OMSSA Speakers Series


Over July and August, OMSSA's Speakers Series will bring Members three timely and relevant webinars on topics you want to hear more about. We will bring in guest speakers to discuss topics and issues, and they will be hosted by the Association. Our first three webinars will cover several key topics in human services: 

  • July 13: Implementing CWELCC in Ontario
  • August 18: Member Housing and Homelessness Initiatives Discussion
  • August 24: Continuing the Local Municipal Champion Conversation

Please see more information below, including speaker information and registration links. Please note: Speakers and sessions are subject to change. Members who have questions can contact OMSSA at communications@omssa.com

There is no cost to attend this webinar, but registration is required. Please click on the registration link associated with each webinar to complete the process. 



Implementing CWELCC in Ontario

July 13, 2023

11:00AM to 12:30PM


This webinar will explore the current implementation of the Canada-Wide Early Learning & Child Care Program (CWELCC). Attendees will hear our guest speakers share their insights on the implementation of CWELCC in Ontario. Please see our invited speakers and presenters.


Registration is now closed.

Moderator: Satinder Klair, Director, Children's Services, Regional Municipality of Niagara

Dr. Gordon Cleveland 
Consultant Economist, President of Cleveland Consulting: Early Childhood Education and Care Inc. 

Beth Deazeley, LL.B.
Registrar and CEO, College of Early Childhood Educators

Kim Hiscott, RECE
Executive Director, Andrew Fleck Children's Services



 Member Housing and Homelessness Initiatives Discussion

August 18, 2023

10:30AM to 12:00PM


This session will bring together OMSSA Members to discuss the initiatives they've designed to address the current challenges in housing and homelessness. We'll hear from a spectrum of Members on, but not limited to, the following issues:

  • How has homelessness changed since the pandemic, as well as in the last year?
  • How has the Waterloo encampment decision changed the approach to homelessness in your area?
  • What work are you doing to connect housing and health?

Please see our invited speakers and presenters.


Registration is now closed.

Moderator: Al Fletcher, Manager, Investment in Affordable Housing/Neighbourhood Development at the City of Hamilton

Abigail Bond
Executive Director of the Housing Secretariat, City of Toronto

Nicole Cortese
Manager of Homelessness Operations, Regional Municipality of Niagara

Lisa McIntosh, Director of Income Employment and Homelessness, Regional Municipality of Durham

Tyler Venable
Manager, Housing Services, District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board



 Continuing the Local Municipal Champion Conversation

August 24, 2023

10:00 to 11:30AM


Building on our conversation at OMSSA's 2023 Exchange Conference, four of this year's Local Municipal Champion award recipients will tell the story of the programs that were developed for their communities, with particular emphasis on the successes they have seen and the challenges they have overcome. They will also answer the many questions attendees had as part of the discussion. 

Please see our invited speakers and presenters.


Registration is now closed.

Moderator: Brian Marks, Chief Administrative Officer, Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board

Kelly Goz
Coordinator, Housing Administration & Development, City of Windsor

 Read Bio 

Kristine Haines-Chiarello
Manager (A), Employment and Social Services Central, Community and Social Services, City of Ottawa

 Read Bio 

Ian Hanney
Supervisor, Homelessness Prevention and Social Planning, County of Lambton

 Read Bio 

Whitney Kitchen
Coordinator, Housing Administration & Development, City of Windsor

 Read Bio 

Jennifer Lible
Manager, Social Assistance Programs, District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board