News

Become a Long Term Care Leader: 2022 LTC Leadership Training: Apply Now!

Planning a winter escape abroad? Now is not the time.

Care Watch

Booster Shots – Expanded Eligibility

Booster Shots – Expanded Eligibility November 3, 2021   Today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health announced Ontario’s new rollout plan for boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine.   Starting November 6, 2021, boosters will be made available to additional groups of high-risk...

Today’s announcement from the Ontario Government: Ontario Expanding Booster Eligibility to More Ontarians

Dear Seniors Liaison Committee members: We wanted to share with you today’s announcement about the expanded eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk individuals starting November 6, 2021. Please find below the links to the news release in English and French....

Announcement from the Ontario Government: Free Flu Shot Available to all Ontarians in November

Dear Seniors Liaison Committee members: We wanted to share with you the government’s announcement about the Free Flu Shots that will be available to all Ontarians starting in November. Please find below the links to the news release in English and French. English: Free...

Finally, a Voice of Reason!

Telelearning Program Hiatus from August 30th – September 15th

We regret to inform our OSSCO community that we will not be hosting any Telelearning events until after we host our AGM on September 9th. We will return on September 15th with a new program for all to enjoy!

People with Disabilities Demand Accessible Housing

CW E-bulletin: Home and Community Service Regulations – July/Aug. 2021

Provincial Health Coalitions Put Federal Parties on Notice: Canadians Demand Real Action to Fix Long-Term Care

What’s the Story? Talking or Listening? Seniors Month in Ontario

COVID-19 – TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS UPDATE – GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA / COVID-19 – MISE À JOUR SUR LES MESURES DE RESTRICTION DE VOYAGE – AFFAIRES MONDIALES CANADA

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on people living in institutional settings

A report by researchers at the Care Policy and Evaluation Centre at the London School of Economics and Political Science (UK) submitted a report on the effects of COVID-19 on an aging population. The report highlights how COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on people living...

SSAO Explanation of profit

SSAO Editorial 6

INCREASE TO NUMBER OF WEEKS FOR THE CANADA RECOVERY BENEFITS AND EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE REGULAR BENEFITS

Reports of hitting. A dead resident recorded as ‘comatose.’ A mouthful of old food: Inside the abuse met by toothless penalties in Ontario long-term-care homes

Opinion: The budget’s Old Age Security increase is bad policy

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/topstories/opinion-the-budget-s-old-age-security-increase-is-bad-policy/ar-BB1gqmhN?ocid=msedgdhp

X Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

https://news.ontario.ca/medjct/en?utm_campaign=%2Fen%2Frelease%2F1000079%2Fontario-funding-program-to-help-seniors-struggling-with-covid-related-cognitive-impairment&utm_source=newsroom&utm_term=public&utm_medium=email

Long Term Care Commission Report: A Response

First Anniversary Seniors Fitness Program on Zoom

  First Anniversary Seniors Fitness Program on Zoom Pandemic has provided an opportunity to keep seniors engaged and active through Zoom. Seniors Forum started one year ago Fitness Programs including Yoga 5 times a week an hourly session. Qualified physiotherapists and Yoga instructors conduct...

Dan Benedict Award

The Experts Speak: Romance Scams

https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrjIKODOcMx4&data=04%7C01%7Cjane%40mosaichomecare.com%7Cf0cbee360b4341f52dbd08d8f05ca313%7C346d82bd1fdd4efe9a30e88f7cc8ba18%7C0%7C0%7C637523627968824932%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=E6lJ57qluYxZCtz%2FxZjWmmRvpN5UOJSJcE0%2B09MlReI%3D&reserved=0

Bank should have protected senior from scam, son says | CBC Go Public

https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrjIKODOcMx4&data=04%7C01%7Cjane%40mosaichomecare.com%7Cf0cbee360b4341f52dbd08d8f05ca313%7C346d82bd1fdd4efe9a30e88f7cc8ba18%7C0%7C0%7C637523627968824932%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=E6lJ57qluYxZCtz%2FxZjWmmRvpN5UOJSJcE0%2B09MlReI%3D&reserved=0

Tech Support Scam – Undercover Investigation Phone Call | Federal Trade Commission

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZFjxkJ1NXo

https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DP514GwVK9DU&data=04%7C01%7Cjane%40mosaichomecare.com%7Cf0cbee360b4341f52dbd08d8f05ca313%7C346d82bd1fdd4efe9a30e88f7cc8ba18%7C0%7C0%7C637523627968814943%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=dMM%2FUYlwEicNthMCdTP7UqycKAtHHIjLRmP16hd4rPo%3D&reserved=0

North York General begins vaccine pre-registration for seniors 80 and over

https://www.toronto.com/news-story/10346655-north-york-general-begins-vaccine-pre-registration-for-seniors-80-and-over/?fbclid=iwar24tkta1aevulig3cwswhpe5m-vlleyztrmllgjv8bfn65rtjwfuqmhrwi

My flu shot

What to expect when you get a COVID-19 vaccine

As of March 12, over 325 pharmacy sites, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall and independent pharmacies, will offer the AstraZeneca vaccine to eligible Ontarians 60-64 in Toronto, Windsor-Essex, and Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. To book an appointment, eligible Ontarians can visit ontario.ca/pharmacycovidvaccine to...

