OSOT’s Advocacy Agenda is overseen by the Board of Directors and more specifically by the Strategic Advocacy Committee. OSOT staff, board directors, OSOT Team members and Representatives participate in advocacy meetings ensuring that informed occupational therapists are educating and promoting OT to key stakeholders, policy makers and decision-makers.
The Society is actively working to keep policy makers apprised of issues concerning occupational therapists and opportunities where OTs can contribute meaningfully to meeting the health care needs of Ontarians and the goals and visions of the health care system.
Health, Appeals and Disability Unit
- Sonia Munoz, Manager
- Cynthia Krysmanski, Senior Policy Advisor
- Jeff Longland, Team Lead
- Milad Haddad, Senior Policy Advisor (Acting)
Purpose: To further discuss increasing access for OTs to authorize two government forms: 1) Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Mandatory Special Necessities (MSN) form, and 2) Ontario Works Limits to Participation form. The ministry was seeking input into proposed changes to expand the professions that can sign these forms along with a potential pilot of new forms. OSOT will notify members as we move forward with possible next steps.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Governance and Policy Coordinator
January 10, 2024
Cathy Hecimovich, Chief Executive Officer, and Lise Jolicoeur, Vice President, Public & Corporate Affairs of the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA)
Purpose: To discuss areas of collaboration with ORCA that involve raising awareness of occupational therapy services and overall wellness within retirement communities.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Governance and Policy Coordinator
OSOT Advocacy Meetings 2023
December 2023
December 5, 2023
Rebecca Guida, Director of Stakeholder & MPP Relations, Ministry of Long-Term Care
Purpose: To discuss increased utilization and funding for occupational therapy in long-term care. OSOT highlighted the recommendations from our 2015 report seeking 21 hours of direct occupational therapy services per week for a 180-bed home plus the benefits of models of care involving OTAs. The benefits and full scope of occupational therapy were reviewed and a summary of the value we bring to support the health human resource shortage and client/residents' quality of life were discussed. The ideas discussed will be forwarded to the Minister for next steps.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
November 2023
November 10, 2023
Mathew Varsava, Director of Policy, Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility
Purpose: OSOT had an introductory meeting to identify alignment of the ministries' priorities and how OSOT can contribute to them. The Ministry has encouraged OSOT to provide feedback on the Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
November 8, 2023
Lucy Becker, VP Public Affairs and Policy, and Phil Norris, Manager of Communications, Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA), and Nira Rittenberg, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Purpose: To reconnect and discuss OSOT and RHRA collaboration for education, building capacity for OT student placements in retirement homes, and benefits of occupational therapy within the retirement home sector.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
November 8, 2023
Dr. Scott Elliot, Forms Committee Chair, and Marina Frykowski, Executive Assistant, Economics, Research & Analytics, Ontario Medical Association
Purpose: To discuss the challenges faced by occupational therapists in relation to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Mandatory Special Necessities (MSN) form. The primary concerns include: equity and access to the MSN form, reducing delays and obstacles to completing the form, and the requirement for a physician or nurse to sign for equipment which falls within the OT's scope of practice. The OMA will escalate our inquiry to the Ministry of Health.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
October 2023
October 31, 2023
Representatives from Sunlife Financial
Purpose: To discuss expanding access to coverage for psychotherapy performed by an occupational therapist.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director
October 24, 2023
Jas Grewal, RN, Vice President of Resident Care and Services, and Barbara Murphy, Director of Quality System Effectiveness from AgeCare Ontario
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy services regarding AgeCare’s recent purchase of 16 Ontario Long Term Care homes with over 2,400 beds.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
September 2023
September 28, 2023
Amy Olmstead, Executive Lead, Ontario Health Teams, Ministry of Health
Purpose: Alongside OSOT, the leads from Ontario Physiotherapy Association, Ontario Association of Social Workers, and the Speech-Language and Audiologists Canada – Ontario branch, met with Amy Olmstead and three of her staff to discuss specific issues related to home care modernization.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director
August 2023
August 17, 2023
Nabiha Paracha, Policy Advisor, Ministry of Health
Purpose: OSOT and the Ministry met to discuss occupational therapy services in relation to the human health resource crisis and primary care.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
August 2, 2023
Jennifer Morris, Assistant Deputy Minister, Sarah Hardy, Director, Autism Branch, and Ziyaad Vahed, Director of Child Development and Specialized Services Branch, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Purpose: OSOT and the Ministry met to discuss occupational therapy services in relation to the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), Childrens’ Rehabilitation Services (provided through the Childrens’ Treatment Centers), and future collaboration with the Ministry.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
June 2023
June 16, 2023
Christine Loureiro, Director of Service System Planning and Operational Issues Branch, Amanda Baine Acting Director of Long-Term Care Strategic Initiatives Branch, Lauren Egar, Manager of Staffing Unit, Strategic Initiatives Branch, and Anne Marie Cargnelli Acting Manager of System Planning, Ministry of Long-Term Care
Purpose: OSOT and the Ministry met to discuss an upcoming opportunity for collaboration with regard to occupational therapy services in long-term care homes.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair, OSOT’s Long-Term Care Homes Sector Team, Debbie Branch, OSOT’s Long-Term Care Homes Sector Team, Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor.
