Toronto, March 26, 2024 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) commends Ontario for its significant investment in the Home and Community Care sector. This important allocation will go towards improving the compensation of our dedicated workforce and bolster the organizational capacity of home care and community support organizations, ensuring that Ontarians continue to receive high quality services in their homes and in their communities. 

OCSA recognizes the importance of such investments in improving the effectiveness of organizations dedicated to home and community care.  Currently, PSWs working in home and community care still earn 19% less than those working in hospitals and 9% less than those in long-term care. This critical funding helps to narrow the compensation gap between the Home and Community Care sector and other areas of health, signaling the essential role of this sector in the wider health system. 

"We applaud the province for recognizing the significance of investing in our sector," said Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. "This allocation takes a first step in improving the livelihoods of workers in home and community care and positively affects the lives of over one million Ontarians who rely on our services." 

OCSA looks forward to continued collaboration with the provincial government to ensure future investments into the sector and that this year’s investments translate into tangible improvements in service delivery, workforce development, and client outcomes. Our association has been advocating for wage enhancements for many years, and it is highly encouraging to see government making progress on this critical issue. 

About OCSA 

The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services to over one million Ontarians. Our members help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These proactive 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 or @OCSATweets. 

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Karla Sealy (she/her) 

Manager of Communications 

416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext. 242 

karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca