THE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY OF MUSKOKA

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

A G E N D A

Meeting No. CS-7-2007 Wednesday, June 20, 2007 1:30 p.m. Council Chamber, District Administration Building

______

Pages

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS

3. EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES

1- 4 a) Additional Best Start Funding Allocation Report No. CS-7-2007-1

Recommendation

THAT Muskoka District Council approve the allocation plan as outlined in Report No. CS-7-2007-1 dated June 12, 2007 for a new allocation of funding of $138,200 under the provincial Best Start Initiative.

5 - 6 b) Muskoka Early Childhood Educator’s Symposium Report No. CS-7-2007-2

Recommendation

None. For information only.

4. SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

a) Young Adult Employment Preparation Workshop

Presentation by Beverly David, Life Skills Trainer and Sarah Patchett, Employment Developer.

Recommendation

None. For information only.

5. FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

7 - 8 a) Community Services 2006 Staff Training Report Report No. CS-7-2007-3

Recommendation

None. For information only.

9 b) Community Services Committee Summer Meeting Schedule Report No. CS-7-2007-4

Recommendation

None. Information related to future meeting date options.

6. THE PINES/LONG-TERM CARE

10 - 12 a) The Pines – Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Annual Review Report No. CS-7-2007-5

Recommendation

None. For information only.

13 - 14 b) Donations to The Pines Report No. CS-7-2007-6

Recommendation

THAT The District Municipality of Muskoka approves the creation of The Pines Community Support Committee in accordance with Terms of Reference as outlined in Report No. CS-7-2007-6.

7. INFORMATION ITEMS

Distributed a) Trends Opportunities Priorities TOP Report 2006/07, Muskoka Nipissing Parry Separately Sound Local Training and Adjustment Board Annual Report. CS-7-2007-INFO-A (To be distributed at meeting).

15 b) News Release, Ontario Child Benefit Cheques Set To Flow As 2007 Budget Bill Passes, dated May 10, 2007 from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. CS-7-20070-INFO-B

16 - 17 c) News Release, New Affordable Housing Project Opens in Huntsville, dated June 1, 2007 from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. CS-7-2007-INFO-C

18 d) News Release, McGuinty Government Ensuring High Quality Long-Term Care, dated May 31, 2007 from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. CS-7-2007-INFO-D

19 - 28 e) Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS) Action Update dated June 2007. CS-7-2007-INFO-E

29 - 30 f) News Release, Making Progress Towards an Accessible Ontario, dated June 12, 2007 from the Ministry of Community and Social Services. CS-7-2007-INFO-F

8. NEW BUSINESS

9. ADJOURNMENT

Recommendation

THAT the Community Services Committee adjourns to meet again on July 24, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. or at the call of the Chair.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT 70 PINE STREET, BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO P1L 1N3 Telephone (705) 645-2412 Fax (705) 645-5319 1-800-461-4210 (705 area code) www.muskoka.on.ca

TO: Chair and Members Community Services Committee

FROM: Heather Moore Director of Programs

DATE: June 12, 2007

SUBJECT: Additional Best Start Funding Allocation

REPORT NO: CS-7-2007-1

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Muskoka District Council approve the allocation plan as outlined in Report No. CS-7-2007-1 dated June 12, 2007 for a new allocation of funding of $138,200 under the provincial Best Start Initiative.

ORIGIN

Staff.

The original 2007/08 Best Start Allocation for Muskoka was $418,900. The portion of that funding pertaining to the 2007 calendar year was allocated within our annual corporate budget submission that has been approved by Muskoka District Council. On May 23, 2007, The Commissioner of Community and Social Services received notice from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services that an additional $138,200 would be flowed to Muskoka as Enhanced Funding (letter attached) for 2007/08. It is now necessary for Community Services Committee and Council to approve a disbursement plan for the new one-time funding.

ANALYSIS

The guidelines around spending of the Best Start Enhanced Funding are quite general. The allocation letter states that it is being provided "to help to address ongoing pressures in the early learning and care system."

Since the allocation, staff has considered different options for allocation.

In 2006, Best Start funding was directed to: part time Case Aide position, support to the Best Start Network (meeting costs, office supplies, printing, copying, advertising, phone, etc.), French translation, Wage Improvement, start up funding for three new programs, School Integration program, Wage Subsidy, Fee Subsidy and Special Needs Resourcing, for expenditures totalling approximately $318,000.

Planned 2007 expenditures for our original allocation include similar expenses, plus funding for our Children's Services Community Facilitator position, new in 2007.

It should be noted that the Enhanced Funding has been allocated for the current provincial fiscal period only. However, it flows from the 2007 provincial budget commitment of a new, ongoing allocation to child care. Therefore, while we plan in the absence of an ongoing commitment, we are optimistic that Enhancement Funding will be available in future years. Certainly, any area where funds are directed will receive a clear message that this does not represent an ongoing enhanced funding envelope at this time.

Staff recommendations for the new funding include:

1. Additional $20,000 to support Early Learning Initiatives developed by the Early Learning Subcommittee of the Best Start Network. The activities of this group reflect the primary policy direction of Best Start for 2007 - enhanced integration of services for children;

2. $20,170 to Community Living South Muskoka, bringing total annual funding for Special Needs Resources provided by this agency to $192,500;

3. $330 to Community Living Huntsville, bringing total annual funding for Special Needs Resources provided by this agency to $192,500 (there has been a historical funding inequity between these two agencies, which is addressed this year by this one time allocation.); and

4. $10,000 towards procuring a Facilitator to review options for the integration of several different children's planning tables - Best Start, Early Years, and the Muskoka Planning Council.

If these initiatives were approved, $87,700 remains to be allocated. Staff believe that it would be beneficial for, and of interest to, our Committee to engage in a discussion about their preferences for funding choices. Those choices could include more funding in traditional areas, with priorities as identified by Committee, or could reflect other new initiatives that support provincial and local priorities of enhanced service integration, broad access to quality early learning opportunities, or increased supply of licensed child care spaces.

