Member Update, June 4, 2020, 12:00PM

Ontario Announces New Broadband & Cell Service Improvements

As Ontario safely and gradually begins to reopen, the provincial government is investing $150 million in reliable broadband and cellular service. This funding will help create even more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of the province.

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Member Update, June 3, 2020, 12:00PM

Emergency Orders Extended to June 30

In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario will extend the provincial Declaration of Emergency to June 30. The extension, under s.7.0.7 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, was approved by the Ontario legislature.

MEMBER UPDATE, June 1, 2020, 4:30PM

New Regulation will protect employees from permanent layoffs and businesses from potential closures

As Ontario’s economy gradually and safely reopens, workers will have jobs to return to and businesses will be protected from incurring unsustainable termination costs.

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Member Update, May 29, 2020, 12:00PM

Ontario Expands Testing Plan

As the province carefully and gradually reopens the economy, the Ontario government is implementing the next phase of its COVID-19 testing strategy to detect and quickly stop the spread of the virus. Testing will now be available to more people in more locations across the province.

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Member Update, May 21, 4:30PM

Federal Government Announces Funding for Off-Reserve Indigenous Organizations

Today, the Government of Canada announced $75 million in new funding for Indigenous organizations providing services to Indigenous peoples in urban centres and off reserve.

Member Update, May 20, 4:30PM

Canadians Will See Additional $300 in Canada Child Benefit Support in May

If you collect the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you'll notice a temporary boost to your bank balance today — the government is sending parents an extra $300 for each child to help offset pandemic-related costs.

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Member Update, May 14, 4:30PM

Ontario Releases Reopening Plan

Today, the province announced which retailers, seasonal businesses and health and community service providers will be permitted to open or expand their services on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., provided the general trend on health indicators continues improving as part of the first stage of the government's reopening framework.

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Member Update, May 12, 4:30PM

Federal Government Offers Supports for Seniors

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a series of additional measures to help Canadian seniors and provide them with greater financial security in this time of crisis.

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Member Update, May 6, 4:30PM

Ontario Eases Restrictions on Retail Stores and Construction Projects

The Ontario government is allowing all retail stores with a street entrance to provide curbside pickup and delivery, as well as in-store payment and purchases at garden centres, nurseries, hardware stores and safety supply stores. The business owners should review the health and safety guidelines developed by the province and its health and safety association partners.

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Member Update: May 6, 2020

Province Extends Emergency Electricity Relief Rates

The Ontario government is extending emergency electricity rate relief to families, farms and small businesses until May 31, 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Member Update: May 6, 2020

Rent-geared-to-income calculations during COVID-19: Emergency Benefits

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in their most recent Social Housing Notification 20-05 has clarified that the following new emergency benefits are considered income and included for the purposes of rent-geared-to-income (RGI) calculations:

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Member Update: May 5, 2020

Province Expands Virtual Mental Health Services

Starting today, the Ontario government is expanding virtual mental health services to help Ontarians experiencing anxiety and depression, including frontline health care workers, during the COVID-19 outbreak. These Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) programs were developed in partnership with MindBeacon and Morneau Shepell and will be provided at no out-of-pocket costs to Ontarians across the province.

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Member Update: May 1, 2020

Ontario Announces First Businesses to Open

The Ontario government is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Those permitted to start up include seasonal businesses and some essential construction projects.

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ONPHA Member Update: April 27, 2020

Reopening Ontario after COVID-19

On April 27, 2020, the Ontario government shared its action plan to re-open the economy. Developed under guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, the framework identifies a gradual, three-stage approach to reopen businesses, services and public spaces.

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Member Update: April 23, 2020

Province Extends Emergency Orders until May 6

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario is extending all emergency orders until May 6, 2020. The declaration of emergency, extended to May 12th, is separate from emergency orders. This Emergency Order extension includes outdoor amenities closures – like in parks and recreational areas, non-essential workplaces, public places and bars and restaurants, along with restrictions on social gatherings and limiting staff from working in more than one retirement home or long-term care home.