SSAO Testimony by MOLTC Minister and Deputy

SSAO INFORMATION BULLETIN Testimony

Update from Canada’s Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte

Le français suit Update from Canada’s Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte The Government of Canada is urging all Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel—both inside and outside of the country. If you travel within Canada, there are no federal travel requirements, but there may...

Rick Mercer’s advice to young adults looking to hook up: Picture Doug Ford in your bedroom

  Rick Mercer’s advice to young adults looking to hook up: Picture Doug Ford in your bedroom (January 22, 2021) By: Rob Ferguson, CambridgeTimes.ca Facing continued resistance to stay-at-home orders, Ontario is turning to comedy in a new social media campaign aimed at getting...

‘My beautiful, precious mother deserves better’: Barrie woman wants long-term-care home changes

‘My beautiful, precious mother deserves better’: Barrie woman wants long-term-care home changes (January 22, 2021) By: Chris Simon, Simcoe.com Anna Tomlinson is worried for her mother’s safety. The Barrie woman hasn’t seen her mom, Gloria, in person for about a month. Gloria has late-stage...

Coronavirus: Speed up vaccines to Ontario long-term care homes to prevent deaths and cases, experts say

Coronavirus: Speed up vaccines to Ontario long-term care homes to prevent deaths and cases, experts say (January 22, 2021) By: Holly McKenzie-Sutter, JumpRadio TORONTO — Refocusing Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout on long-term care residents would prevent 115 deaths and hundreds more cases by the end of...

Woman “Devastated” By Impact On LTC Homes

Woman “Devastated” By Impact On LTC Homes (January 22, 2021) By: Colin Redston, Country1053.ca The daughter of a Southbridge Roseview resident is among those sharing painful stories of family members in long-term care homes during the second wave of the pandemic. Debbie Shubat spoke...

Health Coalition calls for immediate action on ‘profound’ COVID-19 long-term care crisis

Health Coalition calls for immediate action on ‘profound’ COVID-19 long-term care crisis (January 23, 2021) By: Sydenham Current Staff, Sydenham Current The Ontario Health Coalition is calling for immediate action from the Province of Ontario to address the “profound” crisis impacting long-term care in...

Get vaccines to LTC homes: Advisory group

Get vaccines to LTC homes: Advisory group (January 23, 2021) By:  Holly Mckenzie-Sutter, Brockville Recorder & Times TORONTO Refocusing Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout on longterm care residents would prevent 115 deaths and hundreds more cases by the end of March, according to projections from...

LEVY: Upset families of LTC residences accuse province of not taking second wave seriously

LEVY: Upset families of LTC residences accuse province of not taking second wave seriously (January 23, 2021) By: Donald Macdonald, Sudbury Star Jennifer Penny’s 81-year-old mom died of COVID-19 on Boxing Day, two days after staff at her Niagara Falls long-term care home claimed...

Coalition of families, health-care organizations declare crisis in Ontario’s LTC homes

Coalition of families, health-care organizations declare crisis in Ontario’s LTC homes (January 23, 2021) By: Megan Delarie, Toronto.com Group says the reality of long-term care homes is not how the Ford government portrays it. A coalition of 100 health-care organizations and relatives of long-term...

Long-term care in crisis

Long-term care in crisis (January 24, 2021) By: Jodi Lundmark, Chronicle Journal Debbie Shubat’s mother Amy is 92 years old and has dementia, and she’s a resident of Southbridge Roseview long-term care home. “I can’t stop thinking about her,” said Shubat during a virtual...

LEVY: Retirement homes cost residents a lot of money but have little oversight

LEVY: Retirement homes cost residents a lot of money but have little oversight (January 24, 2021) By: Sue-Ann Levy, Toronto Sun Pnina Ptasznik was horrified last April when she got on a Zoom call to find her 88-year-old mom staring into space with only...

New outbreak at Juravinski Hospital as Hamilton reports two new COVID-19 deaths

New outbreak at Juravinski Hospital as Hamilton reports two new COVID-19 deaths (January 25, 2021) By: Maria Iqbal, Yahoo News A third Juravinski Hospital unit is in outbreak as the city reported two new COVID-19 deaths and 71 new cases on Friday. Public health...

Families and groups call on Ford to act on Ontario’s long-term care COVID-19 crisis

Families and groups call on Ford to act on Ontario’s long-term care COVID-19 crisis (January 25, 2021) By: CanIndia News The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) says that 100 groups and families are speaking with one voice when they took issue with the Premier and...

Experts’ Scathing Letter Decries ‘Humanitarian Crisis’ In Ontario Care Homes

Experts’ Scathing Letter Decries ‘Humanitarian Crisis’ In Ontario Care Homes (January 26, 2021) By: Emma Pauling, Huffpost Canada TORONTO — More than 200 doctors and researchers are calling for immediate action to quell COVID-19 outbreaks in Ontario’s nursing homes, describing current conditions as “a...

