OCSA Statement on July 2021 Government Investment
OCSA Statement on July 2021 Government Investment Memo
DOWNLOAD STATEMENT HEREJuly 30, 2021
– OCSA is greatly disappointed by the recent memo
sent by Minister Elliott’s office regarding the release of additional funds for home and community care in Ontario. OCSA has been intensely lobbying government since the announcement of this year’s provincial budget, announced in March of 2021, which did not include any noted investment for the care of clients in our sector.
While we were successful in getting the government to invest $122.7 million as a year-over-year increase, we feel this level of investment has greatly missed the mark. Our pre-budget ask
requested nearly $600 million in order to meet the increasing demand for services for the populations we serve.
This level of investment is a lost opportunity by government to support caregivers and vulnerable Ontarians who have been struggling to press on during COVID-19.
OCSA will continue to hold government to their commitment that this is “a first step” towards supporting the sector. This includes making the increase included in the PSW Wage Enhancement permanent, to begin to work towards wage parity for PSWs
as well as addressing compensation for other essential frontline staff in the sector.
Without more funding, home and community care cannot continue to keep over one million Ontarians safe at home and help them avoid unnecessary placement in long-term care; we cannot continue to discharge patients safely from hospitals and avoid increasing hallway healthcare; we cannot continue to do more with less.
The home and community care sector is poised and ready to help address our health care system’s urgent priorities, but will need to be resourced appropriately in order to leverage these supports. OCSA will continue to advocate on behalf of the home and community care sector and work with government and our many sector partners to ensure that vulnerable Ontarians and their caregivers are supported as best as possible.
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 http://www.ocsa.on.ca and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets.
To arrange an interview and more information please contact:
Michele Vantrepote, Communications Manager, OCSA
416-256-3010 ext. 242
michele.vantrepote@ocsa.on.ca
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OCSA has partnered with Cowan Benefits™ as our preferred group benefits partner to help member organizations explore flexible, sustainable employee benefits solutions tailored to the community support and not-for-profit sectors. As the OASSIS program transitions, Cowan will provide OCSA members with expert guidance, dedicated support and flexible group benefits options designed to balance affordability, stability and employee wellbeing. Whether organizations are looking for comparable coverage, greater flexibility or a longer-term benefits strategy, Cowan will work with them to identify solutions that meet their needs and support a smooth transition.
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