June 8, 2023
Minister Michael Parsa, Mark DeMontis, Director of Stakeholder Relations, Raymond Dell'Aera, Policy Advisor, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Purpose: OSOT and the Ministry met in person to discuss occupational therapy in relation to Children Rehab Services, the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), and other ministerial priority populations using a trauma-informed lens.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
June 7, 2023
Chris Pugh, Manager, Policy and Quality, Ontario Long Term Care Association
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy services in Ontario's long-term care homes and opportunities for collaboration.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair, Long-Term Care Homes Sector Team, Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
April 2023
April 3, 2023
Mark DeMontis, Director of Stakeholder Relations and Nicco Cardarelli, Manager of Stakeholders, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Purpose: To discuss using the full scope of occupational therapy and including occupational therapists to sign the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Mandatory Special Necessities (MSN) form.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
March 2023
March 14, 2023
Morgan Mattern, Stakeholder Relations Advisor, Ministry of Education
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy and the integrated tiered model approach for Ontario’s schools.
OSOT Reps: Stephanie Ellis, School-Based OT Team Member; Sandra Sahagian Whalen, School-Based OT Team Member; Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
March 10, 2023
Lucy Becker, VP Public Affairs and Policy, Farrah Bourre, Senior Manager, Stakeholder Relations & Research, and Carita Edwards, Senior Manager, Government Relations, Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority
Purpose: An introductory meeting to discuss occupational therapy and health care professions relevant to retirement homes in Ontario.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director, and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
February 2023
February 14, 2023
Kristy Corrente, Manager, Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations-East, Canadian Association of Physician Assistants
Purpose: An introductory meeting to discuss the regulation of physician assistants in Ontario, and government relations.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director, and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
February 7, 2023
France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt, Health Critic, Vice-Chair and Member of Standing Committee on Social Policy and Member, Standing Committee on Public Accounts
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy, allied health professionals and Ontario’s health care system.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director, and Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
February 1, 2023
Fil Lettieri, Superintendent of Education, and Jared Lambert, Mental Health Leader, Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy and the tiered approach toward mental health.
OSOT Reps: Amy Quilty, School-Based OT Team Chair; Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
January 2023
January 31, 2023
Suzanne Dennison, Chief of Staff, and Arielle Kotacka, Stakeholder Relations and Policy Advisor, Associate Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy in relation to the human health resource crisis and the Ministry’s priorities.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
January 27, 2023
Andrea McAuley, Superintendent of Equitable Education, and Steffanie Pelleboer, Mental Health Leader, Durham District School Board
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy scope of practice and the application of the tiered approach service delivery model with mental health.
OSOT Reps:Janet Carioni, School-Based OT Team Member; Sandra Sahagian Whalen, School-Based OT Team Member; Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
January 10, 2023
Lucy Papaloni, Superintendent of Special Education and Learning Services, and Christiane Kyte, General Manager of Clinical Services and Special Education, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy scope of practice and the application of the tiered approach service delivery model with mental health.
OSOT Reps: Janet Carioni, School-Based OT Team Member; Erin Knobl, School-Based OT Team Member, Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
OSOT Advocacy Meetings 2022
December 2022
December 22, 2022
Denise Plante-Dupuis, Mental Health Leader, District School Board Ontario North East
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy and the tiered approach toward mental health.
OSOT Reps: Amy Quilty, School-Based OT Team Chair; Janet Carioni School-Based OT Team Member, Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
November 2022
November 10, 2022
Minister Paul Calandra, Minister of Long-Term Care, Ministry of Long-Term Care
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy and emphasize the need for OTs to use their full scope of practice in long-term care.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
November 10, 2022
Alex Millier, Director of Stakeholders & Member Relations, Ministry of Health
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy and emphasize the need for OTs to use their full scope of practice in primary care.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
October 2022
October 12, 2022
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Purpose: To discuss occupational therapy and emphasize the need for access in our communities.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Shadia Balram, Government Relations and Policy Advisor
February 2022
February 14, 2022
Allison Henry, Director of the Health Workforce Regulatory Oversight, Ministry of Health
Purpose: To receive information on the proposed amendments to the Regulated Health Professions Act related to regulatory modernization. Professional health associations were asked for feedback relating to the proposed changes.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Seema Sindwani, Manager, Professional Practice.
February 4, 2022
Ministries of Health, Education, and Children, Community and Social Services Roundtable Consultation on the Draft PPM 81 revisions
Purpose: To identify issues and concerns with the proposed changes to the PPM 81 revisions.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Sandra Sahagian Whalen, Occupational Therapist.
February 3, 2022
Erin Hannah, ADM Long-Term Care Policy & Pandemic Response Division, Dawn Mallet and Melissa Mobilio, Ministry of Long-Term Care
Purpose: To identify issues in long-term care related to occupational therapists access to clients during COVID-19 outbreaks and to ensure visitor restrictions in homes do not apply to health providers
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Ron Gersh, CCS Group; Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT Long-Term Care Home Team; Milinda Alexander, OSOT President.