8 more deaths and 93 new cases reported in Niagara

8 more deaths and 93 new cases reported in Niagara (January 26, 2021) By: Allan Benner, St. Catharine’s Standard Niagara’s COVID-19 death toll continues to climb, as close to 100 more people were diagnosed with the virus Tuesday. Niagara Region Public Health reported eight...

Ontario’s Care Crisis /w Natalie Mehra

Ontario’s Care Crisis /w Natalie Mehra (January 26, 2021) By: The Scarlet Standard The Scarlet Standard · Episode 8 – Ontario’s Care Crisis Ft. Natalie Mehra In this episode we are joined by Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC). We...

Inspection reports from Hamilton’s biggest and deadliest COVID outbreak

Inspection reports from Hamilton’s biggest and deadliest COVID outbreak (January 28, 2021) By: Joanna Frketich & Maria Iqbal, The Hamilton Spectator Public health inspections revealed issues with Grace Villa’s staffing, cleaning and infection control during the city’s worst and deadliest outbreak of COVID-19. But...

Bill 218: The death of memory | Marvin Zuker

181 COVID-19 outbreaks in health care

Must read…SSAO News Release Rykka Takeover Of Non-Profit

Services that can help you financially

Be informed, stay informed and pass on the knowledge. https://211ontario.ca/211-ontario-services-blog/211-ontario-help-seniors-find-community-supports-and-financial-assistance/

Tiny airborne particles – Pressure or Truth?

https://www.fr24news.com/a/2020/10/canadas-top-doctor-has-been-hesitant-to-say-tiny-airborne-particles-are-spreading-covid-19-under-pressure-she-reconsiders.html

One-time payment to persons with disabilities (Eligible Seniors may be entitled to this benefit)

CPP Investments Public Meeting for Ontario

Please pre-register for this very informative section about Canadian Pension Plan.  

Historic Victory Against Profit-Driven Health Care

      SEE MORE: http://Victory for Patients Over Private Clinics in B.C. Court Challenge: Historic Victory Against Profit-Driven Health Care

Never Too Old (Documentary)

A sweet little old lady, I am not!’ Olive Bryanton, 81, is working hard to get a PhD and help change the world for older women living in her rural community. Watch now: https://www.cbc.ca/cbcdocspov/episodes/never-too-old?fbclid=IwAR01bHilNJbN9E7CqnNWyG3TiodDbXDrKwyBH4dHsV_8TTaKch1hKdmVJu0?cmp=FB_FEED_CBCMain

Racism – What was discussed about the topic with government officials

Senators asked senior cabinet ministers about the federal government’s role in addressing anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, and ending systemic racism during a committee of the whole meeting in the Senate Chamber on Thursday, June 25, 2020. Diversity, Inclusion and Youth Minister Bardish Chagger, Public...

COVID-19 Charitable Gaming Impact – Survey Data

Anti-Black Racism Analysis Tool for a Radically Equitable COVID-19 Response

From The City of Toronto’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit

Canadian seniors to receive one time tax-free payment

http://Canadian seniors to receive one time tax-free payment

Looking out for you

Our letter on Bill 175 to Natalia Kusendova, MPP Chair, Standing Committee on Social Policy  

Fight now!!! for better housing for the aging population

Ongoing racial trauma

Ongoing violence against Black people is causing trauma: ‘It’s draining’

Does Long Term Care need a makeover?

    SNOBELEN: As we revamp long-term care, make sure to listen to seniors

News in the office of the Ontario Premier

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

A guide to the financial aid the government is provided based on your economic status   https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

Understanding Covid terms and measures by the government

Federal Government Covid-19 Measures – Implications for Sector Organizations This document will be regularly updated as the federal government announces new measures that will impact the charitable and nonprofit sector. Last updated: April 27, 2020   https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQbkT4Zr5isIGl6EAluwm0-eO8-Y7xP8KNVMXasavT4DlolL8QIdcrxPKMt_4p_LApkYCpdcSvriJps/pub

A new wage boost for essential workers

Expanding access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/04/expanding-access-to-the-canada-emergency-response-benefit-and-proposing-a-new-wage-boost-for-essential-workers.html

Where should your money go?

  Investors New – Covid Edition   https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=b5a340c3888e873ca24e58c3b&id=9be38201a9

The Ontario government is encouraging volunteerism to support seniors, people with disabilities and other Ontarians impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.   SEE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS HERE: https://www.sparkontario.ca/

Coronavirus devastates Bobcaygeon, Ont. nursing home

This is believed to be Ontario’s most widespread outbreak to date https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-covid-19-kills-nine-infects-34-staff-at-bobcaygeon-nursing-home/

Covid experience from the perceptive of Billionaire Bill Gates

How to respond to COVID-19 and prepare for the next epidemic, too. By Bill Gates https://www.gatesnotes.com/Health/How-to-respond-to-COVID-19