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MEMBER UPDATE, April 23, 4:30PM

COVID-19 Action Plan for Vulnerable People

Today, Ontario announced a new COVID-19 Action Plan for Vulnerable People to better protect vulnerable populations during the pandemic. It builds on the government's previous actions to protect people living in high-risk settings, including homes serving those with developmental disabilities, shelters for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking, children's residential settings, and those residential settings supporting vulnerable Indigenous individuals and families both on and off reserve.

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Member Update: April 21, 4:30PM

Provincial funding and services to help seniors and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak

The Ontario government is delivering support to Ontario's most vulnerable citizens, including seniors and persons with disabilities, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The province is investing $11 million to help deliver meals, medicines and other essentials to those in need and doubling the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payments.

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Member Update: April 21, 4:30PM

Prime Minister Announces Investment into Non-Profits

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $350 million investment to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need. To help these Canadians, the Government of Canada will provide additional support to charities and non-profit organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund.

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Member Update: April 17, 4:30PM

Province Announces New Supports for Home Learning: iPads with Free Rogers Wireless Data

Today, the Ontario government announced a partnership with Rogers Communications and Apple to help meet students’ and families’ educational needs during the COVID-19 outbreak. iPads are being purchased and distributed by Ontario school boards, pre-equipped with free Rogers LTE wireless data. Apple is providing on-going support in French and English to teachers, parents and students, with a collection of resources to support learning and working from home.

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 17, 7:30AM

Province Issues New Temporary Emergency Orders

Ontario’s Provincial government issued new temporary emergency orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act:

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 16, 3:30PM

Prime Minister Expands Access to CERB

Today, the Federal Government announced two major expansions to its funding to support small businesses.

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 15, 3:30PM

Prime Minister Expands Access to CERB

Today, the Federal Government announced an expansion to its Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), a $2,000 taxable benefit every four weeks for up to four months. The benefit is for eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 14, 5:00PM

Ontario Extends Emergency Order Another 28 days

On the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s advice with the approval of the Ontario legislature, the Ontario government is extending the Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act another 28 days. The extension of the provincial declaration of emergency allows Ontario to continue to enforce current emergency orders. A full list of emergency orders can be found on the e-Laws website under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 8, 10:30AM

Ontario Commits to Indigenous Funding

As part of Ontario's Action Plan: Response to COVID-19, the Province is investing over $37 million to support outbreak planning, prevention and mitigation efforts to ensure the health and well-being of Indigenous people and communities — particularly those in remote and far-northern regions.

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 6, 2020

Province Offers One-time Financial Assistance During School and Child Care Closures

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ontario government will now defer $15 million in property taxes for people and businesses in parts of Northern Ontario located outside of municipal boundaries. This tax deferral builds on the $10 billion in cash flow supports made available to people and businesses as part of Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 6, 2020

Province Offers One-time Financial Assistance During School and Child Care Closures

Today, the Provincial Government offered direct financial support to parents while Ontario’s schools and child care centres remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Member Update: April 4, 3:00PM

Province Announces Additional Business Closures - UPDATE

The new guidelines state, critical management, safety, security and essential operations staff at residential properties are allowed to continue work. The new guidelines also reference; “Maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings ” (#20) and “Not-for profit organizations that support the provision of food, shelter, safety or protection, and/or social services and other necessities of life to economically disadvantaged and other vulnerable individuals.” (#44) as essential.

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MEMBER UPDATE – April 3, 4:00PM

Province Announces Additional Business Closures

Following the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s advice, the Province is reducing businesses classified as essential and ordering more workplaces to close. This measure is necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect Ontarians. The government is ordering all businesses not covered by the updated Emergency Order to close effective as of Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days, with an extension possible as the situation evolves. Teleworking, online commerce and other innovative ways of working remotely are permitted at all times. All supply chains necessary for food and healthcare supplies are protected and remain intact.