February 3, 2022
Kyle MacCallum, Superintendent, Community Paramedicine, Toronto Paramedic Services and Jennifer Shield, Acting Deputy Chief, Program Development & Service Quality, Toronto Paramedic Services
Purpose: To follow-up on discussions to explore ways in which OTs could support Toronto community paramedicine programs relating to falls, community long-term care and first responder mental health. To offer support to their recruitment of occupational therapists to their team.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Ron Gersh, CCS Group; Alexandria Giles and Amanda Wong, Occupational Therapists with Niagara Falls Intervention Team; Milinda Alexander, OSOT President.
January 2022
January 25, 2022
Amy Olmstead, Acting Executive Lead, Ontario Health Teams Division
Purpose: The Ministry has entered their second phase of Home and Community Care modernization which is intended to "improve accountability in delivery" of services. The Ministry is seeking input and OSOT will prepare a written submission.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Milinda Alexander, OSOT President.
January 11, 2022
Jennifer Ho, Director, Home Care, Ontario Health, Health System Performance and Support
Purpose: To review her role and responsibilities and current issues/opportunities. To invite Jennifer to attend the Home and Community Sector Team meeting.
OSOT Rep: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director.
OSOT Advocacy Meetings 2021
December 2021
December 8, 2021
David Lamb, Director, Capacity and Health Workforce Planning Branch
Purpose: To identify concerns with health human resource capacity issues across the continuum of healthcare.
OSOT Reps: Marnie Lofsky, Executive Director; Christie Brenchley.
October 2021
October 28, 2021
Ann Schrager, Director Home and Community Care and Amy Olmstead, Executive Lead, Ontario Health Teams
Purpose: To identify concerns and the crisis proportions of OT human resource capacity issues in the home and community care sector and to propose development of OT Capacity Building strategy to address recruitment/retention issues, including compensation, working conditions, precarious employment, etc.
OSOT Reps: Shannon Armbrust, Co-Chair HCC Team, Hilleree Valade, Co-Chair HCC Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
October 1, 2021
Kyle MacCallum, Superintendent, Community Paramedicine, Toronto Paramedic Services and Jennifer Shield, Acting Deputy Chief, Program Development & Service Quality, Toronto Paramedic Services
Purpose: To follow-up on initial discussions to explore ways in which OTs could support Toronto community paramedicine programs relating to falls, community long-term care and first responder mental health
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
August 2021
August 24, 2021
Fadi Dawood, Director, Stakeholder Strategy and Caucus Relations, Minister’s Office of Long-Term Care
Purpose: To establish relationship with the new Minister of Long-Term Care, Rod Phillips and his staff. To identify challenges and the increasing pressure on OTs in LTCHs in the aftermath of closures during the pandemic and to advocate for implementation of the Ministry’s LTCH Staffing Plan which acknowledges a need to increase access to OT services.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group.
August 20, 2021
Janet Hope, ADM Ministry of Long-Term Care, LTC Policy Division and Adriana Ibarguchi, Director Strategic Initiatives Branch, Ministry of LTC
Purpose: To advocate for attention to the need to resource OT in LTCH as part of the early implementation of the LTCH Staffing Plan
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group.
August 18, 2021
Jayme Allen (MCCSS) Manager, Associate Minister Jane McKenna's Office and Mason Saunders, Director Stakeholder Relations, Minister Fullerton's Office, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Purpose: To establish relationship with new Minister Merrilee Fullerton's office and the new Associate Minister responsible for Children's Services Jane McKenna promoting OT roles in school health, autism, children's mental health
OSOT Reps: Cathie Kissick, Debra Kennedy - Co-Chairs OSOT School-based OT Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
July 2021
July 28, 2021
Claudine Munroe, ADM/Director of Special Education, Ministry of Education
Purpose: To continue dialogue and positioning of OT as mental health professional in schools
OSOT Reps: Cathie Kissick, Co-Chair SBOT Team, Stephanie Ellis, SBOT Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
July 15, 2021
Kathy Short, Executive Director, Theresa Kennedy, Co-Director ,School Mental Health
Purpose: To promote occupational therapy as a school mental health professional
OSOT Reps: Cathie Kissick, Co-Chair SBOT Team, Josie Saltzmara, Children/Youth Mental Health Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
June 2021
June 18, 2021
Adam Thurston, Superintendent, Toronto EMS, Jennifer Shield, Acting Deputy Chief, Program Development and Service Quality, Toronto EMS, Kyle MacCullum, Superintendent, Toronto EMS
Purpose: To continue dialogue about ways that OTs could support Toronto EMS community paramedicine and Community Paramedicine Long-Term Care programs
OSOT Reps: Janet Craik, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
April 2021
April 25, 2021
Mark DeMontis, Manager Stakeholder Relations, Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
Purpose: To promote OT as a resource to seniors and the Ministry in its efforts to support seniors and to introduce the En-AGE website and solicit Ministry input re launch.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
April 20, 2021
Sarah Hardy, Director, Autism Branch, MCCSS, Krista Dymond, Jessica Bethel, Eleni Karkos, Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services, Marg Spoelstra, Autism Ontario
Purpose: At MCCSS request, to continue discussions re eligibility requirements for occupational therapists to be included on the new OAP Provider List.