Corona virus: The fight against ageism

An article from the Toronto Star expressing concern about some physicians advocating to withhold ventilators for COVID-19 patients based solely on age. https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2020/03/25/theres-another-epidemic-spreading-as-we-rally-against-the-coronavirus-ageism.html

Great News for Low Income Toronto Residence

  FNH Poster_Toronto       For more information or to be a volunteer http://uhnopenlab.ca/project/hotline/

COVID-19 COMMUNICATION LETTER

Officials warn about large events as 7th COVID-19 case confirmed in York Region

  https://www.barrietoday.com/amp/local-news/officials-warn-about-large-events-as-7th-covid-19-case-confirmed-in-york-region-2145956

Free Dental to Seniors

The new Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is a government-funded dental care program. It provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older. https://www.ontario.ca/page/dental-care-low-income-seniors

Act Now! Get Your Proposals In Soon

Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative – 2019-20 Call for Proposals Deadline for submission: January 23, 2020 For more information click below http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/research/new_directions/ndresearchprogram.html      

Family takes on Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care at Human Rights Tribunal | Globalnews.ca

Family takes on Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care at Human Rights Tribunal | Globalnews.ca Click below to see video Family takes on Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care at Human Rights Tribunal

2020 ASRP Research Competition

Law Commission of Ontario Launches Final Report: Class Actions: Objectives, Experiences and Reforms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TORONTO, July 17, 2019 – The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) today releases the final report, Class Actions: Objectives, Experience, and Reforms. The LCO report is the first independent, comprehensive assessment of Ontario’s Class Proceedings Act (CPA) in 27 years. Since that time, class actions...

Share Photos to Celebrate National Seniors Day!

In celebration of National Seniors Day on October 1, Sanofi Pasteur is creating a larger-than-life, domino-inspired photo exhibit that celebrates seniors while also raising awareness of the burden of flu, the domino effect it has on their lives, and the importance of protecting them...

App-ified world for seniors

The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) is a solution accelerator in the longevity sector, helping Canadian and global innovators test, develop and validate their products, practices and services. In CABHI’s recent blog post, four apps among more than 210 CABHI supported...

Show A Little Heart Video Competition 2019

Heart to Home Meals sponsored a competition this year for students to submit videos showcasing their relationship with older people. In April 2019, 4 judge panelists, which included Elizabeth Macnab, Executive Director OSSCO, reviewed the 5 finalists and selected the top 3 videos which...

Addressing Ageism to Ensure the Safety & Security of Older People

After many months, the long awaited Long-Term Care Homes Public Inquiry Report was released. The 1,500 page, four-volume report addressed systemic vulnerabilities and the 91 recommendations are built around four strategies: prevention, awareness, deterrence and detection. While the report identified systematic gaps and recommendations...

OBSI releases first ever Canadian seniors’ complaints report

Today, OBSI released its first ever ‘Seniors Report’ with demographic and case data collected for 2017 and 2018 using the age of 60 as the threshold age for a senior. Older Canadians are more likely to file complaints about financial services and accounted for...

Step Up To Elder Abuse – We need your input!

Update: OSSCO would like to thank everyone who completed this survey. We appreciate your feedback and input in helping us implement this new project!  Greetings from Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations! We are implementing a new project called “Step Up To Elder Abuse”....

Federal parties should use election as chance to revisit seniors’ benefits

*This OPED piece in The Hill Times is written by Ghazy Mujahid, Board Member of Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations With the changing balance between working-age Canadians and seniors, it should be obvious that the current coverage and level of benefits cannot be sustained without...

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice of Annual General Meeting on June 25, 2019 for Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations at North York Memorial Community Hall (Burgundy Room A) – 5110 Yonge Street, North York, ON M2N 5W4 Join us at 10:00 am on Tuesday June 25, 2019 for our Annual...

Volunteers Needed!

Do you have a good knowledge of elder abuse? Are you interested in engaging older people in the community to help educate and inform them? We are seeking volunteers to steer the implementation of a new project ‘Step Up To Elder Abuse’ and to...

Five Tips To Help You Age Well

In the Empowering Aging Canadian’s campaign, OSSCO submitted an article about programs and workshops that give older people experiences that increase their knowledge while giving them new social engagement opportunities. As we age, various events affect our social interactions and connections. Living on a...

Consultation Survey on Ontario’s Seniors Strategy

Ontario’s government is putting seniors first by engaging with the public on the development of a government-wide seniors strategy, first announced in the 2019 Ontario budget. The feedback gathered will help develop a new strategy which respects Ontario’s aging population, while growing jobs and...

CPAs teaching retirees about money during Senior Month in June

For Seniors Month in June, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) is offering free financial literacy sessions specifically designed for seniors in communities across Canada. This program offers free and unbiased financial education sessions and draws upon the knowledge of more than...

Mentorship and the Value of a Multigenerational Workforce

In a recent survey, AARP Research has found “7 in 10 workers say they like working with generations other than their own, and the majority agree that both younger and older workers bring a set of positive benefits that enhance the workplace environment”. A...