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 2, 1:00PM

Important Announcements for Members: AGM Regulations and Financial Filings

1. Ontario announced new regulations for Annual General Meetings On March 31st, the Province announced an Emergency Order giving businesses and not-for-profit corporations incorporated under the Ontario Corporations Act (CA) the ability to hold virtual meetings. It also extends the statutory timeframe for these organizations to hold their Annual General Meetings (AGMs.)

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 2, 1:00PM

Ontario’s Attorney General Doug Downey announced emergency action to support victims of crime and protect front-line staff who continue to uphold the administration of justice in response to COVID-19.

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 2, 12:00PM

Finance Minister Bill Morneau recently announced additional information about the Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS), a program designed to discourage companies from laying off workers. The program is retroactive to March 15.

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Member Update: March 31, 4:00PM

The Ontario government announced schools and child care centres will remain closed to protect the health and safety of students and staff on advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Public schools will remain closed to teachers until Friday, May 1, 2020, and to students until Monday, May 4, 2020. As these dates come closer, this decision will be re-evaluated based on public health advice.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 31, 12:00PM

Ontario issued a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to close all outdoor recreational amenities, like sports fields and playgrounds, effective immediately. These actions are based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 30, 4:00PM

The Province announced today it is working with businesses, volunteer organizations and non-profits to make it easier for Ontario's seniors to self-isolate and practice physical distancing by ensuring they can receive the support they need to stay safe and healthy. Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health urges those over 70 or with compromised immune systems and underlying medical conditions to stay home.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 30, 1:00PM

This morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced businesses and non-profit organizations with at least a 30 per cent drop in revenue from COVID-19 will qualify for the government's 75 per cent wage subsidy program.

Details on where to apply for the program will be available later today.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 30, 1:00PM

This morning, Ontario launched a new dedicated web page and changed how COVID-19 cases are reported to provide a more relevant data summary from Public Health Ontario every day at 10:30 a.m.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 27, 1:00PM

Today, the City of Toronto urged Landlords and Condo Boards to adopt new health and safety measures to protect residents from COVID-19. Large residential buildings require new practices and a rigorous cleaning routine to prevent viral spread.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 26, 1:00PM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today the government will merge two previously announced employment insurance benefits for Canadians who are out of, or off work because of COVID-19. He told reporters more financial assistance will come as the pandemic wages on, with the first $82-billion aid package set to flow as soon as it passes Parliament today.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 24, 3:00PM

After announcing non-essential businesses must close, Ontario’s provincial government released a list of businesses Ontario’s provincial government released a list of businesses  (updated April 3) able to remain open.

Download the list from the resource list. Browse the list to see what’s open by selecting from the types of businesses in the document. You can also contact the Provincial hotline at 1-888-444-3659 to learn more.

Worried about a business you need not available on this list? Speak to ONPHA today at member.support@onpha.org to see what deals we have at ONPHA Select to see how your procurement budget can go further – even when times are tough.

MEMBER UPDATE: March 24, 10:00AM

At an announcement today, the Province will charge customers lower hydro rates for the next 45 days to offset higher electricity costs as more people work from home, self-isolate or lose their jobs.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 23, 2:30PM

On March 23, Premier Doug Ford announced only essential services can stay open within the next 36 hours. Ford told reporters “this is not the time for half-measures…we’ve seen countries lose this battle.”

Only essential manufacturing and supply chain providers as well as shops like supermarkets, pharmacies, LCBO outlets, and takeout restaurants would be allowed to remain open.

Ontario’s measures will come into effect about one week after Ford declared a state of emergency in the province.

A complete list of businesses deemed essential and non-essential will be released on Tuesday, March 24.

MEMBER UPDATE: March 23, 1:30PM

The Province is providing $200 million in social services relief funding to help protect the health and safety of the province's most vulnerable people in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 20, 4:00PM

This morning, Ontario launched an enhanced and interactive self-assessment tool. It takes the public through questions to inform those concerned they may have contracted COVID-19. In seconds, it determines if people are COVID-19 negative or guides individuals where to seek care based on their needs. It also provides the province with real-time data on the number and users’ geography who are told to seek care, self-isolate or to monitor for symptoms.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 20, 4:00PM

Toronto Mayor John Tory announced a 60-day grace period on paying city-related bills – both for personal and business costs. The deferral is retroactive to March 16 and would cover property taxes, water and solid waste utility bill payments for all residents and businesses, Tory said in a statement issued on Friday.

