Legislation is the foundation for policies, programmes, and services. Regulations add more specifics. Finally, policies spell out what will actually happen.
Before government passes legislation, it consults with people and groups who may be affected. It may also consult with members of the public. Regulations have less public input, and policies have even less. Government can add, remove, or change regulations and policies without consultation.
Care Watch comments and advocates at each stage. We analyze legislation, regulations, and policies. We assess how they affect home and community care for older Ontarians. When we can, we comment on drafts so we can influence the results.
Key legislation and regulations relating to home and community care can be found here.
Convenient Care at Home Act, 2023. What Disaster Could Look Like
January 2024
The Convenient Care at Home Act, 2023 doesn’t seem to say much about either convenience or care. It emphasizes home care for patients returning from a hospital stay instead of care for clients remaining in the community. Care coordination is confusing, accountability unclear, and public oversight lacking. We recommend care pathways for older adults who receive services in their homes along with a stable workforce to support home and community care.
Home and Community Service Regulations
July/August 2021
Care Watch submitted feedback on the proposed regulations for Ontario’s Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act. We are pleased with some changes from earlier drafts, but also have questions and concerns. We look forward to the next iteration.
Tears don’t save lives. Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission Final Report
May 2021
When COVID-19 invaded Ontario, people who lived and worked in long-term care were hit the hardest. Ontario’s premier has wept over the death and suffering. Tears are moving, but they don’t save lives.
Bill 175 – Changing Home and Community Care
April 2021
Government says the Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act won’t change how people receive services. We’re not so sure. We are concerned about inconsistency, new settings, care coordination, client protections, accountability, and privatization.
October 2019
The needs of today’s (and tomorrow’s) older adults are larger than any neighbourhood, community, or province. The solutions must also be larger. A strategy will bring together vision, analysis, action, and commitment.
The War for Drugs: National Pharmacare Strategy
September 2019
Canada is the only country in the world with universal medical care but no universal prescription drug coverage. It’s time to stop blaming each other. We need to change our approach.
Asking the Questions: Ontario Health Teams
July 2019
If you have questions about the new Ontario Health Teams, you’re not alone. How will they improve care, what will the transition look like, and what will change for individuals and families? Look behind broad statements and ask for specifics.
May 2019
Older adults need services to remain at home and keep their independence. What they actually get, however, can depend as much on geography as on need. We believe every older Ontarian is entitled to a comprehensive array – or basket – of services.
Care Watch 