AdvantAge Ontario Announces New Board Chair

AdvantAge Ontario is the trusted voice for senior care, and a community-based, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to supporting the best possible aging experience. The AdvantAge Ontario Board of Directors has announced the election of Jane Sinclair as Chair. Ms. Sinclair is the General Manager, Health...

New Educational Series: Seniors Learning Without Barriers

The Province of Ontario has funded the development of a new educational series ‘Seniors Learning Without Barriers’. Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations is offering these programs to be delivered across Ontario by OSSCO local trainers or through a ‘train the trainer’ format for...

2019 Spark Program Call for Innovations

Are you a point-of-care worker with an innovative idea in seniors’ care? Apply to the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI)’s Spark program and make it a reality. The Spark program supports point-of-care workers in developing grassroots ideas and testing innovations in...

Looking for a summer job? We’re hiring!

Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative of the Youth Employment Strategy, which is the Government of Canada’s commitment to help young people between the ages of 15 and 30, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience...

Ontario Reveals More Homes, More Choice: A Housing Supply Action Plan to Help Durham

Government Cuts Red Tape to Build More Housing and Encourage Innovative Housing Solutions  More Homes, More Choice: Ontario’s Housing Supply Action Plan will tackle Ontario’s housing crisis. The government has put forward this plan to bring relief and choice to the people in Durham....

Aging Well: Celebrating the Young at Heart

In Aging Well’s May issue, you’ll find more information about OSSCO’s “It’s not right!” workshop facilitated at Kiwanis Seniors’ Centre in London, Ontario. During this lunch & learn session, Elizabeth Macnab (Executive Director, OSSCO) discussed how people can recognize the warning signs of abuse...

Ageism: A ‘Prevalent & Insidious’ Health Threat

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ageism as the stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination towards people on the basis of age. The WHO has begun four studies to define ageism and identify ways to combat it. To read the New York Times article, please click...

The Impact Assessment Act in the Senate

Bill C-69, An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, is legislation that would have implications for approval processes for large-scale resource development projects, including...

A New Era of Canadian Senior Care

Seniors in Canada are living longer and healthier lives than ever. Learn about OSSCO and other organizations making a difference in the elder health care industry. Link: http://www.personalhealthnews.ca/education-and-advocacy/a-new-era-of-canadian-senior-care/5ebeb6065f64f2346dbb00ab789cf001

Let seniors, and plenty of other people, share housing

Earlier this year, Ontario MPP Lindsey Park (Durham) received enthusiastic support for her bill from the floor to allow unrelated people to purchase homes together. The story which she shared was of 4 older women in her riding buying a house in order to...

Federal budget makes it easier for working seniors to keep more of their money

For several years, OSSCO has highlighted at the Federal Seniors Advisory Committee the negative tax impact on seniors receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement. We were pleased to learn in the recent budget that this unmet need is being addressed. Link: https://globalnews.ca/news/5069211/budget-2019-canada-pensions/

Innovative Toronto housing program that matches students and seniors needs $90, 000 to continue

At OSSCO’s Symposium: Best Practices on Loneliness and Social Isolation, OSSCO introduced you to Heather Thompson from Halton Region, Ontario’s 1st WHO accredited Home Share Program. We are pleased to continue to inform seniors of other home share programs such as the one recently...

Senate Chamber launches video broadcasting

Video broadcasting of Senate Chamber proceedings will begin Monday, March 18, 2019 at 6 p.m. ET. It is the first time in the Senate’s history that Canadians will be able to regularly watch senators at work in the Chamber. The decision to allow for...

New Hotel Scam

This is one of the smartest scams I have heard about. You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. Typically when checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for any charges to your room) and they don’t...

Canada’s first poverty reduction target met three years ahead of schedule

February 26, 2019 Gatineau, Quebec – Employment and Social Development Canada Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development issued a statement on the Statistics Canada release of the 2017 Canadian Income Survey, revealing a significant reduction in overall poverty...

Who will care for Canada’s caregivers?

BENJAMIN TAL Managing director and deputy chief economist at CIBC As an aging population puts a greater burden on families, it’s clear more needs to be done to bolster senior care You see it on city streets, in restaurants of quiet towns, and in...

Quiz: Test your knowledge of the new Senate of Canada Building

The doors have opened on the Senate of Canada Building. Canada’s Upper Chamber of Parliament began sitting in February 2019 in the historic complex that served as Ottawa’s central train station before hosting First Ministers’ conferences and international summits for 45 years as the...

The Hill Times – Family Sponsored Process Flawed, Merit-Based Program Needed

The Hill Times – Family sponsorship process flawed, merit-based program needed  February 13, 2019 The 2019 round for selecting 20,000 applicants to be invited to apply to sponsor a parent or grandparent to immigrate to Canada opened at noon EST on Jan. 28. Within...

Fixing Ontario’s Home Care System

Patient Canada’s Vice Chair, Francesca Grosso recently wrote an op-ed piece in the Toronto Star on fixing Ontario’s home care system.  Over the Christmas holidays, Francesca’s mom was almost killed by a simple bladder infection that everyone knew was festering. In this op-ed piece,...

