ages. Beginning to address existing unmet need could require approximately 40% more annual service capacity by 2031, before accounting for inflation and wage pressures.

"Home and community care is about more than nursing and personal support," said Lori Holloway. "It's also the meal delivered to a senior's door, transportation to a medical appointment and respite for a family caregiver. These services are essential to keeping people healthy and independent, but they have largely been overlooked in targeted federal funding."

OCSA is urging governments to reach an agreement that includes two commitments:

1. Renew targeted federal home care funding to protect gains in workforce stability, service capacity and access to care which decreases pressure elsewhere in the health care system.

2. Establish dedicated, sustained federal funding for community support services to address unmet need and help more people remain at home.

"Ontario has committed significant new resources to home care, but the scale of the demographic challenge requires a continued federal partnership," added Lori Holloway. "Governments have an opportunity to protect what has been achieved and build the home and community care system."

About 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 that help people live safely and independently in their homes and communities. Serving more than one million Ontarians each year, OCSA members deliver nursing, personal support, therapies, Meals on Wheels, transportation, caregiver supports, independent living services and other essential programs. OCSA strengthens the sector through advocacy, collaboration and capacity building, working with government and system partners to advance home and community care as a cornerstone of an integrated, sustainable health system.

Media contact

Karla Sealy

Manager, Advocacy, Policy and Community Engagement

Ontario Community Supports Association

E: karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca

416-256-3010

1-800-267-6272, ext. 242

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By Karla Sealy • October 1, 2026

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.