Ontarians Want More Investment in Home and Community Care, New Poll Finds

Voter support strongly linked to party policies on Home and Community Care

ONTARIO, Feb. 24, 2025 - A new public opinion survey reveals that Ontarians almost universally support increased investment in home and community care, reinforcing the urgent need for provincial candidates to prioritize these services in the upcoming Ontario election.

The survey, completed by Probe Research/JS Insights for the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA), found that 97% of respondents believe it is very important or important for the Ontario government to continue investing in home and community care to help seniors and people with disabilities live independently. Additionally, a strong majority indicated that a candidate's commitment to strengthening these services will influence their vote.

"Home and Community Care is essential for all Ontarians," said Deborah Simon, CEO at OCSA. "Whether it's supporting an aging parent, assisting a loved one recovering from surgery, or caring for a child with complex needs, these services impact everyone. The message from voters is clear: Ontarians want a health system that prioritizes home and community care, and they will cast their ballots accordingly. With an aging population and rising healthcare demands, people expect their government to support cost-effective, patient-centered care that allows individuals to remain in their homes and communities."

Key findings from the survey include:

Almost 100% of Ontarians (97%) say it is very important for the government to continue investing in home and community care.
2 in 3 voters say a party's stance on home and community care will strongly or somewhat influence their vote.
88% of respondents believe that increasing funding for home and community care will reduce the number of people using hospitals and long-term care homes.
Almost 9 in 10 Ontarians (88%) believe the government should increase wages for home and community care workers to match those in hospitals.

The results show strong support for OCSA's two key election campaign pledges – expanding services and closing the wage gap. As part of this campaign, OCSA urges Ontarians to ask candidates about their commitment to home and community care and to support policies that strengthen these essential services. The campaign, outlined at www.ocsa.on.ca/ontario-election-2025, emphasizes that everyone needs home and community care and that investing in the sector is a cost-effective way to support the province's most vulnerable populations while reducing pressure on hospitals and long-term care facilities.

"With the election a few days away, we call on all candidates to recognize the public's overwhelming support for home and community care and commit to concrete action," added Deborah Simon. "Ontarians will vote for home and community care, and they expect leadership that will deliver the care where people want it most – at home and in their community."

For more information, visit www.ocsa.on.ca

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 that 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

More Updates

Ontario Community Support Association Welcomes $1.1 Billion Investment in Home Care Announced in Fall Economic Statement

By Davina Yawson • November 7, 2025

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) welcomes the Government of Ontario’s announcement in the 2025 Fall Economic Statement of a $1.1 billion investment to protect and expand home care services. This significant commitment demonstrates government’s recognition of the vital role that home and community care plays in the province’s healthcare system. “The Ontario Community Support Association welcomes this significant investment in home care. Previous funding commitments have helped stabilize the sector, supporting a measurable reduction in staff turnover and fewer missed care visits. These improvements mean more Ontarians are receiving the care they need, when and where they need it. We encourage the government to continue to invest in programs like Hospital to Home and organizations that bring together home care, community support, and independent living services, which are essential to building a system that keeps people healthy, connected, and cared for at home.” — Lori Holloway, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Community Support Association As the province looks ahead, OCSA stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and system partners to advance innovative models that integrate home care, community support, and independent living services. Together, these efforts will help build a sustainable, connected system that keeps people healthy and cared for at home. About the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) OCSA represents the full spectrum of organizations that deliver home and community support services across Ontario, helping people live independently and with dignity where they want to be—at home. Through advocacy, research, and member collaboration, OCSA works to strengthen the sector and build a more connected, person-centered health system. Media Contact: Karla Sealy Ontario Community Support Association Email: karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca Website: www.ocsa.on.ca

OCSA releases new policy paper: Transforming Seniors’ Care—A Roadmap for Creating Healthy Ageing Community Hubs in Ontario

By Davina Yawson • June 13, 2025

With Ontario’s senior population expected to nearly double by 2046, the need for coordinated, community-based care has never been more urgent. OCSA’s latest policy paper outlines a practical roadmap for scaling Healthy Ageing Community Hubs—integrated models that deliver health, social, and housing supports to help older adults age safely at home. The paper identifies six key policy recommendations: integrated and flexible funding, expansion of existing models, streamlined regulation, digital health integration, empowered local leadership, and province-wide service mapping. These hubs are already demonstrating improved outcomes—from reduced hospital use to higher client satisfaction—but scaling them requires system-level action. This paper is a call to policymakers, health system leaders, and community organizations to build on what works.

Lori Holloway Appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Community Support Association

By Karla Sealy • May 30, 2025

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