OSOT Reps: Cathie Kissick, Stephanie Ellis, Ellen Yack (members of OSOT’s School-based OT Team) Tiziana Bontempo, Manager Professional Practice, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
March 2021
March 24, 2021
Gord McEachen, Chief of Toronto Paramedic Services, Jennifer Shield, Acting Deputy Chief, Program Development and Service Quality
Purpose: To discuss/explore opportunities for collaboration of OT and EMS services to address community paramedicine needs
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
March 17, 2021
Claudine Munroe, Director, Special Education Branch, Ministry of Education, Lisa Lumley, Manager Student Support and Field Services Division, MoE
Purpose: To promote occupational therapy as a mental health profession and propose engagement of OTs on school mental health teams to address pandemic related increased MH needs of students
OSOT Reps: Cathie Kissick, Co-Chair School-based OT Team, Donna Dennis, Chair, Child & Youth Mental Health Team, Stephanie Ellis, School-Based Mental Health Team
February 2021
February 26, 2021
Sarah Hardy, Director, Autism Branch, MCCSS, Krista Dymond, Jessica Bethel, Eleni Karkos, Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services, Marg Spoelstra, Autism Ontario
Purpose: At MCCSS request, to discuss eligibility requirements for occupational therapists to be included on the new OAP Provider List.
February 21, 2021
Natalie Kedzierski, Program Manager, Victoria Rossander, Program Manager, Lead Advanced Care Paramedic, Brian Laviolette, Platoon Leader, York EMS
Purpose: To discuss/explore opportunities for collaboration of OT and EMS services to address community paramedicine needs
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
February 21, 2021
Chief Kevin Smith, Karen Lutz, Deputy Chief, Rick Ferron, Deputy Chief, Marty Makon, Commander, Niagara EMS
Purpose: To discuss/explore opportunities for collaboration of OT and EMS services to address community paramedicine needs. To learn more about Niagara EMS’s experience with engaging an OT on their Falls Intervention Team.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
January 2021
January 27, 2021
Donna Duncan, CEO, Ontario Long-Term Care Association
Purpose: To discuss access to OT services in LTCH's during pandemic & OSOT's request for support to staffing study implementation
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
OSOT Advocacy Meetings 2020
November 2020
November, 3, 2020
Ian Lowe, Senior Program Coordinator, Assistive Devices Program, MOH
Purpose: To discuss implementation strategies for the Ministry’s announced modernization of the ADP which will introduce electronic application submission for all device categories over the next 6 months.
OSOT Reps: Marlene Adams, OSOT Seating and Mobility Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group.
October 2020
October 15, 2020
Brian Pollard, ADM Long-Term Care, Ministry of Long-Term Care.
Purpose: To discuss MLTC plans to build new LTCHs and to promote the importance of an OT perspective to design
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT Long-Term Care Homes Team, Debbie Branch, OSOT LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
September 2020
September 22, 2020
Ida Bianchi and John Callaghan, Ministry of the Attorney General
Purpose: To engage OSOT and OT perspectives in the Auditor General's review of long-term care homes in COVID-19
OSOT Rep: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTC Homes Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
September 16, 2020
Dawn Rokosh, Long-Term Care Commission
Purpose: To be vetted as organization to provide input to the LTC Homes Commission established to explore Long-Term Care experience of COVID-19
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
August 2020
August 6, 2020
Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Long-Term Care
Purpose: To discuss OSOT feedback to the recently released Report of the Staffing Review Advisory Group, to promote OT in LTC Homes and to continue to advocate for resolution of pandemic restrictions limiting OTs to providing service in one home only.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
August 12, 2020
Claudine Munroe, Director Special Education and Success, Ministry of Education, Anne Sealey, Manager Special Education and Success for all, Ministry of Education
Purpose: To promote occupational therapy as a resource to the Ministry’s return to school strategy for children with special needs and all children who may have mental health needs
OSOT Reps: Debra Kennedy, Co-Chair School-based OT Team, Stephanie Ellis, SBOT Team, Donna Dennis, Chair Child/Youth Mental Health Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group.
July 2020
July 7, 2020
Janet Hope, Assistant Deputy Minister Ministry of Long-Term Care
Purpose: To discuss the restrictions placed on OTs as a result of the pandemic directions and the need to find solutions to provide access to OT for residents in LTCHs
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
June 2020
June 30, 2020
Matthew McGregor, Policy Advisor to Associate Minister Mental Health and Addictions
Purpose: To discuss government’s new Mental Health and Addictions Strategy and to position occupational therapy as a key stakeholder
OSOT Rep: Sandra Moll, MH Team, Donna Dennis, CYMH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
June 4, 2020
Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, Mike Tibollo, Matthew McGregor, Senior Policy Advisor, Kara
Purpose: To promote OT as a resource to MH Pandemic Planning Table and to seek update on status of MH & Addictions Strategy and importance of OT input
OSOT Reps: Sandra Moll, Member, OSOT Adult Mental Health Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
May 2020
May 7, 2020
Amy Olmstead, Director Home and Community Care, Ministry of Health, Phil Graham, Executive Lead Ontario Health Teams
Purpose: To discuss Home and Community Care modernization and follow-up on adjustments to telepractice fees in the home and community sector
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group and invited CEOs from OSLA, OPA, Dietitians of Canada, OASW.