We look forward to the opportunity to hold this discussion with Committee on June 20, 2007.

Respectfully submitted, With the concurrence of,

Heather Moore Rick Williams Director of Programs Commissioner of Community Services

Ministry of Community Minlstere des Services and Social Services soclaux et communautaires Ministry of Children and Mlnlst8re des services ® Ontario Youth Services a I'enfance et ala jeunesse North East Region R8glon du Nord-Est 621 Main Street West 621, rue Main OUest North Bay ON P1 B 2V6 North Bay (Ontario) P1B 2V6 705-474-3540 ext, 205 (705) 474-3540 poste 205 1 800 461 6977 18004616977 TTY: 705-474-7665 ATS : 705-474-7665 FacsimOe: 705-474-5446 Telecopieur: (705) 474-5446

May 23, 2007

MEMO TO: Rick Williams, Commissioner District Municipality of Muskoka

FROM: Mary Lynne O'Leary Municipal and First Nations Services Manager North East Region

Re: 2007/08 Best Start Child Care Allocation

The following outlines your 2007/08 Best Start Child Care allocation that Ontario is delivering to fund the early learning and child care components of Best Start. In addition to this, an enhanced allocation is being provided via Best Start to help to address ongoing pressures in the early learning and care system.

2007/08 Allocation $359,800 $138,200 $35,400 $23,700

L-:....=-=~ ,,__ $557,100

Best Start Operating and Enhanced funds are being flowed under IFIS TP Business Unit Detail Code A661 - Best Start Operating.

Best Start Wage Improvement funds are being flowed under IFIS TP Business Unit Detail Code A446 - Best Start Wage Improvement.

Best Start Planning funds are being flowed under lAS TP Business Unit Detail Code A447 - Best Start Planning.

.../2 -2-

These allocations are currently being processed, and should be available to you shortly. If you have any questions, please contact Ron Ferguson at (416) 325-5777 or email Ron at [email protected].

Ljrtl~ L-l ~L( Mary Lynne O'Leary cc. Arfona Zwiers, Best Start Implementation Manager Peggy O'Connor, Program Supervisor - Best Start Lead Margaret Buddo, Program Supervisor

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT 70 PINE STREET, BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO P1L 1N3 Telephone (705) 645-2412 Fax (705) 645-5319 1-800-461-4210 (705 area code) www.muskoka.on.ca

TO: Chair and Members Community Services Committee

FROM: Arfona Zwiers Coordinator of Children’s Services

DATE: June 8, 2007

SUBJECT: Muskoka Early Childhood Educators’ Symposium

REPORT NO: CS-7-2007-2

RECOMMENDATION

None. For information only.

ORIGIN

Staff. Follow up to Report No. CS-3-2007-3 Muskoka Early Childhood Educators’ Symposium.

ANALYSIS

Muskoka held its third symposium for early childhood educators on May 11th and 12th, 2007, entitled “Play, Learn, Share”. There were 100 attendees. 78% were from Muskoka, and 64% work directly with Muskoka children. All of Muskoka’s full-time child care centres were represented, as well as the home child care programs. Other local children’s services agencies’ staff were also able to attend.

Evaluation surveys indicate that respondents overwhelmingly enjoyed the symposium and felt that what they learned would be of great benefit to the work that they do with Muskoka children.

Some of the comments included:

“It is great to see the networking of all the providers. This will only grow as we continue to provide these types of activities. Looking forward to the next one!” “This was my first time to this conference and I thought it was GREAT! I learned so much, and had a lot of fun!” “What a privilege to be here.” “Keynote speakers were exceptional.”

Attendees cited the inspiring speakers, the workshop content, the display showcase, and networking opportunities as their main reasons for enjoying this local training opportunity.

Community Services Committee Chair Fran Coleman provided the Opening Remarks on Friday, and Commissioner Rick Williams did the same on Saturday. The Children’s Services Team worked diligently and should be commended for organizing a top-notch conference.

Respectfully submitted, With the concurrence of,

Arfona Zwiers Rick Williams Coordinator of Children’s Services Commissioner of Community Services

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT 70 PINE STREET, BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO P1L 1N3 Telephone (705) 645-2412 Fax (705) 645-5319 1-800-461-4210 (705 area code) www.muskoka.on.ca

TO: Chair and Members Community Services Committee

FROM: Heather Moore Director of Programs

DATE: June 4, 2007

SUBJECT: Community Services 2006 Staff Training Report

REPORT NO: CS-7-2007-3

RECOMMENDATION

None. For information only.

ORIGIN

Administration Policy AD:03 requires an annual report to Committee on employee participation in training activities.

ANALYSIS

Community Services employee training and development activities are grouped into three categories as outlined below. Expenditures in 2006, for training across all programs, totalled $27,629.90 (from a budget of $30,650). For most Ontario Works and Child Care training expenses (approximately $24,300) the cost is shared with the Ministry of Community and Social Services at approximately 50%. Housing training totalled approximately $2,400 (from a budget of $2,800). Accommodation/meal expenses for all programs combined (included in the above totals) were about $13,400.

As has been the case for several years, almost every staff member attended at least one training session in 2006. Additionally, due to staffing changes in several key positions, extra training was required for persons in new positions.

Education Assistance • All courses and programs are approved according to the District’s Education Assistance policy; • 2006 expenditures were $2,025 for 3 staff; • Two staff were enrolled in university level programs, and one in the AMCTO Municipal Administration Program.

Essential Training • Includes all training directly related and essential to program delivery including Ministry and Ontario Municipal Social Services Association training sessions; • 2006 expenditures were approximately $7,900; • Continuing in 2006, The Ministry of Community and Social Services provided Ontario Works Advanced Case Management Training. 2 staff participated in 2006. These were staff who, in one case were new to the OW program and in the other, new to their OW position; • Over the course of the year, a number of employees took part in 8 different essential training sessions.

