Blog

Expanding Access to Essential Services in Peel Region

Expanding Access to Essential Services in Peel Region

by | 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

Ontario Releases 2025 Provincial Budget

by | 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

Prime Minister Selects New Federal Cabinet

by | 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

Collaborating to Tackle Homelessness in Ontario with Data

by , , | 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

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

by | 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.

Embracing Compassionate Care: The County of Renfrew Mesa Initiative

Embracing Compassionate Care: The County of Renfrew Mesa Initiative

by | April 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 Renfrew.

In early 2024, the County of Renfrew launched a groundbreaking initiative centered around a collaborative approach to providing compassionate care in the community. This phased approach, named Mesa (pronounced “mey-suh”), embodies bold and compassionate work to address the root causes of homelessness, substance use, addictions, and mental health issues while fostering a resilient and healthier community for all residents of the County of Renfrew. This blog post explores the essence of Mesa, highlighting its innovative strategies and the profound impact it has on the community.

Cochrane District Services Board: Pilot Project to Support Client Access to Healthcare Practitioners

Cochrane District Services Board: Pilot Project to Support Client Access to Healthcare Practitioners

by | April 2025

In 2023, the Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) undertook a comprehensive analysis of its client demographic, revealing that 25% of its caseload had been on social assistance for five years or more. This deep dive into the reasons for the prolonged need for social assistance identified significant health barriers, including physical impairments, mental illnesses, and addiction issues, which impede clients’ success.

The data further showed that 57% of the clients on social assistance for more than five years may not have access to a healthcare practitioner. To address these challenges, CDSB launched a pilot project in 2024 aimed at enhancing client access to healthcare practitioners.

The Importance of Collaboration in the Human Services Sector – Learnings from CSWB in Halton

The Importance of Collaboration in the Human Services Sector – Learnings from CSWB in Halton

by | March 2025

Kendra Habing is the recipient of OMSSA’s 2024 OMSSA Young Leader Award. This award honours an individual 30 years or younger who has been recognized as a leader, created change, and strengthened leadership in their community. Kendra will be recognized at our 2025 Exchange Conference.

Today’s human services sectors face increasingly complex and dynamic challenges. Issues like mental health, homelessness, housing insecurity, and substance use require a multi-sector response that extends beyond the capacity of any single organization. To solve these challenging issues, upstream interventions are needed to prevent crisis in our communities.

The Halton Community Safety and Well-Being model is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when government, human services, and community partners come together with a shared vision. It reminds us that when we work collaboratively, we can do more together – leading to stronger, healthier, and safer communities for all.

Northumberland County Early Years Employment Initiative

Northumberland County Early Years Employment Initiative

by | March 2025

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

The Early Years Employment Initiative (EYEI) is six-week course designed to introduce Ontario Works (OW) clients and students (grades 11 and 12) to the workforce skills relevant for starting/re-starting careers in the Early Years sector. The program fosters a collaboration between the Early Years (EY) and OW Divisions at Northumberland County by encouraging workforce participation in an Early Years sector that is searching for ambitious ways to promote a thriving workforce and support increasing child care demands in Northumberland.

An Interview with Katherine Chislett

An Interview with Katherine Chislett

by | February 2025

From 2017 to 2024, Katherine Chislett served as Commissioner of Community and Health Services for York Region and as President of Housing York, Inc., overseeing a $1 billion budget, 3,000 staff, and more than 300 programs that support York Region’s residents. Katherine’s focus on integrated service management and her dedication to equity and inclusion have enriched the lives of over 1.2 million residents.

She is also the recipient of the 2024 OMSSA Lifetime Achievement Award. OMSSA sat down with Katherine for an interview to discuss her work and career and thoughts on human services in Ontario.