Comments on Proposed Regulations to Modernize the Legislative Framework for Home and Community Care
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Toronto - July 29, 2020 - As Bill 175 has now received Royal Assent, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is pleased to provide additional feedback to the province on the development of the new regulations to govern the home and community care sector.
As we called for during our presentation to the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs, the province must continue to collaborate with the sector on the development of the proposed regulations and policies. As an association, our support is contingent on the province actively collaborating with the sector and adopting an open and transparent engagement process. Our statement and recommendations on Bill 175 can be found here.
This document provides feedback on the 14 proposals contained in Appendix A, “Modernizing the Legislative Framework for Home and Community Care,” published by the Ministry of Health on the regulatory registry found here.
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.
Overall, OCSA supports adopting a more patient-focused regulatory system for the sector. Our support of these proposed regulations is contingent on the province actively collaborating with the sector on the detailed regulations through an open and transparent engagement process going forward.
We welcome the clarification in differentiating “community support services” (CSS) from community services. There are many types organizations across several sectors that define themselves as “community services.” The sector will benefit from a clearer distinction of community support services.
We would also like to highlight that the proposed regulations outline a new regulatory framework to maintain the current model of community support service delivery by not-for-profit organizations as well as the continued delivery of home care services by not-for-profit organizations. This important inclusion of not-for-profit services is critical to leverage the important contribution of community volunteers in the delivery of care and active community engagement and governance. OCSA strongly supports this inclusion and our overall support of the regulatory changes is contingent on the inclusion of this requirement.
For our detailed feedback, download our full document, "Comments on Proposed Regulations to Modernize the Legislative Framework for Home and Community Care," (PDF).
About OCSA
Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 240 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.
If you have further questions or comments, please contact:
Deborah Simon
CEO
Deborah.simon@ocsa.on.ca
416-256-3010 ext. 231
Or
Patrick Boily
Director of Policy
Patrick.boily@ocsa.on.ca
416-256-3010 ext. 228
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ONTARIO, March 1, 2025 - This March, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is proud to stand with communities across Ontario in support of March for Meals, an annual campaign highlighting the essential role of Meals on Wheels programs. Delivered in 181 communities across the province, these programs provide nutritious meals, social connection, and safety checks for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of belairdirect, encourages Ontarians to show their support for March for Meals and the local Meals on Wheels programs that serve their communities. Together, these programs deliver over 3 million meals annually and provide vital assistance to nearly 70,000 Ontarians. As the demand for nutritious and affordable meals grows, so too do the challenges faced by local programs—including underfunding and volunteer shortages. Now more than ever, community support is essential to ensuring these programs continue to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. “Meals on Wheels programs are a cornerstone of home and community care in Ontario, ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities have access to healthy meals, social connection, and safety checks,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “However, these programs face growing demand and funding challenges. March for Meals is an opportunity for all Ontarians to rally around these essential services and support their sustainability so that no one is left behind.” During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will host special events, engage local officials, and encourage community participation to raise awareness and support for these critical services. OCSA invites Ontarians to learn more about the impact of Meals on Wheels and explore ways to get involved. For more information on March for Meals and how you can support your local Meals on Wheels program, visit Meals on Wheels Ontario . 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
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OCSA is being hosted on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13, signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
