Knowledge Exchange Blog
The Rollout of Employment Services Transformation in Haldimand-Norfolk
January 2022
As one of the prototype locations for Employment Services Transformation (EST), it has been nearly a year since the roll out in Haldimand-Norfolk. EST is the first major step of the Social Assistance (SA) transformation in Ontario, quickly followed by centralized intake in February. We know we are in the first stages of an ongoing transformation which will continue until 2024. Learn more about the experience in Haldimand-Norfolk.
Previous Posts
An Interview with Dr. Kwame McKenzie
December 2021
Dr. Kwame McKenzie is the CEO of the Wellesley Institute and is an international expert on the social causes of mental illness, suicide, and the development of effective, equitable health systems. He is also the recipient of the 2021 OMSSA Champion of Human Services Award. OMSSA sat down with Dr. McKenzie for an interview to discuss the work of the Wellesley Institute and his insights and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reconceptualizing Indigenous History
December 2021
In recent years, many Canadians have begun to question their historical literacy, especially as disturbing facts about Indigenous history continue to be brought to light. With the knowledge that Canadian history is a focal point of our education system, recent events have caused many to ask, "Why do I know so little about Indigenous history?"
From Crisis to Empowerment
November 2021
Municipalities can tackle poverty and its related costs head on by building free financial empowerment supports into municipal services. Supports like tax clinics, help accessing benefits, and one-on-one financial coaching/counseling can improve participant income, saving and debt levels, enhance credit scores and reduce financial stress.
OMSSA Report on the 2021 Federal Speech from the Throne
November 2021
The Speech from the Throne is intended to provide a broad vision of the federal government’s priorities for the term. It is widely expected that the NDP will support the Throne Speech and work on common priorities with the Trudeau government.
OMSSA Report on the 2021 Fall Economic Statement
November 2021
Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy delivered the Ontario Government’s 2021 Fall Economic Statement. The campaign style speech and response sets the tone for the upcoming 2022 Ontario Election.
True Reconciliation Means Action
October 2021
Canada must realize that Reconciliation is not about saying sorry. Reconciliation is not about ticking off the easy boxes of the TRC Calls to Action – erecting monuments to survivors; adding curriculum in schools; and inserting land recognitions before meetings.
OMSSA Report on the 2021 Federal Election
October 2021
On September 20th, Canadians voted in the 2021 Federal Election and the outcome did not produce much change from the 2019 Election. From an OMSSA perspective, we were paying the most attention to early years and child care, housing, expiring pandemic benefits, long-term care and healthcare.
OMSSA Report on the Ontario Speech from the Throne
October 2021
On October 4, the Ontario Government delivered their Speech from the Throne. With a provincial election expected in June 2022, there was an expectation that this speech would set the stage for the upcoming election campaign, 2022 provincial budget and plans ahead for the fall session.
Welcome to OMSSA's Knowledge Exchange Blog
OMSSA’s Knowledge Exchange blog targets the OMSSA membership and stakeholders. The blog provides members with an opportunity for knowledge exchange to discuss sector issues across Ontario, and to provide a platform for communication between authors and members. An over-arching objective is to ensure readers are aware of the depth and breadth of sector issues, events, and activities across Ontario.
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Thank you for your interest in OMSSA's blog. OMSSA welcomes submissions and ideas for the blog at any time. Before submitting your article or idea, please review our blog guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact OMSSA at communications@omssa.com.