Developmental • Includes Ontario Municipal Social Services Association conferences and Training Ministry of Community and Social Services sponsored events, as well as general development opportunities that promote increased capacity in Community Services related activities; • 2006 expenditures were $19,800; • Over the course of the year, a number of employees took part in 23 sessions.

Respectfully submitted, With the concurrence of,

Heather Moore Rick Williams Director of Programs Commissioner of Community Services

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT 70 PINE STREET, BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO P1L 1N3 Telephone (705) 645-2412 Fax (705) 645-5319 1-800-461-4210 (705 area code) www.muskoka.on.ca

TO: Chair and Members Community Services Committee

FROM: Rick Williams Commissioner of Community Services

DATE: June 11, 2007

SUBJECT: Community Services Committee Summer Meeting Schedule

REPORT NO: CS-7-2007-4

RECOMMENDATION

None. Information related to future meeting date options.

ORIGIN

Staff.

ANALYSIS

Future Community Services Committee meetings are currently scheduled as follows:

July 11 August 1 August 22

The July 11 meeting may need to be rescheduled to allow receipt of proposals within the extended Affordable Housing Program. Proposals are due Friday, July 20, 2007 and could proceed to Muskoka District Council July 30 for approval following Committee review and recommendations. Therefore moving the meeting to Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. would allow the Affordable Housing proposals to be concluded.

In addition the August 1 meeting would be part of the cycle of Committee and Council meetings that are normally cancelled in August.

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Williams Commissioner of Community Services

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT 70 PINE STREET, BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO P1L 1N3 Telephone (705) 645-2412 Fax (705) 645-5319 1-800-461-4210 (705 area code) www.muskoka.on.ca

TO: Chair and Members Community Services Committee

FROM: Rick Williams Commissioner of Community Services

DATE: June 11, 2007

SUBJECT: The Pines - Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Annual Review

REPORT NO: CS-7-2007-5

RECOMMENDATION

None. For information only.

ORIGIN

Staff report based on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care annual review.

ANALYSIS

During the period May 15-24, 2007 staff from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care conducted their Annual Review of The Pines. All long-term care (LTC) facilities are reviewed regularly and any problems (identified as “Unmet Standards”) are noted. The Report of Unmet standards must be posted in the Home and shared with the owners or governing body. A copy of the report is attached.

For the second year in a row (2006, 2007) The Pines had an excellent review with no unmet standards. The reviewer praised the level of care and also noted the positive impact that recent staffing enhancements are having on the quality of care.

The average number of Unmet Standards for LTC Facilities in 2006 was 4.3. There are 467 standards and criteria for resident care, programs and services in LTC Facilities.

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Williams Commissioner of Community Services

To: RelayFax via port COM6 From: 7056456857 6/13/2007 1: 19:44 PM (Page 2 of 3)

7056456857 The Pines 114046am 06-13-2007 2/3

Ministry of Health MinisH,re de la Sante and Long-Term Care et des Soins de longue duree ®Ontario Sudbury Service Area Office Bureau regional de services de Sudbury Telephoneffelephone: 705-564-7487 Performance Improvement and Direction de l'amelioration de la performance et Fax!TeU~copieur: 705-564-3133 Compliance Branch de la conformite Health System Accountability and Division de la responsabilisation et de la perfonnance du Performance Division systeme de sante 159 Cedar Street, Suite 506 159 rue Cedar, bureau 506 Sudbury ON P3E 6A5 Sudbury ON P3E 6A5

May 31,2007

Ms. Janice Fox Administrator The Pines 98 Pine Street Bracebridge ON P1 L 1N5

Dear Ms. Fox:

Please find enclosed the Facility Review Summary Report for the review of care and services conducted on May 15,18,22,23 and 24, 2007.

This Annual Review must be posted for public viewing in a conspicuous place in the facility, in accordance with Section 64(a) of the Homes for the Aged and Rest Homes Act and Regulation 637.

I would like to remind you that under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, all information retained by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care relating to your facility is potentially subject to public release.

A copy of this report must be made available without charge to any resident of the facility upon request. The report will also be on file with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, North Region Branch, Acute Services and Community Health Division.

Yours truly,

Wendy Robinson, RN. BScN Compliance Advisor

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Enclosure "o c;i '"cr> ... ;:0 CD '"cr> '" ~ "'" "Tl ~ < iii" -., ""0o ~ Home: m564 Nisit: 1 ro ;:+ u o Page # ~ Home Name And Address Type of Review Discipline Inspection Date ro o 00 s:: M564 PINES (THE) Annual Nursing 2007/05/15 1 of 1 (J) 98 PINE STREET 2007 Annual Review May 15, 18,22,23 and 24, 2007 Number ofDays BRACEBRIDGE ON P1L 1N5 5

Act/Reg Required Planned Standards Date of Date of Ministry Response And Criteria Ministry Inspection Results Correction LTC Facility Plan ofCorrective Action Correction a"Tl NIA There are no Unmet Standards or Criteria 3 issued as a result of this review. o--J U1 (J) .I>­ U1 (J) 00 U1 --J

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COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT 70 PINE STREET, BRACEBRIDGE, ONTARIO P1L 1N3 Telephone (705) 645-2412 Fax (705) 645-5319 1-800-461-4210 (705 area code) www.muskoka.on.ca

TO: Chair and Members Community Services Committee

FROM: Rick Williams Commissioner of Community Services

DATE: June 11, 2007

SUBJECT: Donations to The Pines

REPORT NO: CS-7-2007-6

RECOMMENDATION

THAT The District Municipality of Muskoka approves the creation of The Pines Community Support Committee in accordance with Terms of Reference as outlined in Report No. CS-7-2007-6.

ORIGIN

Staff.

ANALYSIS

Most non-profit long-term care facilities operate small ‘Foundations’ that serve to receive donations. In most cases the donors are families of long-term residents who want to express appreciation for the care received. In some cases long-term staff also donate.