April 2020
April 17, 2020
Amy Olmstead, Director Home and Community Care, Ministry of Health
Purpose: To discuss Home and Community Care modernization and OT perspectives and to advocate for attention to visit rates for virtual care in home care
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
March 2020
March 11, 2020
Ministry of Long-Term Care, Long-Term Care Home Staffing Review Panel
Purpose: To present OSOT positions and recommendations for staffing in LTC Homes, including rationale for increasing access to OT services
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair, OSOT LTC Homes Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
March 25, 2020
WSIB - Julie Thurlow, Executive Director, Health Services
Purpose: To discuss issues relating to provision of virtual care for WSIB clients during COVID-19 pandemic, including feasibility, fees
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
OSOT's Advocacy Meetings 2019
December 2019
December 3, 2019
Cobi Lechem, Senior Policy Advisor to Minister of Finance
Purpose: To discuss proposed auto insurance system policy reform and to present OSOT recommendations/positions to address key reform issues.
OSOT Reps: Karen Rucas, Chair, OSOT Auto Insurance Sector Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
December 6, 2019
Don Embuldeniya, Director Seniors Strategy, Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
Purpose: To introduce OSOT and occupational therapy and the contributions OT can make to the health and well-being of seniors.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
December 16, 2019
David Wai, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance; Lucy Kang, Manager Auto Insurance Policy, Ministry of Finance
Purpose: At the request of the Minister's office to present occupational therapy perspectives on key auto insurance reform issues including care not cash, assessments and driver care card
OSOT Reps: Karen Rucas, Chair OSOT Auto Insurance Sector Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
December 18, 2019
Mason Saunders, Director of Stakeholder Relations, Minister’s Office, Ministry of Long Term Care
Purpose: To promote the profession of occupational therapy as a resource to government priorities in LTC Homes
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTC Homes Team, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
October 2019
October 3, 2019
Steven Haddad, Director, Enhancing EMS in Ontario and Indrakshi Narula, Manager, Enhancing EMS in Ontario
Purpose: To promote occupational therapy as a resource and evidence based resource to emergency services
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CG Group
August 2019
August 13, 2019
Phil Graham, Acting ADM, MOHLTC and Patrick Mitchell, Director Mental Health and Addictions
Purpose: To ascertain MOH direction re mental health and addictions strategy and to promote OT as key profession to build capacity in this sector.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
July 2019
July 19, 2019
Brian Pollard, ADM Long-Term Care, Ministry of Long-Term Care
Purpose: To clarify new policy direction re funding for program support services for Long-Term Care Homes
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CG Group
July - October 2019
Member of Minister's Advisory Panel for Ontario Autism Program
Purpose: To advise the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services on development of a new needs based program for children on the autism spectrum and their families.
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
MAY 2019
May 14, 2019
Madeleine Legros, Program Analyst, & Monique Theriault, National Manager OT Services, Veterans Affairs Canada
Purpose: At request of VAC to discuss Ontario health system and integration of VAC services and to share new developments at VAC
OSOT Reps: Sylvia Davidson, President, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
May 24, 2019
Raymond Dinshaw, Acting Manager; Joan Stevens, Program Manager; Ian Lowe, Senior Program Coordinator, Assistive Devices Program, MOHLTC
Purpose: To follow up on a pre-budget meeting to determine new initiatives of ADP and to continue to advocate for alternate options for Authorizer service delivery
OSOT Reps: Deborah Cox, Chair, OSOT Seating & Mobility Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
APRIL 2019
April 24, 2019
Lou Reidel, Chief System Planning and Performance Officer and Enza Ferro, Senior Advisor, Health System Planning and Performance, Ontario Hospital Association
Purpose: To discuss opportunities for collaboration and information sharing relating to health system restructuring, bundled care models and emerging Ontario Health Teams
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
April 8, 2019
Shirley Kendrick, ADM, Student Support & Fieldwork Service Division, Min. of Education, Claudine Munroe, Director Special Education, MOE
Purpose: To discuss directions for School-based Rehabilitation Services, to identify issues of Ontario OTs and advocate for tiered models of service delivery
OSOT Reps: Debra Kennedy, Chair OSOT School-Based OT Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
April 3, 2019
Tim Porter, Chief of Staff, Minister’s Office, MCCSS, Susan Truppe, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, Minister’s Office, MCCSS
Purpose: To advance our advocacy for funding of OT services for children with autism….however OAP enhancements including funding of OT were announced that morning. Sought direction on transition steps from here.
