Housing Archives

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.

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...

An Interview with Katherine Chislett

by Rob Kirsic | 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.

An Interview with Gail Spencer

by Rob Kirsic | January 2025

Gail Spencer, Manager of Housing Stability and Homelessness for the City of Greater Sudbury, spearheaded community and provincial initiatives, developing a roadmap for a responsive, integrated human service system for the unhoused population and programs aiming to end homelessness.

She is also the recipient of the 2024 OMSSA Patti Moore Human Services Integration Award. OMSSA sat down with Gail for an interview to discuss her work and career and thoughts on human services in Ontario.

Highlights of the 2024 Exchange Conference

by Nalisha Sankreacha | August 2024

Over 400 people from the human services, health, child care, and public services participated in OMSSA’s in-person Exchange Conference held on May 7 and 8 in Mississauga. Over these two days there was an opportunity to focus on several important professional development topics, enhance skill sets, and showcase the innovative work happening in each of our sectors to address the most pressing issues in our local communities. Read more about the highlights of our most recent Conference.

Region of Durham Adult Protective Services: Innovative Partnerships and Housing Stability

by Region of Durham | August 2024

OMSSA is featuring several 2023 Local Municipal Champion award recipients and their work in the Knowledge Exchange Blog. Please read this entry from the Region of Durham.

The Adult Protective Services (APS) team provides case management and advocacy for over 300 adults with developmental disabilities living in the community. Clients of the APS program are those with mild developmental/intellectual disabilities that can often ‘fall-through-the-cracks’ and can represent some of our most vulnerable citizens in the community.

An Interview with Mike Nadeau

by Angelica Nuguid | June 2024

Mike is currently the CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Social Service Administration Board and Treasurer of OMSSA. He has over 20 years’ experience in both First Nations and municipal human services. Prior to joining the District of Sault Ste. Marie, Mike was the Executive Director for the Ontario Native Welfare Administrators’ Association (ONWAA) for 12 years and was accountable to 108 First Nations across the province.

Mike has extensive knowledge regarding human service delivery, policy and best practices. This interview explores his experience working with different communities and his overall experience and contributions to the human services sector.

Service Delivery Approach with the Catherine Street Community Service Hub

by Kristine Haines-Chiarello | March 2024

In August 2022, the Catherine Street Community Service Hub (CSCS Hub) was created. The CSCS Hub is an innovative way of providing integrated person-centred services through collocation. Caring and knowledgeable staff and partners work together to create a safe resting space where everyone is welcome to drop in and access coordinated wrap around municipal and community services and supports in one location.

This service delivery approach aims to streamline the client experience, increase the capacity to deliver responsive services and support, and reinforce accountability to clients, staff, and community.

Highlights from OMSSA’s 2023 Policy Conference

by Tod Duncan, Nalisha Sankreacha | February 2024

OMSSA’s 2023 Policy Conference successfully took place on November 30 and December 1. This year’s conference, once again, contained a mix of sessions. There were several plenary sessions designed to be of interest to all OMSSA Members, as well as a comprehensive slate of sector-specific break-out sessions.

We’ve learned that there continue to be profound challenges to the social services sector. But knowing the energy and enthusiasm through which OMSSA Members approach their work, it’s assured that throughout 2024 we will hear stories of amazing successes that have been achieved.