Government drops appeal, clearing the way for charities to engage in political activity

The federal government has dropped an appeal of a court ruling that freed charitable organizations to engage in unlimited political activity as long as it’s not directly supporting a party. Last July, an Ontario judge quashed the Canada Revenue Agency’s long-standing rule that charities...

Celebrating Centre Block lasts: Senators bid temporary farewell to Centre Block

The Senate of Canada’s move to the Senate of Canada Building, formely known as the Government Conference Centre began in 2018. The Senate began to move into the building, a format train station built in 1912, while Parliament’s Centre Block – the Senate’s permanent...

Geriatric Health Systems Research Group – GHS Bulletin

In the Winter 2019 edition of the Geriatric Health Systems Research Group (GHS) Bulletin, GHS shares information on recent events and accomplishments of the GHS group, as well as updates on projects. Some updates include: Caredove – Finding and referring to supports in the...

Dementia Talk App – Launches January 25!

Are you a family caregiver or professional caring for someone with dementia?  The Dementia Talk App created by the Reitman Centre at Sinai Health System will officially launch on Friday January 25, 2019. Dementia Talk is an award winning app that is designed to...

Association of Jewish Seniors – Monthly Blog (January 2019)

The Association of Jewish Seniors has released a monthly blog to highlight their activities and events. In the January 2019 blog, you can read about the following: February Foot Health Meeting March General Meeting Recap of the December General Meeting Lecture Notes on “Israel...

Life After Fifty Lottery

Life After Fifty’s biggest fundraiser of the year has returned!  What would you do with $10, 000, $2, 500 or $1, 000? You could also win a $500 Shoppers Drug Mart gift certificate or Just Jeff’s Gourmet Express gift certificates! Since the pries are cash...

Polygamy in Canada: An Open Secret – CBC’s The Fifth Estate

“Polygamy is against the Canadian Criminal Code, yet some imans are openly willing to do it for men who want second wives, including on the most prominant imans in the country”.  The Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) believes polygamy is based on the...

Maximize Your Health

Mississauga Halton Self-Management Program (FREE opportunities for individuals to improve their Self-Management skills through workshops) The Self Management Program offers a variety of programs/workshops vailable for adults at no cost who live in the Mississauga, Oakville or Milton (Halton region). These programs and services...

Protecting Against Influenza

Protecting Against Influenza  Influenza is a prevalent, contagious, and vaccine-preventable infectious disease in Canada. Influenza is ranked top 10 amount the most common infectious diseases in Canada and the 8th leading cause of mortality in Ontario between 2005 to 2007. Get your influenza vaccine...

Safe Senior Calendar 2019

Safe Senior Calendar 2019 B.A.S.S.I.C. Calendar Update: Funding for the 2019 calendar has been significantly reduced. Unfortunately, B.A.S.S.I.C. will only be distributing single calendars, and do not have the means to mail calendars. Calendars will be available at the following locations: Through local police...

The Business of Active Retirement Communities (BARC)

The Business of Active Retirement Communities (BARC) A New Economy Wealth Creation Model A Professional Career Perspective By John G. Kelly – B.Com., LL.B., M.Sc. (international relations) M.A. (Jud.Admin), F.CIS. john@activeretirement.ca Active communities are wealth generators. For first time home buyers with young families, communities in neighborhoods...

Canada Accedes to the Optional Protocol

News Release – December 3, 2018 Canada accedes to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities The Government of Canada is working to create a truly accessible Canada. As part of these efforts, the Honourable Carla...

VIA Rail Selects Siemens Canada to Replace its Quebec-Windsor Corridor Fleet

On Monday December 12, 2018 – VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) announced that Siemens Canada was awarded a $989 million contract to build the 32 trainsets that will replace VIA Rail’s fleet that operates in the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor. Siemens Canada was selected following a...

Holiday Photo Contest – #EyeSeeYou2018

#EyeSeeYou2018 – Holiday Photo Contest This holiday season, the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), through it’s Eye See You Campaign, is reminding Canadians not to lose sight of what matters. Across Canada, amateur and professional photographers are invited to participate in the “Eye See...

Law Commission of Ontario: Past & Future

Law Commission of Ontario: Past and Future  2018 marks the 10-year anniversary of the LCO’s first ever law reform report. Of the many milestones celebrated in the decade since LCO published its first law reform report in 2008, Executive Director Nye Thomas says he’s...

When Every Minute Counts – Maritime Search & Rescue

WHEN EVERY MINUTE COUNTS: Maritime Search and Rescue  Canada’s maritime search and rescue workers save an average of 15 lives every day, they are the best of the best.  Executive Summary The Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (the committee) undertook its study...

CCMW Remembers – National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women

On National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women commemorates the 14 women who were murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989. Their names are: Geneviève Bergeron Hélène Colgan Nathalie Croteau Barbara Daigneault...

Investor News: National Investor Research Study

Today, the Ontario Securities Commission’s Investor Office published a new national research study on investor knowledge, behaviours and attitudes in a variety of fields. This study was published as part of OSC’s activities for Financial Literacy Month. This new national research study looks at...

