PSW Wage Enhancement Funds are Needed Immediately
TORONTO, October 8, 2021 -The temporary wage enhancement announced by the government on June 11, 2021, was a welcome relief for frontline Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and providers in the home and community sector. As a sector however, we remain concerned that this funding has not yet been released and the burden it places on cash strapped providers.
As of August 23rd, there was another announced extension of the temporary wage enhancement to October 31st but the June funding has not been released.
“It is astounding that given the incredible work by our frontline staff and the importance that this enhancement is to our sector, that there would not be a timely administration of funds” says Deborah Simon, CEO of the Ontario Community Support Association. “Some of our agencies simply do not have the resources to provide this level of cash flow for their PSWs and as a result, some have had to temporarily halt paying the enhancement.” says Simon.
The home and community care sector is in crisis due to lack of investments, significant shortages of PSWs due to compensation, and a lack of inclusion in government incentives for the sector. The cash outlay to provide this enhancement in many cases exceeds the funding available in many organizations.
“Candidly, what these workers need is a permanent increase but these drastic delays in administering temporary funds is unacceptable. The government must immediately ensure these past funds are approved and transferred as required and ensure the October 31st extension funding is appropriately managed” says Simon.
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, March 27, 2026 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) welcomes the Ontario government’s continued investment in home care and community support services as part of the 2026 provincial budget. Building on recent commitments, this investment signals a sustained shift toward strengthening care in the home and community as a central pillar of Ontario’s health system. As demand continues to grow—driven by an aging population, increasing caregiver strain, and sustained pressure across hospitals and long-term care—expanding access to care outside of institutions is critical to improving system flow and long term sustainability. “We are listening closely to what Ontarians are telling us—and so is the government,” said Lori Holloway, CEO of OCSA. “People want to receive care at home and in their communities, surrounded by the people and supports that matter most. This investment reflects that reality and moves us further toward a system designed around where people actually want and need care.” Home care and community support services each play distinct but complementary roles. Home care provides essential clinical and personal care in the home, while community support services focus on prevention, independence, and quality of life through programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day programs, and caregiver respite. Together, they form the foundation of a modern, community-based care system that helps people remain at home longer while reducing avoidable hospital use and delaying or preventing long-term care placement. This level of sustained investment has the potential to significantly expand access to care at home, strengthen community capacity, and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the province—while supporting a more balanced and sustainable health system overall. OCSA is committed to working with government and system partners to ensure these investments translate into real improvements in access, stronger community supports, and measurable impact for Ontarians. About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association represents more than 200 not-for-profit organizations providing home care and community support services across the province. OCSA members deliver essential services that help people live independently, age at home, and reduce pressure on hospitals and long-term care. 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
Province-wide campaign highlights Meals on Wheels as essential to community care
Ontario relies on community health workers every day to treat illness, support mental health, provide care at home, help people live independently, and keep families well, and in many cases, they provide this care 24/7. They care for people of all ages and backgrounds, often with highly complex needs, and they are essential to achieving a sustainable and high performing healthcare system. Closing the wage gap is not simply about fairness; it is about protecting access to care, reducing system pressure, and ensuring Ontario ’ s healthcare investments deliver maximum impact. The ten provincial community health associations are committed to working collaboratively with the government to build a stable, sustainable community health workforce, which supports a stable and sustainable healthcare system, a goal we all share.