OSOT Reps: Debra Kennedy, OSOT Rep to OAP, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
MARCH 2019
March 19, 2019
Allison Costello, Director Policy & Innovation, MOHLTC and Jackie Houston, Manager Program, MOHLTC
Purpose: To discuss proposed health system transformation – Ontario Health, Ontario Health Teams and integrated funding models
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
March 7, 2019
Eva Roszuk, Director Assistive Devices Program, Joan Stevens, Program Manager ADP, Ian Lowe, Senior Program Coordinator, ADP
Purpose: To share challenges of OT authorizers working in the Mobility Program and to share solutions and seek insights re future directions of the program
OSOT Reps: Marlene Adams, Chair, OSOT Seating & Mobility Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
FEBRUARY 2019
February 1, 2019
Jeff Preston, President Canadian Assistive Devices Association
Purpose: At CADA's request to discuss mutual issues of concern relating to the Assistive Devices Program and opportunities for joint advocacy
OSOT Reps: Deborah Cox, OSOT Seating & Mobility Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
JANUARY 2019
January 23, 2019
Kate Mulligan, Director Social Prescription Pilots, Alliance for Healthy Communities of Ontario
Purpose: To discuss the rollout and evaluation plan for the 11 Social Prescribing pilots in Ontario and to promote linkages with occupational therapy and roles that OTs could play in relation to social programs
OSOT Reps: Maria Borczyk, Co-Chair OSOT Primary Health Care Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
January 22, 2019
Jennifer Morris, ADM, Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services, Sarah Hardy, Director, Ontario Autism Program
Purpose: To identify issues and concerns realting ot the current status of the Ontario Autism Program and access to OT services and to secure an update on MCCSS plans for ongoing review/development of the Program
OSOT Reps: Debra Kenedy, Chair OSOT School-Based OT Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
January 9, 2019
Brian Pollard, ADM, Long-Term Care Homes, MOHLTC
Purpose: To advance OSOT’s positions re access to OT in LTCHs and to explore priorities and plans relating to Government’s commitment to build new LTC beds
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
OSOT's Advocacy Meetings 2018
DECEMBER 2018
December 11, 2018
Tim Hadwen, ADM, Community, Mental Health and Addictions and French Language Services
Purpose: To identify OSOT interests as a stakeholder in the province’s commitment to address Mental Health initiatives as a priority and to underline the value OTs bring to the mental health system
OSOT Reps: Anna Yarmon, Co-Chair OSOT Adult Mental Health Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
December 7, 2018
Jennifer Urosevic, Executive Director, Vision Loss Rehabilitation Ontario, CNIB
Purpose: Vision Loss Rehabiliation has expressed interest in linking with OSOT re vision loss rehab strategy, their evolving role in Ontario and potentials to engage OTs in vision loss rehab
OSOT Reps: Julia Foster, OSOT Rep to Eye Council of Ontario, Vision Loss Rehab Working Group, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
NOVEMBER, 2018
November 30, 2018
Laurell Brazill, Senior Policy Advisor Minister of Health
Purpose: To position OSOT as a stakeholder in the Long-term Care Homes system and to explore the government’s election platform commitments relating to increase LTCH beds and advocate for attention to human resource diversification in LTCHs
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
November 26, 2018
Kailey Vokes, Senior Policy Advisor Minister of Finance
Purpose - to introduce OSOT as a stakeholder in the Auto Insurance Sector and, noting that the Government’s Economic Statement identifies interest in reviewing auto insurance rates (equity) and system modernization, to gain insight into government priorities and plans for the system
OSOT Reps: Karen Rucas, Chair OSOT Auto Insurance Sector Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
SEPTEMBER 2018
September 28, 2018
Darryl Sturtevant, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services, Stacey Weber, Director Early Childhood Development Branch, MCCSS, Carly Cheung, MCCSS
Purpose: To assert OSOT support for advancing the directions of the Special Needs Strategy and to ascertain current projected directions
OSOT Reps: Debra Kennedy, Stephanie Ellis, OSOT School-based Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
September 5, 2018
Tim Porter, Chief of Staff, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Purpose: To profile occupational therapy services in relation to the former Special Needs Strategy and to assess the new government’s direction for children’s rehabilitation services
OSOT Reps: Debra Kennedy, Sandra Sahagian, Stephanie, Ellis, OSOT School-based OT Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
APRIL 2018
April 20, 2018
Nancy Lytle, ADM, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Long-Term Care Homes
Purpose: To position occupational therapy services as vital to the LTCHs environment.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
MARCH 2018
March 26, 2018
Caroline Gosse, Vice President of Integrated Care, St Joseph’s Health System President, St. Joseph’s Home Care
Purpose: To discuss bundled care models and the experience of St. Joseph’s Hamilton in engaging this funding model. To discuss implications for OT and how best to position OT within these models which are rolling out for hip and knee replacements.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
March 13, 2018
Monica Bretzlaff, Manager, Behavioural Supports Ontario Provincial Coordinating Office, Katelynn Viau, Project Coordinator, BSO Provincial Coordinating Office
Purpose: To discuss updates in BSO initiatives including new directives for interprofessional teams in LTC Homes and to promote OT as an important resource to BSO teams both in homes and in the community.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
March 6, 2018
Charissa Levy, Executive Director, Rehab Care Alliance
Purpose: To discuss and provide input into RCA’s 2018/19 foci and to explore their interest in promoting rehab services in primary care.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
March 5, 2018
Monica Bretzlaff, Manager, Behavioural Supports Ontario Provincial Coordinating Office, Katelynn Viau, Project Coordinator, BSO Provincial Coordinating Office
Purpose: To discuss updates in BSO initiatives including new directives for interprofessional teams in LTC Homes and to promote OT as an important resource to BSO teams both in homes and in the community.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTC Homes Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
FEBRUARY 2018
February 27, 2018
Brian Pollard, ADM Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care responsible for LTC
Purpose: To follow up on past discussions re utilization of occupational therapists in LTC Homes particularly as this relates to management of responsive behaviours and falls prevention.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
February 14, 2018
Chantal Gagnon, Project Coordinator, Driver Medical Review Project Modernization, Ministry of Transportation
Purpose: To provide insights from an OT perspective of experience with the medical review reporting program and processes to inform development and modernization of the program and its administration.