Many municipalities have approved the creation of entities to facilitate donations and to make recommendations related to the priorities for expenditure of funds. The funds are normally used for equipment or improvements to the facility that might not be readily available within the regular operating budget.

PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE

Name: The Pines Community Support Committee

Purpose: To raise funds to provide for the extras that enhance the lives of residents living at The Pines.

To plan special fundraising events and assist in developing and increasing community awareness.

Community Support Membership will be approved annually by The District Municipality of Committee: Muskoka Community Services Committee and will include Pines volunteers, members of Family Council, members of Resident Council and other interested members of the community.

The Community Support Committee will have a minimum of five and a maximum of nine members.

The Community Support Committee will make recommendations for expenditure priorities to the Community Services Committee. Final approval of expenditures must be made by the Community Services Committee .

Some of the municipalities with active long-term Foundations in long-term care facilities are:

Renfrew County Lanark County Lennox & Addington County Region of Durham Region of Waterloo District of Nipissing District of Cochrane Thunder Bay Sault Ste. Marie Hamilton Region Niagara Region

It is proposed that, should this recommendation be approved, The Pines Community Support Committee be appointed in July, 2007. A follow up report with recommended membership and additional information (including bylaw requirements, if any) will also be included in future reports.

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Williams Commissioner of Community Services

Ontario Child Benefit Cheques Set To Flow As 2007 Budget Bill Passes

Ministryo! Ontario Children and Youth Services I central site I feedback I search I site map I franpis I

News Room

News Room May 10, 2007

Room Ontario Child Benefit Cheques Set To Flow As Releases 2007 Budget Bill Passes

First Benefit Cheques Will Be Mailed In July

Speeches TORONTO -The first benefit cheques from the McGuinty

Contact Us government's new Ontario Child Benefit are set to be mailed this coming July, Minister of Children and Youth Services Mary Anne Chambers said today following passage of the 2007 Budget bill.

"The new Ontario Child Benefit is one of the steps we are taking to help alleviate poverty," said Chambers following passage of the Ontario Child Benefit legislation as part of the 2007 Budget bill. "Our government is committed to supporting Ontario's children and families so no one is left behind."

Over the next five years, the Ontario Child Benefit will invest an additional $2.1 billion to help nearly 1.3 million Ontario children. This benefit will provide low-income families with up to $250 per child this July and grow to a maximum of $1,100 per child by 2011.

To be eligible, parents who are residents of Ontario will need to file their income tax return and register for the Canada Child Tax Benefit. The Ontario Child Benefit is income based.

The Ontario Child Benefit is part of this Budget's proposed investments and other measures to help children and families, including:

• A two-per-cent increase in Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program payments • Increasing the hourly minimum wage to $10.25 in 2010 • Enhancing child care through an additional $25 million in 2007 -08, growing to $50 million in ongoing support starting in 2008-09.

http://www.children.gov.on.calCS/ eninewsRoornlnewsReleases/07 0510 .htrn 6/12/2007 01'\1CIP4111' Canada ® Ontario llJE OISTRI(:~OF MUSKOKA

'~~:'7'qll'Lt'1'\0\""

For Immediate Release June 1, 2007

NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT OPENS IN HUNTSVILLE

HUNTSVILLE - Canada's New Government, the Government of Ontario, the District Municipality of Muskoka, Muskoka Women's Advocacy Group and community partners held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the official opening of a new supportive housing development. Chrysalis Shelter and Supportive Housing, funded under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program, provides 10 affordable rental units for women with or without children.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; the Honourable John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; District Councillor Fran Coleman, on behalf of Gord Adams, Chair of the District Municipality of Muskoka; and Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughty.

"Canada's New Government is proud to help provide safe and supportive housing to vulnerable women in Huntsville," said Minister Clement. "This funding is helping the Chrysalis Shelter give women and children hope, dignity and a path to a safer, better and stronger future."

"The McGuinty government is committed to providing access to safe and affordable shelter for Ontarians who are endeavouring to live with dignity and independence," said John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "The Chrysalis project will make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable women and children in Muskoka by providing them with a safe and affordable place to call home."

The $3 million project includes $700,000 from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The project is sponsored by Muskoka Women's Advocacy Group, and the units will be occupied by low-income women with or without children.

Federal and provincial allocation was complemented by more than $60,000 in municipal financial incentives.

"Once again the Muskoka community has demonstrated our legacy of pulling together to improve the quality of life for all our residents", said District Councillor Fran Coleman, Chair of the District Community Services Committee. "I am delighted to see this project come to fruition and I know that Chair Adams and the rest of District Council hope that the day will come when there is no longer a need for such a shelter." The Chrysalis project has been urgently needed in this community for decades," said Mayor Doughty. "The people of this community have responded to the need in a most substantial fashion. Without their support in time and resources we would not be here today to open such a facility."

1 "Finally all things have come together and Chrysalis is ready to open on June 4 \" said Muskoka Women Advocacy Group Chairperson Sharon Smith. "This project has involved hundreds of people who have worked diligently and given of their time, talent and funds to make Chrysalis a reality. This has been an outstanding cooperative community initiative involving all levels of government and literally hundreds of Muskoka citizens."

The new Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Tracy Wells Patti Munce Canada Mortgage and Housing Minister Gerretsen's Office Corporation 416-585-6333 416-250-3247

Joy McCormack Susan Bacque - Affordable Housing Inquiries Director, Muskoka Interval House Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 705-645-4461 416-585-7021

For more information visit: http://www.cmhc.ca http://www.mah.gov.on.ca News Release Communique ® Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ministere de la Sante et des Soins de longue duree

For Immediate Release May 31, 2007 2007/nr-138

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ENSURING HIGH QUALITY LONG-TERM CARE Residents To Benefit From Standards Of Care And Bill Of Rights

TORONTO - The McGuinty government has passed a new law that will ensure residents receive quality care in long-term care homes across Ontario, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"Our government has enacted a significant piece of legislation that will strengthen long-term care in Ontario," Smitherman said. "This represents a major step forward as we work to ensure residents and their families can count on care that meets an appropriately high standard."

