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 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
Voter support strongly linked to party policies on Home and Community Care
Calls on all candidates to pledge to support home and community care
CONTACT US
180 Dundas St. W., Suite 1400-B,Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8
416-256-3010 | 1-800-267-OCSA
info@ocsa.on.ca
Charitable Registration #:
13426 9505 RR0001
HOURS
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INFORMATION
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.