OSOT Reps: Nelle Marie Hyde, St. Elizabeth Healthcare
JANUARY 2018
January 30, 2018
Melissa Farrell, ADM, MOHLTC, Health System Quality & Funding Division, Stephanie Soo, Team Lead, Program Development Unit, Fredrika Scarth, Director HQO Liaison and Program Development Branch, MOHLTC
Purpose: To promote occupational therapy perspectives and roles/contributions to support new funding models such as bundled care, access to specialists, structured psychotherapy.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
January 18, 2018
Katie Heelis, Senior Policy Advisor, Minister’s Office, MOHLTC
Purpose: To establish relationship, gather information regarding the MOH’s plan for implementation of the announced funded structured psychotherapy and to promote occupational therapists as mental health professionals ideally suited to provide structured psychotherapy.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group.
January 18, 2018
Association of Ontario Health Centres, Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario, Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario
Purpose: Met with interprofessional association partners of professions in Band 8 of compensation grid in primary care to link with AOHC, AFHTO and NPAO to explore potentials for joint advocacy for fairer compensation in primary care.
OSOT Reps: Maria Borzcyk, Co-Chair OSOT Primary Health Care Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
January 12, 2018
Jenna Hay, Senior Policy Advisor, Responsible for Auto Insurance, Ministry of Finance
Purpose: To discuss the Ministry of Finance’s agenda for policy reform relating to auto insurance and to present OSOT’s recommendations relating to independent assessments, management of minor to moderate injuries and roles that occupational therapists play in supporting rehabilitation of MVA victims.
OSOT Reps: Karen Rucas, Chair OSOT Auto Insurance Sector Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
OSOT’s Advocacy Meetings 2017
NOVEMBER 2017
November 20, 2017
Joan Stevens, Program Manager, ADP, Ian Lowe, Senior Program Coordinator, ADP
Purpose: To engage collaborative discussions relating to addressing issues affecting the delivery of seating and mobility assessment services resulting in applications to the ADP for funding.
OSOT Reps: Marlene Adams, Chair OSOT Seating & Mobility Team, Brenlee Mogul-Rotman, Deborah Cox, Seating & Mobility Team Members, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
November 30, 2017
Tim Hadwen, ADM MOHLTC, Amy Olmstead, Director Implementation Branch, Phil Graham, Director Primary Care Branch, Jessica Riehm, Senior Policy Advisor, Strategic Policy Unit.
Purpose: To further build relationship and to promote and discuss contributions of occupational therapists to expanding home and community care and primary care systems.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
November 14, 2017
Ian Chesny, Senior Policy Advisor, Minister's Office, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Purpose: Promotion of contribution occupational therapists can make to Ontario's new Seniors Action Plan: Aging with Confidence
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
SEPTEMBER 2017
September 14, 2017
Stephanie Aguilar, Project Analyst, Paul Brown, Director, Licensing Services Branch, Frank Alulio, Manager, Licensing Services Branch, Ministry of Transportation
Purpose: Ministry consultation with OSOT regarding Medical Review Process Modernization. OSOT advocating the role of occupational therapists in the medical review process and adding experienced insights to modernization process.