On Wednesday, the Ontario legislature passed the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 (Bill 140). Upon proclamation, the new law will enhance the quality of life for residents of long-term care homes by strengthening enforcement and improving care and accountability. Among other things, it will include:

• The ability to establish staffing and care standards to provide the best possible care to residents; • Whistle-blowing protections for persons, including staff, residents and volunteers, who report abuse or neglect; • A detailed "least restraint policy" limiting the use of restraints and including appropriate safeguards;

• An enhanced and more clearly enforceable Residents' Bill of Rights; • Strengthened requirements related to the development of an integrated, interdisciplinary plan of care for every resident. This is just one more example of how, working together, Ontarians have achieved results in improving the quality of life for long-term care residents. Other initiatives include:

• Funding long-term care homes to hire almost 4,900 new direct care staff, including 1,101 nurses since 2004; • Announcing an investment of$57.7 million in annual funding to create 1,200 additional positions for Registered Practical Nurses in long-term care homes across the province; • Putting 4,912 new long-term care beds into operation since April 2004.

Today's initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care, building a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses. ~~ OANHSS t},r9 Ontario Association of Non-Profit June 2007 ...... ~ Homes and Services for Seniors

7050 Weston Road, Suite 700, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 8G7 • Tel: (905) 851-8821 • Fax: (905) 851-0744· Web: wwwoanhss,org New Chair Elected to OANHSS Board of Directors The OANHSS Board of Directors has elected Sheldon Wolfson as its new Chair.. Sheldon is the Director, Services for Seniors for the Region of Halton, which operates three long term care homes, three supportive housing programs and two adult day programs. He attended the University of Western Ontario, McMaster University and Sheridan College and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and in Religious Studies, and a Masters in Health Sciences in Nursing Administration.. Sheldon has been a Registered Nurse since 1977 and has worked in long term care administration since 1990 .. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the McMaster University School of Nursing, and is also a surveyor/educator for the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation. Sheldon has been a Director on the OANHSS Board for eight years, including four as Treasurer, and has been actively involved at the regional level and on many Association committees .. Other new changes to the Board include:: o Vice Chair - Sandra Pitters, General Manager, City of Toronto Homes for the Aged Division, Toronto (re-elected). o Treasurer - Michael Carroll, Administrator, Valleyview Home, St. Thomas .. o Member-at-Large - Carolyn Clubine, Acting Director, Long Term Care, Regional Municipality of PeeL

Region 1 Region 9 Michael Carroll (Treasurer), Valleyview Home, Cindy Jarvela, Pioneer Ridge Home for the Aged, St. Thomas Thunder Bay Region 2 Charitable Sector Representative Paul O'KTafka, St. Joseph's Villa, Dundas Paulina Chow, Vice President, Long Term Care and Region 3 Housing, St. Joseph's Care Group, Thunder Bay Brent Martin, Nithview Community - LTC, Housing Sector Representative New Hamburg John Colange1i, Luther Village on the Park, Region 4 Waterloo Philippa Welch, The Corporation of the County Municipal Sector Representative of Simcoe, Midhurst Sandra Pitters (Vice Chair), City of Toronto, Homes Region 5 for the Aged Division, Toronto Maria Elias, Belmont House, Toronto Member-At- Large Region 6 Carolyn Clubine, Regional Municipality of Peel, Deborah Hammons, Fairhaven, Peterborough Brampton Region 7 Member-At-Large Greg Fougere, Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Sheldon Wolfson (Chair) Regional Municipality Centre, Ottawa of Halton - Social & Community Services, Oakville Region 8 Past Chair Jo-Anne Palkovits, St Joseph's Villa of Sudbury, Gail Carlin, Sunnyside Home, Kitchener Sudbury

2 www.oanhss.org Action Update Government Relations

Minister Smitherman Addresses OANHSS Resident Accommodation Rates and Convention Comfort Allowance Minister Smitherman touched on four key points in Effective July 1, 2007, the basic daily maximum his address to delegates at the OANHSS conven-, resident co-payment rate will increase by $1.. 00 tion: from the current rate of $49,,76 to $50"76,, The • The government is looking to firm up resources Comfort Allowance will increase effective Novem-, for a capital renewal program for B & C homes ber 1, 2007, from the current rate of $119 per with a 10-15 year timeline" month to $122 per month" • Aging at home strategies will be a very LTC Home Base Funding important ingredient in the health care mix over This year the acuity increase for long term care the next several years and we can expect to see homes resulted in an additional $2..22 in the Nurs- lots of work in this area. ing and Personal Care envelope, adjusting it to • Minister is very committed to decisions and $72,,74. Additional wage stabilization funding has actions that support small homes in rural also been provided to bring the envelope for a CMI communities - currently working with of 100 up to 73"69,, Bluewater Rest Home, an OANHSS member The acuity increase for the Programming and home in Zurich, on a model that could have Support Services envelope was $0.21, which applications in other areas of the province" together with a further $0,,09 in wage stabilization • Strong statement from the Minister that he will funding brings the envelope to $7.12. not engage in any discussions on funding This "stabilization funding" was included in last models that treat residents the same in terms of year's budget (2006-2007) but did not flow until care needs. April 2007" (cont'd on page 4) ediSy Pharmacy .~IL"[·jaRa;lJ.'fJ!tiI9"';jla·j§lfJl~l. CANADA'S LEADER IN AUTOMATED ORDERING SYSTEMS

NTO • LONDON • OTTAWA • BARRIE • BRANTFORD • ALBERTA

Action Update June 2007 3 Government Relations

(cont'd jiam page 3)

