Blog Archives

Strengthening the Early Years Workforce in Windsor-Essex: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Recruitment and Retention

by Tricia Brisebois | July 2025

OMSSA is featuring several 2024 Local Municipal Champion award recipients and their work in the Knowledge Exchange Blog. Please read this entry from the City of Windsor.

Across Ontario, the recruitment and retention of high-quality professionals in the child care and early years sector has become a challenge. Since 2022, the province has taken important steps to address this issue by funding locally developed community initiatives aimed at sustaining the current workforce, improving access to professional development, and attracting new recruits to the field. In Windsor-Essex, we embraced this opportunity by implementing a comprehensive, community-driven strategy designed to achieve long-term impact and meet the evolving needs of our region.

Municipal Policy Tools for Affordable Housing

by Sarah Laisney | July 2025

Canada’s housing and homelessness crisis has greatly impacted renters – in particular those living on lower incomes – resulting in an increase in the number of renters in core housing need, meaning that their housing is unaffordable, in need of major repairs, and/or overcrowded. For the majority of renters, affordability is the primary challenge. The loss of affordable housing options and government retreat from the development and regulation of affordable housing has resulted in an increase in homelessness and housing insecurity across the country.

Access to Integrated Care in Couchiching: A Partnership Between the County of Simcoe Ontario Works and Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital

by Andrew Scavarelli and Melanie Moore | June 2025

OMSSA is featuring several 2024 Local Municipal Champion award recipients and their work in the Knowledge Exchange Blog. Please read this entry from the County of Simcoe and Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

In the heart of Simcoe County, during a time of ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic response, a transformative partnership emerged between the County of Simcoe Ontario Works Division and Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH). This collaboration was born out of urgency as an innovative opportunity to support our vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness, and unattached patients in the community, aiming to increase access to care in the right place, outside of the emergency department. This blog post delves into the innovative strategies and tangible benefits of this partnership, highlighting how it has significantly improved health outcomes and set a precedent for integrated human services.

Ontario’s Trade Dispute Fallout: A Call to Support Urban Indigenous Communities

by The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) | June 2025

The ongoing trade dispute with the United States is reshaping Ontario’s economy in profound ways. Economists are warning of a troubling mix of inflation and recession. As this crisis deepens, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) is calling on all levels of government to include Indigenous voices – including the OFIFC and its network of Friendship Centres – in economic planning and to make strategic investments that prevent further hardship in urban Indigenous communities.

Federal Government Releases Throne Speech

by Darryl Wolk | May 2025

His Majesty King Charles III arrived in Ottawa, along with Queen Camilla, to open the 45th Parliament of Canada with a Speech from the Throne. The speech is intended to set the tone and direction of the Federal Government for the legislative session ahead.

Read more about OMSSA’s observations and comments on the Throne Speech.

Expanding Access to Essential Services in Peel Region

by Jabari Lindsay | May 2025

OMSSA is featuring several 2024 Local Municipal Champion award recipients and their work in the Knowledge Exchange Blog. Please read this entry from Peel Region.

In Peel Region, our Human Services Department is comprised of five individual divisions each with dedicated mandates and services. The Income and Social Supports (ISS) and the Social Development, Planning and Partnership (SDPP) divisions are two of the distinct services available to support Peel residents. As a part of ISS’ stability support service delivery, a review of Ontario Works client needs, barriers and goals was completed to identify key priority areas to be addressed. Together, we co-designed and launched two impactful program funds: the Wellness Response and Assistance Program (WRAP) and Digital Literacy Programs.

Ontario Releases 2025 Provincial Budget

by Darryl Wolk | May 2025

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2025-26 Ontario Provincial Budget titled "2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario." The document revises economic growth projections downward and this year's deficit projection upward from earlier projections in...

Prime Minister Selects New Federal Cabinet

by Darryl Wolk | May 2025

Prime Minister Carney revealed his Cabinet after winning the 2025 Canadian Federal Election. He has signaled the top priorities of his Cabinet will be to reduce inter-provincial trade barriers and introduce a middle-class tax cut ahead of Canada Day. Tariffs and the...

Collaborating to Tackle Homelessness in Ontario with Data

by Michael Jacek, Adrienne Jugley, Fern Dominelli | May 2025

Ontario is at a tipping point in its homelessness crisis. This is the stark conclusion drawn from a recent groundbreaking study outlined in the report “Municipalities Under Pressure: The Human and Financial Cost of Homelessness in Ontario.” Released in January 2025, it revealed the unprecedented and growing costs of homelessness to individuals, families, communities, and governments, and charts a collective path forward.

Before this ambitious research study, comprehensive profile of the current and future state of homelessness in Ontario did not exist. As well, there was not a comprehensive assessment of need, identification of the solutions required and cost estimates of what it would take to end chronic homelessness. The research is underpinning continuing policy and advocacy efforts for OMSSA, NOSDA and AMO. The report will serve as a platform for conversations with the provincial government and has gained traction throughout the sector and in the media.

Simplifying Access to Benefits Helps With Not Only Financial Health, but Mental Well-Being Too

by Katharine Reid, Prosper Canada | May 2025

There is a profound and inseparable relationship between financial health and mental well-being. In order to improve one, we need to support the other. That’s why financial counselling, resources and tools are an essential part of improving financial well-being—and ultimately supporting more positive mental health outcomes. Prosper Canada’s mission is to ensure that Canadians living with low income have access to much needed financial support systems.

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