The City said for properties on a regular three-installment payment plan, the next required payment will be on June 1.

Late payment penalties for both residential and businesses will be waived starting on March 16 for 60 days.

Mayor Tory asked for landlords to provide accommodation and leniency to renters “because it’s the right thing to do” and for small businesses on the timing of rent payments as they may be experiencing severe cash flow difficulties.

To learn more about how this could impact your tenants or organizations, reach out to member.support@onpha.org.

MEMBER UPDATE: March 20, 11:30PM

The Prime Minister at his daily press conference announced a strategy to help manufacturers rapidly ramp up production of medical supplies.

Trudeau said the industrial strategy will allow companies already making sanitizers, masks another other equipment to scale up quickly, while mobilizing others to shift production to items that are in high demand.

Trudeau told Canadians worried about health and wellness supplies running out that the federal government is working with its partners to create enough for all Canadians.

To learn more about how this could impact your tenants or organizations, reach out to member.support@onpha.org.

MEMBER UPDATE: March 20, 10:00AM

Yesterday, the Government of Ontario unanimously passed legislation aiming to protect workers under the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 and municipalities under the Municipal Emergency Act, 2020.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 19, 2:30PM

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced self-isolation measures to combat the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic could last “weeks to months.”

He also told reporters that seniors who have seen a drop in their savings from market fluctuations would see relief soon.

Members should be prepared to support tenants for at least another few weeks. ONPHA is prepared to help members navigate these challenges.

E-mail member.support@ONPHA.org to see how ONPHA can help you during the pandemic.

MEMBER UPDATE: March 19, 12PM

Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Doug Downey, Attorney General, announced all Tribunals Ontario in-person proceedings, including at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, Landlord and Tenant Board and Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, are postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 19, 10:30AM

Workers and businesses hurt by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic may be eligible for part of the $82 billion aid package announced Wednesday by the Prime Minister. The package includes $27 billion in direct support for those struggling to find work or care for family members.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 18, 2:00PM

MEMBER UPDATE: March 17, 10:30AM

MEMBER UPDATE: March 17, 9:00AM

Member Update: April 22, 2:30PM

Mental Health Resources from the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) and Wellness Canada

Social distancing is critical to supporting Ontario’s healthcare system, but it can lead to incredibly challenging mental health scenarios. Loneliness, isolation and distance can be detrimental to frontline workers, tenants, and staff abilities. It doesn’t just impact their personal lives: it limits their ability to perform their duties.

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Member Update: April 17, 4:30PM

ONPHA Partners with Housing Organizations to Request PPE

ONPHA has partnered with BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA), Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association (MNPHA), Réseau québécois des OSBL d’habitation (RQOH) and the Canadian Housing and Renewals Association to petition the government to offer more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for housing providers.

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MEMBER UPDATE: April 15, 2:45PM

Resources for Remote Meetings during COVID-19

Managing your business during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging. Maintaining connections to staff, holding AGMs and hosting regular board meetings can stretch resources and make life difficult during an already difficult time.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 31, 4:00PM

For many Ontarians, rent is due on Wednesday, but with so many people out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, actually paying seems impossible. Many people are on the hook to pay rent on the first of the month with little to no means to do it.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 24, 1:30PM

Advocating for our Members during COVID-19

Dear ONPHA Members,

As we all strive to keep people and communities safe through the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, we recognize the critical role that community housing providers play in supporting those who will be most impacted by the virus, including low/limited-income individuals/families, seniors, Indigenous peoples, newcomers and tenants requiring support services. Now more than ever, the need for adequate, affordable housing that meets the needs of our communities is paramount. Current events have highlighted the inextricable link between health and housing.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 24, 10:30AM

MEMBER UPDATE: March 23, 9:30AM

CMHC Funding Update

Many Canadian homeowners and renters face challenges from the COVID-19 outbreak. Market fluctuations may impact your ability to provide housing solutions to Canadians. CMHC will monitor these issues and exercise flexibility to find solutions to ensure affordability in the housing market.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 20, 9:30 AM

SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS:

Working from home can be challenging – so can meeting remotely. Download this checklist from Enliven HR to keep your meetings efficient, effective and productive.