What General Motors Announcement Means for Older Workers

The news of General Motors (GM) not bringing in new product to the Oshawa plant after December 2019 took Ontarians by surprise. This corporate decision directly affects 2,500 hourly and 300 salaried people, and up to 25,000 people supported by the GM workforce. As...

Estate Planning Is For Everyone

Seniors Forum presents ESTATE PLANNING IS FOR EVERYONE Learn how to protect your estate beside your traditional will, by preseving assets, minimizing tax and maximizing wealth, thus ensuring family harmony and peace of mind. You will also be informed of everything involved – legal,...

Association of Jewish Seniors – November Newsletter 2018

The Association of Jewish Seniors has released their November Newsletter which highlights upcoming events and information for the December General Meeting. To read more about the Association of Jewish Seniors, please click here.

Ontario Charitable Gaming Association Continues to Push for Break Open Ticket Fairness

Dear OSSCO members and supports: Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA) Continues to Push for Break Open Ticket (BOT) Fairness OSSCO is a charity which receives no core funding. We raise monies through our social enterprise activities, grants, donations and the selling of break open...

Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre Affects Us All

Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre Affects Us AllEvery day,we learn of another heinous act in the world. Whether it was a local event such as the Danforth shooting or a murderous van on Yonge Street, events that transpired in Pittsburgh in a safe place of worship,...

Legal Aid Ontario – Organizational Announcement

Legal Aid Ontario provides legal assistance for low-income people living in Ontario. The organization’s scope reaches the most vulnerable people in the province with services that provide critical assistance and intersects with every area of the justice system. In order to streamline processes, clarify...

Investing in the Cannabis Industry

As Canada prepares to permit the recreational use of marijuana, the cannabis industry has attracted investors hoping to capitalize on the potential growth and high returns of this emerging sector. The new issue of ‘Investors News’ from the Ontario Securities Commission shares many resources...

NEW Ontario Age Friendly Communities Interactive Maps

The Age-Friendly Community (AFC) Outreach Initiative is a new tool funded by the Government of Ontario. This initiative is a program of the Ministry for Seniors and Accessbility, which is designed to help communities in increasing awareness of age-friendly planning principles, sharing best practices...

Canada’s National Seniors Day – Flag Raising Ceremony in Windsor, Ontario!

OSSCO Board Member & CARP Windsor-Essex President, Larry Dunfield organized a flag raising ceremony to celebrate Canada’s National Seniors Day and the UN International Day of Older Persons. Seniors represent the strongest local demographic in numbers and in election participation, so Windsor’s seniors showed...

OSSCO releases its Outreach Annual Report at Annual General Meeting September 5

This year’s Annual General Meeting was very well attended by members and the public. Invited guests included students graduating from the Enhancing Economic Opportunities for Older Unemployed Workers program. Keynote address was presented by Jim Grieve, Executive Director, Retired Teachers Organization. His presentation focued...

Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations Board of Director Vacancies

Ontario Society of Seniors Citizens’ Organizations (OSSCO) is a provincial organization and a registered charity. Founded in 1987, as a network of organizations, we focus on the well-being of older adults through educational programs, consultations and influencing stakeholders. In addition OSSCO participates in policy...

The Hill Times – Opinion ‘Trudeau Should Appoint a Cabinet Minister for Seniors’

In February 2018, Ontario Society of Senior Citizens’ Organizations (OSSCO) board member Ghazy Mujahid published an OPED in The Hill Times (February 15th, 2018) highlighting the increasing proportion of seniors in Canada’s population and their growing strength in the electorate. In it he suggested that...

Launch of Senior Friendly Care Toolkit

The Regional Geriatric Programs of Ontario (RGPO) recently launched the Senior Friendly Care (sfCare) Getting Started Toolkit. According to the RGPO, the Framework’s guiding principles and defining statements collectively describe what senior friendly care looks like. It was developed in collaboration with provincial stakeholders,...

Alcohol Gaming & Commission Fees reduces Break Open Ticket revenues for Charities

HERE ARE THE FACTS Hospital foundations and volunteer auxiliaries, provincial health organizations, special needs services, mental health charities, seniors’ groups, services for children and families, youth sports organizations, service clubs, volunteer firefighters, newcomer organizations and many others depend on the funds raised from Break...

More Health Care Issues to Consider Before June 7 Election

Concerned Friends is a non profit organization and a registered charity dedicated to reforming the loing-term care system and improvement of residents’ quality of life. It is an organization which is 100% volunteer based. They are sharing with us their views on where improvements...

Carewatch Summarizes Political Party Issues

ELECTION ISSUES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Ontario’s provincial election on Thursday June 7, 2018 is just a week away. This election is an important opportunity to influence policies that affect senior citizens right across the province. Care Watch’s focus in this election is accessible home care and community...

Toronto Celebrates Newcomer Day on May 29th

Toronto is home to over 200 different  nationalities. On May 29th, we celebrate our diversity with our 4th annual Newcomer Day. Everyone is welcome, both newcomers and established residents and guests. Activities and entertainment begin at 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 pm at Nathan Phillips...

