HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-2023-008 - Ontario Health Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement
Community Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: February 13, 2023
SUBMITTED BY: Lori Palubeski, Manager, Program & Resource Services, 519-741-2200
ext. 7623
PREPARED BY: Bethany Pearce, Supervisor, Older Adult Services, 519-741-2200 ext.
5081
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: January 30, 2023
REPORT NO.: CSD-2023-008
SUBJECT: Ontario Health Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with Ontario Health for
the Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement; and,
That the CAO or the Deputy CAO of Community Services be authorized to execute the
necessary documentation relating to compliance, reporting, and operational matters
required by the Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement between The Corporation
of the City of Kitchener and Ontario Health; and said documentation to be to the
satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval to enter into a funding and service
agreement with Ontario Health for the Senior Day and Connected at Home Programs.
The funding provided by Ontario Health supports the city to deliver specialized programs
and services that assist older adults to age in place and to maintain social connections.
BACKGROUND:
The Senior Day Program and the Connected at Home Program are two specialized programs
delivered by the City of Kitchener for older adults living in Kitchener. The Senior Day Program
operates 5 days a week at the Downtown Community Centre and provides a full day of structured
and inclusive programming for older adults living with a variety of physical and cognitive
disabilities. The Senior Day Program was attended approximately 2525 times in 2022 allowing
older adults to participate in recreation activities, to socialize with peers and to receive a healthy
meal. The Connected at Home Program is a new program that was developed in response to
the pandemic and supports identified gaps and needs that exist for certain segments of the older
adult population. This program provides a flexible and responsive model of service delivery that
offers participants the choice of how they would prefer to participate. It offers accessible options
including virtual program delivery (phone or videoconferencing), activity kit delivery to their
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
home, or in-person activities at different community centres. Older adults typically supported
through this program includethose with physicalorcognitive disabilities, individuals
experiencing social isolation, or those who face barriers in accessing programs due to health
challenges, transportation, technology limitations, or income. In 2022, an estimated 5,713
program and service interactions with older adults were facilitated through the Connect at Home
Program. The Senior Day Program and the Connected at Home Program receive 85% of base
funding from Ontario Health (previously the Local Health Integration Network).
On April 1, 2021, the Government of Ontario transitioned the Local Health Integration Networks
(LHIN), and other existing provincial health agencies into the new agency, Ontario Health. The
role of Ontario Health is to oversee the planning, delivery, funding, and performance of the
provincial health care system. To support the transparent and responsible use of health
resources, accountability agreements between service providers and Ontario Health are
required.
The funding agreement known as the Multi-sector Service Accountability Agreement (M-SAA) is
a standardized contract among all Ontario Health funded service providers. The M-SAA includes
schedules outlining:
Services to be provided with Ontario Health Funding
Corporate entity reporting requirements
Financial reporting requirements
Relevant policies and standards applicable to the funded service; and
Performance obligations for the funded programs
REPORT:
The previous M-SAA agreement which commenced on April 1, 2022, is set to expire on March
31, 2023, and is requiring renewal. On December 21, 2022, Ontario Health formally notified the
city of the requirement to enter a new one-year M-SAA agreement to maintain funding for the
Senior Day and Connected at Home Programs. This new agreement would commence on April
1, 2023, and conclude on March 31, 2024.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There is no additional budgetary impact. Over 85% of the budget for these programs are funded
through Ontario Health and user fees. The total budget for these programs in 2023/24 will be
$779,077 with the City of Kitchener contributing up to $104,909 and Ontario Health contributing
$606,688.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM This report has
council/committee meeting.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
CSD-19-004-Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement for the Senior Day and
Peer Support Programs
CSD-12-008-Declaration of Compliance for Multi-Service Sector Accountability
Agreement
CSD-11-023-Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement for the Senior Day and
Peer Support Programs
CSD-17-030 Age-friendly Communities
APPROVED BY: Michael May, DCAO Community Services