The chart below provides a summary of the year to date long term care per diem funding adjustments. Envelope Prior to April 1/07 April 1/07 July 1/07 July 1/07 April 1, 2007 Acuity Stabilization Co-Pay**

70.52 $2..22 .95 $ 73.69

.21 ..09 7.12 .11 5.57

45.94

MOHLTC Restructuring Continues New Bed Announcements The MOHLTC restructuring continues to unfold .. In late May the government announced 352 new The regional MOHLTC offices are now closed to beds to be built over the next two years in the the public and the compliance program has been Kingston, South Hastings and Quinte West areas .. centralized under a new Performance Improvement A total of 160 new beds were awarded to Exten-· and Compliance Branch" Tim Bums, formerly the dicare Canada in Kingston; 128 went to AON Inc .., director of the Long Term Care Homes Branch, has in Tweed; and 64 beds went to Crown Ridge (32 been appointed as the new director of the Branch" beds) and Trent Valley Lodge (32 beds) in Trenton. All the corporate level changes will be unfolding All construction is expected to be completed by over the next year and efforts are in place to ensure the end of 2009. corporate direction continues in such areas as ALC Ontario Strategic Infrastructure Financing strategies and models of care for residents with sig- Authority (OSIFA) nificant behaviour responses. We raised this con- cern because of directions some LHINs are under- OANHSS continues to work with OSIFA to gain a taking that appear not to be connected to work that better understanding of the eligibility requirements has taken place at the provincial level over the last under the program and to share information about year. We have been assured that efforts are being members' needs. It is now clear that only projects made to share these strategies to avoid multiple receiving MOHLTC long term care funding are eli- competing initiatives across the 14 LHINs .. gible under the program. Therefore, non-profit As the transition proceeds, MOHLTC-funded housing projects and other non-LTC projects do not agencies including long term care homes will be qualify .. advised of the impact on day-to-day operations. For members not familiar with this program, Members are reminded that the general restructur- which was opened up to not-for-profit long term ing developments are outlined in LHIN bulletins care homes in December 2006, please link to the posted at www.health ..gov..on.ca and in the member February 2007 Member Alerts on our website area of the OANHSS website. (member access/govt & media relations/member updates). (cont d on page 5)

4 www.oanhss.org Action Update Government Relations

(cont"d flom page 4) For more information, you can contact Bill HealthForce Ontario Paterson, OSIFA Director, at 416-314-1420 or • New Nurse Graduate Initiative Underway Bi1LPaterson@infrastructureontatio"ca, or Steve We continue to participate on the steering commit- Rohacek, Vice President of Business Development tee for this initiative. In response to employer con- and Customer Relations, at 416-325-4678 or cerns, particularly OANHSS, working groups have Steve"Rohacek@infrastructureontario"ca" been established to address issues related to employer capacity, RPN deployment and education Toronto Star Tracking the Revolution in sector capacity, The RPN group is bringing to the LTC table the RPN unions given their exclusion from Moira Welsh, the Toronto Star columnist well the initial planning and the labour relations issues known for her series of articles on long term care that arise with this initiative" in 2004, is doing a follow-up article (not a series) on the status of long term care in 2007, towards the • Interprofessional Care Project Consults with end of the Liberal's first term. OANHSS was inter- Stakeholders viewed and we understand she is contacting a OANHSS was a contributor to a stakeholder con- number of associations for input. sultation on interprofessional care. This work is part of the HealthF orce Ontario strategy to ensure Bill 140 - Third Reading Completed that Ontario has the right mix of appropriately edu- Bill 140, the Long-Term Care Homes Act, cated health care providers now and in the future. received Royal Assent on June 4. The Interprofessional Care Project, with its focus In her opening remarks on the final day of on multi-disciplinary teamwork, grew out of this debates, MPP Monique Smith made a point of not- mandate. This work includes not only considera- ing "we supported the delivery of long-term care tion of health care provider teams, but how to services by the not-for-profit sector, a nod to that incorporate interprofessional teamwork into basic sector that does such great work in our long-term education programs. care homes across the province." Our input focused on the need to broadly define The opposition parties took the opportunity to the care team to include both regulated and unregu- reiterate the issues that were raised extensively lated providers along with the people receiving ser- during the Bill 140 hearings, including the need for vice and their significant others. We stressed the funding and the fall-out of the recent provincial importance of supportive environments in health budget, and quoted extensively from our press care delivery that enable interdisciplinary care and release" Members can link to the proceedings and the need for flexible regulatory frameworks that the final version of the Bill at www"ontla"on.ca. provide incentives to team work. We also shared our report titled The Role of the Professional Care Shelley Martel Leaves Politics Team in Long Term Care (2000).. Shelley Martel, NDP Health Critic and MPP for the Nickel Belt has announced that she will not be Convalescent Care Evaluation Underway running for re-election. After 20 years in the Meetings with stakeholders, including OANHSS, Ontario Legislature, Martel has decided to retire about the evaluation of the convalescent care pro- from electoral politics to pursue new interests and gram are being convened. We will be advising on spend more time with her family" Ms" Martell the design and approach to this work. To date, we has been a strong advocate for the not-for-profit have secured changes to a client satisfaction ques- sector. tionnaire that will collect pre and post admission perspectives from those in the program.

Action Update June 2007 5 Government Relations

Alternate Levels of Care (ALC) Indicators o Admission, transfer and discharge data relating We are participating on a Joint Policy and Planning to residents supported by the HINF. Committee (JPPC) ALC System Integration Indi- o HINF utilization data for specific categories cators Expert Panel, which will propose new alter- including prefell'ed accommodation, nate level of care indicators for potential inclusion supplementary staffing, transportation for in future service accountability agreements negoti- dialysis, enteral and parenteral nutrition, wound ated between LHINs and hospitals. care and pain management It will also provide technical advice and recom- o Demographics on residents supported by the mendations to the JPPC Accountability Committee HINF such as age, gender, health conditions on ALC indicator definitions and methodological and co-morbidities" approaches" o Inventory and acquisition of equipment and supplies utilized for treating conditions High Intensity Needs Fund (HINF) Data supported by the HINF. Being Collected Also underway is the revision of the r current Data from homes on the HINF is now being col- HINF manual is to "clean up" the details to support lected. The data collection period is April 1, 2007 more consistency in application and a streamlined to June 30, 2007 for submission to the Ministry in reimbursement process. Down the road in the July 2007" Our input on early drafts has resulted in redesign plan is a revised program to reflect the significant changes to the tooL The data will help needs of residents and incorporate a preventive determine the future direction for the program. The approach. focus is on the collection of key indicators on the utilization of the fund that include: o Admission, transfer and discharge data for all LTC residents.