Contact member.support@onpha.org to see how you can help staff navigate working from home.

MEMBER UPDATE: March 20, 4:00PM 
Pandemic Planning for Non-Profit Housing Providers

The evolution of COVID-19 into a global epidemic affecting the daily lives of Canadians has been a rapid one. Many organizations have disaster plans in place for floods, fires the like, but as we are finding out, a pandemic response plan is critical for maintaining operations in situations like the one we are currently facing.

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Member Update, May 19

Ontario’s Plan for Economic Recovery: Housing Infrastructure Stimulus to Kick-Start the Economy

As we are actively preparing recovery plans for our organizations to meet the needs of our communities and strengthen our sector’s capacity, we welcome the opportunity to work closely with the government on economic recovery solutions that benefit our communities by prioritizing investment in housing across the continuum. See ONPHA's letter with the Co-operative Housing Federation and the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario to advocate for the housing sector's long-term participation in economic recovery efforts.

Download the letter

MEMBER UPDATE: April 8

Friends,

I want to extend my personal condolences to those most heavily impacted by COVID-19: families, friends, and loved ones grappling with the virus. We hear and support you. Our sector will face continued pressures in the coming weeks and we all have a lot of responsibility in how we respond to change. Please know we acknowledge that your work helps keep communities housed and healthy daily, and for that I thank you. ONPHA will do everything in its power to ensure you have what you need for your communities and businesses.

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MEMBER UPDATE: March 17, 9:00AM

An update from ONPHA CEO Marlene Coffey regarding COVID-19

Friends,

The well-being of our ONPHA community is of the utmost importance. We appreciate everyone’s vigilance and desire to keep people and communities safe through the COVID-19 (coronavirus) epidemic.

 
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MEMBER UPDATE: June 4
COVID-19 and Supporting Vulnerable Tenancies Webinar Video

Learn about the shared challenges community housing providers are facing when it comes to supporting vulnerable tenants, and hear answers to questions members have been asking ONPHA on this topic. Panelists Heather McDonald (LOFT Community Services), Carol Zoulalian (St. Jude Community Homes) and Cory O’Handley (Services and Housing in the Province) joined ONPHA and over 65 participants on May 28th for an interactive Q&A and discussion.

Panelists shared expert insights on working with vulnerable populations including tenants with mental health and substance use disorders. Discussion topics include access to crisis services, harm reduction approaches during the pandemic, strategies to manage risk and non-compliance with public health directives and special considerations for COVID-19 preparation and response in congregate/shared living environments.

Watch the Webinar

MEMBER UPDATE: March 26, 1:00PM

Friday, April 3, 2020 | 1 p.m.

Looking to ensure your tenants, staff and stakeholders have the most up-to-date information during the COVID-19 pandemic? On Friday, April 3, at 1PM, Andrea Montgomery and Brian Lambie from Redbrick Communications will host a training webinar to help members learn how to communicate clearly and effectively during a crisis. This webinar offers practical strategies and tips to help you keep afloat and create strong, simple messages that work.

MEMBER UPDATE: March 18, 2:30PM

ONPHA Event Planning

Covid-19 Government Initiatives Tracker

Up-to-date information on key provincial and federal legislation and initiatives impacting Ontario's community housing providers and tenants during the Covid-19 pandemic

Updated: April 9, 2020



Download

Download these resources to get informed and stay safe

Helpful Links

Funding supports

Ontario Government: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page

This page contains novel coronavirus (COVID-19) self-assessment and information in multiple languages.

CAMH Mental Health FAQ

Sign-up for CAMH Mental Health Updates

Mental health & substance use immediate support