Ministry of Seniors Affairs: Roundtable Discussions On Aging In A Diverse Ontario Report

Ministry of Seniors’ Affairs Releases Diversity Roundtable Discussions on Aging in a Diverse Ontario: Report The  Ministry of Seniors’ Affairs has released a summary of our findings from the six Diversity Roundtable discussions held in Markham, Scarborough, Mississauga, Ottawa, London and Brampton. The sessions...

Summary of Stakeholder Feedback on N.O.R.C.’s

Ministry of Seniors’ Affairs Advisory: Ontario Is Providing Support to Help Seniors Remain In Their Homes May 4 – Toronto – On Friday, the government announced an investment of $8.8 million over two years to support naturally occurring retirement communities, which are apartment buildings...

CBC’s Stats of Life Program Is Casting For Seniors Learning Technology

Stats of Life on CBC-TV is casting an exciting episode on Technology and what it looks like for Canadians across the country. Stats of Life is a positive television show that takes a unique look at the statistics that define our nation – it explores how...

M.P. TJ Harvey’s Housing Accessibility E-Petition

Dear Stakeholder, We need YOUR support for TJ Harvey’s motion on VisitABILITY (M-157). HOW? PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE the E-PETITION link for M-157! SIGN PETITION HERE to help us reach our goal for a more ACCESSIBLE CANADA! Visitable homes have three basic accessibility features:...

Emergency Alert Test Will Ping Your Cell Phone Next Week

Emergency alert test will ping your cellphone next week Tests will happen May 7 in Ontario and Quebec and May 9 in rest of the country The Canadian Press  May 1, 2018 – Millions of cellphones, tablets and other portable devices will sound off...

Senators Recommend Delaying Cannabis Bill For A Year To Address Indigenous Issues

First Nations say their governments will face new social challenges from legal cannabis  John Paul Tasker · CBC News May 1, 2018 – A Senate committee wants the Trudeau government to put off its marijuana legalization plans for roughly a year to allow Indigenous communities time...

Horwath Calls London “Ground Zero” for Health Care Mess

When speaking about health care across Ontario, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says she uses London as an example of how the system is failing patients. Horwath stopped in London on Tuesday night to hold a townhall meeting on health care at Goodwill Industries, where...

Ontario Motorists’ Overpaid $5 Billion Over 5 Years For Auto Insurance: Report

Ontario drivers may have overpaid as much as $5 billion on their auto insurance premiums over the past five years, according to a report released Tuesday by the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. By Jenny Yuen The Toronto Sun May 2018 – And while claims...

Care Watch Ontario: Seniors – Your Votes Count!

Care Watch Ontario, a volunteer-run, senior-led, non-profit has prepared a basket of information to help seniors recognize the importance of their vote in the next provincial election on June 7, 2018. Care Watch Ontario suggests that you ask questions of both the candidate and...

HALLWAY HEALTH CARE

This woman spent 47 hours waiting for surgery in the Sunnybrook ER, with shattered wrists, a broken elbow, cracked ribs and internal bleeding. An investigation into the overcrowding of Toronto ERs Toronto Life By Alison Motluk | Photograph by Nathan Cyprys | April 16,...

Support Seniors. Petition to Parliament

This March 2018, Ontario Society of Senior Citizens Organizations’ Board Member, Ghazy Mujahid initiated petition E-1566 to call upon the Government of Canada to appoint a Minister or a Special Advisor on Seniors Affairs to the Prime Minister. 500 electronic signatures need to be...

Ontario Health Coalition Calls for Improvements in Access and Care in Ontario’s Long Term Care Homes

Drafted in conjunction with the OHC byUniversity of Toronto Health Policy StudentsJinyu Jing, Charlotte Pape, Maleeha Shams, Chuqiao Yan Feb.16, 2018With an aging population, complex care needs,and increased incidence of dementia, the need for safe and appropriate care in Ontario is growing, yet there...

Ontario Health Coalition Comments On Ontario Budget

Good news budget but most health care funding back-end loaded to years away:  Health Coalition concerned about one-year bump up followed by austerity   Toronto – Emerging from the budget lock up this afternoon, Ontario Health Coalition spokespeople were positive but cautious about the health...

Farewell to Board member Hazel Saint-Pierre

It was with shock and sadness that we learned of the passing of OSSCO board member Hazel L. Outram Saint-Pierre on January 5, 2018. Hazel lived life to the fullest and was well known for her volunteer activities. She was an active volunteer with...

Urgent Update: Success In Stopping Private Hospitals

Private Clinics Still a Very Significant Threat; Rest of Bill 160 Remains ​Success! Working with Minister Hoskins and Premier Wynne, We Are On Our Way to Ensuring the Ban on Private Hospitals Remains We are pleased to be able to report that the Minister...

Feds Should Switch To Points System for Parent, Grandparent Visas

It’s fairer and smarter than the new lottery process. MISSISSAUGA, ONT.—For the Canadian government to reach its annual quota of visas for parents and grandparents (PGP), which in 2017 was 10,000, prospective sponsors are required to file basic information about themselves during the first...