6 www.oanhss.org Action Update Government Relations

Compliance Developments the Focus of o Central South - I municipal in Dunnville and Ongoing Dialogue 2 for-profits in Hamilton; OANHSS and OLTCA are meeting with the o Central East -,2 municipals in York Region, I MOHLTC every two months to specifically municipal in Lindsay, I for-profit in Bampton address compliance issues including the interpreta- and one for-profit in Orillia; tion of standards, concerns related to residents o Toronto - 3 municipal homes, I charitable home smoking, 24/7 RN coverage, the move to a new and 2 for-profits risk management framework and analyzing data on o East .. I charitable, I for-profit in Deseronto the top unmet standards. and I for-profit in Stirling" The risk framework will be a key component of There are no CSAs in the south west, centr'al the new direction for the MOHLTC accountability west or the north. for homes .. Work is underway with our input to LTC Action Line Expanded to Include develop the risk indicators and we have been Home Care briefed on the overall framework plan. The initial thinking is that risk management will address four The government recently announced that the Long- Term Care Action Line is being expanded to areas of operations: resident care, environmental health and safety, operations and services and gov- take calls from home care clients receiving care through their CCAC who may have concerns or ernance and leadership. The focus is on identifying indicators that would be readily available in all complaints ..The line is being expanded in response to a recommendation from Elinor Caplan's May homes and include those obtained through the RAI-MDS system. 2006 report on improving home care services in Ontario. Few Homes Provide Smoking Rooms LTC Homes Public Reporting The list of LTC Homes that have Controlled Smok- The site was revised earlier this year to be more ing Areas (CSA) either approved or awaiting approval are now listed on www..ltchomes.net .. user-friendly and easier to navigate .. Further changes are anticipated, but the time line is being Only seventeen homes are on the list: seven munic- ipal, two charitable and eight for-profit nursing adjusted in light of the MOHLTC restructuring. We had hoped that the next major change to incor- homes ..The geographic distribution is as follows: porate more information on unmet standards and the posting of the compliance action plans would take place this year, but this is unlikely before 2008. We continue to press for these additions.

Pandemic Plan Continues to Evolve Quick Reference Ontario's pandemic plan continues to evolve - Position Available as more information surfaces with regard to • Registered Nurses (2 Full-time & 2 Part-time) pandemics preparedness" Manitoulin Centennial Manor As a member of the provincial Ontario Health Closing Date: June 30, 2007 Plan for an Influenza Pandemic (OHPIP) steering

OANHSS Marketplace is an committee, we are commenting on changes to employment service for members., the plan., (cont'd on page 8)

Action Update June 2007 7 Government Relations

(conl'd from page 7) Through this work, we also have been able to province-wide organization that works exclusively raise continuing concerns related to supply stock- to link the fields of aging, mental illness and piling, LTC regulatory issues and other revisions to addictions .. The government investment will the provincial plan underway" enable the network to publish a brochure on aging We are cUITentlyworking with OLTCA to identi- and depression, train volunteers to present mental fy the LTC home regulations and policies that health seminars at seniors' information fairs, and could be impractical during a pandemic and to hold 14 training sessions for staff of community clarify the role of compliance staff during a pan- agenCIes. demic" o Safe Medication Use by Seniors Pandemic MOHLTC Newsletter Available The provincial government has announced The latest issues of the Pandemic Planner, the $75,000 in funding for a series of province-wide MOHLTC's monthly newsletter for health care seminars on the safe use of medication for seniors. professionals, can be downloaded from The funds have been granted to the Ontario Phar- www"health.goy..on ..ca/pandemic .. macists' Association to deliver 35 free seminars This site provides access to a range of informa- across the province .. tion including a new resource section for local o Elder Abuse pandemic planning, ten new fact sheets about The provincial government is investing more than influenza pandemic planning and the results of the $1.6 million over the next two years to combat January 2007 survey of community pandemic elder abuse and neglect The funding will go to the planning ..The latter material reports on the results Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder of the survey on the status of action by local health Abuse to support its regional elder abuse consul- units in engaging all aspects of the health care tants for two years. The consultants have helped system in planning activities .. support more than 50 elder abuse networks or coordinating committees across the province. This Colleges Developing Institutional Cook initiative is part of Ontario's Elder Abuse Strategy Program which focuses on three priorities: co-ordination of OANHSS has been contributing to the develop- community services, training for front-line staff, ment of a new college course aimed at training and raising public awareness about this important institutional cooks. On behalf of OANHSS, a cook Issue. employed by the City of Toronto Homes for the o Seniors' Information Fairs Aged attended a three-day workshop to develop the job requirements for this proposed trade ..This The government announced the provision of workshop follows discussions held with OANHSS $400,000 for seniors' information fairs across the and other institutional employer representatives. province ..Topics include safe medication use, liv-· All agreed that an apprenticeship program would ing with mental illness and addictions, falls pre- be appropriate and give greater attention to the vention and other healthy living themed sessions .. unique role of cooks in institutional settings. The seniors' fairs are offered in partnership with the Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario New and Continuing Initiatives Funded and the Federation des alnes et des retraites fran- o Older Persons' Mental Health and cophones de l'Ontario. Addictions Network The Older Persons' Mental Health and Addictions Network (OPMHAN), of which OANHSS is a

8 www.oanhss.org Action Update Government Relations

Mental Health and Behaviours Capacity CCAC issues, the use of Form 1 or police to Survey Results Available address problems, the value of PJ.E..G.E.S. train- The MOHLTC report on last year's Mental Health ing, the use of special care units and the level of and Behaviours Capacity Survey of long term care support from Psychogeriatric Resource Consul- homes has been finalized and posted at tants (PRCs) and specialized geriatric services .. wwwJtchomes ..net (select Program Resources).. OANHSS Supports Graduate Level The purpose of this survey was to assess the Preparation for Nurse Practitioners capacity of the LTC homes system to care for resi- OANHSS sent a letter of support for the proposal dents with mental health and behavioural issues, by the Council of Ontario University Programs in and homes access to internal and external Nursing to move the educational preparation for resources ..On average, homes estimate that 12..5% Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioners (PHC of their residents are "high risk" NPs) to a graduate level. PHC NPs are currently The results confirmed many assumptions supporting a number of our member long term OANHSS and our members have been articulating care homes .. for some time; there is an increasing number of The letter highlights that the level of practice of residents with responsive behaviours and that PHC NPs in homes is one that demands advanced resources internally and externally are inadequate level skills and knowledge, and that the theoreti- to address their needs .. The data also speaks to (cont'd on page 10)

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Action Update June 2007 9 (cont'd jiam page 9) and clinical preparation obtained through graduate The findings are particularly relevant as they relate education is needed. We also note that this added to the issues that are currently under debate as part preparation would promote strong critical thinking of the provincial consultation. and better enable PHC NPs to develop and lead See this month's Housing News for further research that would further improve care and assist details. the PHC NP to become a fully integrated, credible, New Appointment MOHLTC Health System participating member of the broader health care Strategy Division team. Vasanthi Srinivasan has been appointed to the posi- Life Lease Housing in the Spotlight tion of Director, Health System Planning and Life lease housing is generating a great deal of Research Branch, Health System Strategy Divi- government interest right now, both at the federal sion ..In this role, Ms. Srinivasan will be the key and the provincial leveL MOHLTC contact for the Seniors Health Research As OANHSS members and others began to draft Transfer Network. She has a good understanding of their responses to the provincial life lease housing our sector and led the editorial panel on seniors consultation, Canada Mortgage and Housing equity whose advice and resulting paper formed an Corporation (CMHC) released a research report integral part of the government strategic health highlighting the results of their comprehensive planning work, As a member of the panel, examination of life lease housing issues across the OANHSS has already developed a connection with country .. Ms Srinivasan ..

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10 www.oanhss.org Action Update News Release Ontario Communique ®

Minh.try of Community Ministere des Services and Social Services sociaux et communautaires

For Immediate Release June 12, 2007

MAKING PROGRESS TOWARDS AN ACCESSIBLE ONTARIO Second Anniversary Of The Passage Of The Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act

TORONTO - The McGuinty government is making important progress in making businesses, government services and communities fully accessible to all Ontarians, Minister Responsible for Ontarians with Disabilities Madeleine Meilleur said today in celebration of the second anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The landmark legislation was passed unanimously in the Legislature on June 13,2005.

"Our government believes that a fully accessible Ontario will be a stronger Ontario," said Meilleur. "That's why we took a strong stand for accessibility by making the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act the law. And that's why we will continue to work together to break down barriers for people with disabilities."

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 1.5 million people, or 13 per cent of Ontarians, have a disability and that is expected to increase to 20 per cent in 20 years, as the population ages.

The government is developing provincewide standards in five key areas: customer service, transportation, information and communications, the physical environment, and employment. The proposed standards are created by Standards Development Committees, which consist of people with disabilities and experts in their field from the private sector and the public sector.

The proposed Accessible Customer Service Standard has been posted for public review and feedback, and the proposed Accessible Transportation Standard will be posted for public review later this year.

The Standards Development Committee that will draft the proposed Accessible Information and Communications Standard has recently begun its work. And the committees for the Accessible Built Environment Standard and the Employment Accessibility Standard are being assembled now.

The McGuinty government has also entered into several different partnership pr~jects with various private sector and not-for-profit organizations to improve accessibility in some new and innovative ways.

.../2 - 2 -

Over the past two years, these partnerships have resulted in:

• A new guide for front-line managers and human resources professionals that provides information and advice on recruiting, interviewing and employing people with disabilities. • The Ontario Mainstreet Awards which recognize businesses and communities that have been leaders in providing quality service to all customers. • A series of videos and printed materials developed through the Ontario Chinese Restaurant and Food Services Association. These tools will help an important part of the Chinese business community better understand how to make their businesses and services more accessible. • Tools and resources developed by media professionals aimed at raising the profile of people with disabilities in the Canadian movie, television and radio industry.

The government has also invested nearly $11 million in new funding for interpreter and intervenor services for people who are deaf or deatblind, announced $28.2 million for universities and colleges to provide services for students with disabilities, and developed a new Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities to help make Ontario's communities safer for everyone in the event of an emergency.

Last month, the government launched a new public awareness website on accessibility called AccessON which challenges attitudes and encourages all Ontarians to learn about barriers to accessibility. The AccessON.ca website will also help businesses get the information and tools they need to comply with the new accessibility standards.

"In the coming years, we look forward to continuing our progress with the development of accessibility standards and public education to raise awareness of the benefits of accessibility. We are also looking for new ways in which we can partner with the private sector as well as the broader public sector and municipalities, to open more doors for Ontarians with disabilities," said Meilleur. "An accessible Ontario is going to be a stronger Ontario for everyone."

-30-

Contacts: Marc Despatie John Letherby Minister's Office Communications and Marketing Branch 416-325-5219 416-325-5187

Disponible enjranc;ais

www.accesson.ca

www.mcss.gov.on.ca