OSOT Reps: Nelle Marie Hyde, Brenda Vrkljan, Wendy Nieuland, Ruheena Sangrar, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
AUGUST 2017
August 3, 2017
Brian Pollard, Assistant Deputy Minister, Long-Term Care Homes Division, MOHLTC
Purpose: To follow-up on discussions relating to the engagement of occupational therapists in long-term care home to address issues of dementia and responsive behaviours. To discuss OT contributions to falls prevention in LTC Homes.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair, OSOT LTC Homes Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
August 4, 2017
Ian Chesney, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Minister of Health and Long-term Care
Purpose: To seek clarification about the status of the controlled act of psychotherapy and the Ministry’s plans regarding proclamation of the act, urging passage and identifying the unsatisfactory situation of OTs not being able to call themselves pscyhotherapists because they are not registrants of College of Registered Psychotherapists.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
JUNE 2017
June 16, 2017
Michael Roffey, Superintendent Community Paramedicine, Toronto Paramedic Service
Purpose: To explore opportunities for partnership of OTs and community paramedics to address at risk community dwelling seniors. To share information about OT to EMS.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
MAY 2017
May 17, 2017
Members of the Provincial Parliament and staffers
Purpose: OSOT hosted MPP Luncheon to build relationship and promote OSOT positions relating to OT as leaders in seniors care and contributions to seniors needs and the health system’s challenges related to seniors health and well-being.
OSOT Reps: Beth Linkewich, Lesya Dyk, Laura Hayos, Donna Dennis, Lynn Stewart, Anna Yarmon, Karen Rucas, Julia Foster, Catherine Donnelly
APRIL 2017
April 21, 2017
Amy Olmstead, Director Home and Community Care Branch, MOHLTC and Debra Bell, Manager Community Care, MOHLTC
Purpose: To discuss progress on transformation in the home and community care system and to advocate OSOT’s positions regarding needs for more restorative foci in home and community care and the many ways in which OTs can contribute to health system and patient goals.
OSOT Reps: Barbara Cawley, OSOT’s Seniors Advisory Group, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
April 7, 2017
Toronto Transit Commission
Purpose: To participate in a consultation on implementation components of the TTC’s 10 year strategic plan for Wheeltrans.
OSOT Reps: Lynne Kozina
April 6, 2017
Michael Robertson, Director of Capacity Planning & Priorities Branch, MOHLTC and Adam Morrison, Manager, Partnership and Consultation Unit, MOHLTC
Purpose: To discuss the emerging provincial Dementia Strategy and to position occupational therapy as a key player in both long-term care homes, home and community care and primary care.
OSOT Reps: Sylvia Davidson, OSOT Board Director, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
MARCH 2017
March 31, 2017
Ontario Provincial Autism Program Advisory Committee
Purpose: To present OSOT and OT perspectives on the developing Ontario Autism Program to the Provincial Advisory Committee.
OSOT Reps: Debra Kennedy, OSOT Rep to OAP Advisory Committee, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
March 28, 2017
Jennifer Shiller, Senior Policy Advisory, Office of Minister of Health
Purpose: To introduce OSOT and OT to this new policy advisor with responsibility for mental health. To discuss MOH priorities for mental health issues and to advance OSOT’s positions for OT in mental health.
OSOT Reps: Anna Yarmon, Co-chair OSOT Mental Health Sector Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
March 28, 2017
Amy Olmstead, Director Home and Community Care Branch, MOHLTC and Debra Bell, Manager Community Care, MOHLTC
Purpose: To discuss timelines and proposed transition of CCAC services to the Local Health Integration Networks, to advocate OSOT’s positions related to the developing Levels of Care Framework for home and community care.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
FEBRUARY 2017
February 28, 2017
Brian Pollard, Acting ADM MOHLTC – Long-term Care, Michelle Hylton, Director Licensing & Policy Branch, Tom Granofsky, EA ADM, Policy and Transformation, Bryan Sales, Senior Program Consultant, Licensing & LTC Programs, Margaret Allore, Manager Licencing and LTC Programs, Theresa Nowak, Financial Policies & Procedures
Purpose: At invitation of ADM, to present OSOT recommendations for models to support re-introduction of OT in LTC Homes with a focus on cognitive function & responsive behaviours.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTC Homes Team, Sylvia Davidson, OSOT Board & LTCH Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
OSOT’s Advocacy Meetings 2016
DECEMBER 2016
December 20, 2016
Sharon Lee Smith, Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for transformation, MOHLTC and Brian Pollard, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister MOHLTC – Long-term Care.
Purpose: To position OTs as solutions to dementia care and responsive behavior issues in Ontario’s LTC Homes.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTC Homes Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
OCTOBER 2016
October 14, 2016
Teri Irwin, Director Quality Standards, Health Quality Ontario
Purpose: To introduce OSOT to HQO and to learn/discuss HQO’s activities related to Quality Standards
OSOT Reps: Ron Gersh, CCS Group
October 13, 2016
Nancy Naylor, Associate Deputy Minister, Delivery and Implementation, MOHLTC, Amy Olmstead, Director Home and Community Care, MOHLTC, Tim Hadwen, Assistant Deputy Minister, Health System Accountability and Performance, MOHLTC
Purpose: To discuss OSOT response to the proposed Levels of Care Framework for Home and Community Care and to position OT within home and community care models of service delivery
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
October 7, 2016
Marg Connor, Executive Lead Mental Health & Addictions MOHLTC
Purpose: To discuss Ontario’s mental health and addictions strategy priorities and dementia care
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
SEPTEMBER 2016
September 12, 2016
Ian Chesney, Policy Advisor, Office of the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Purpose: Ian has responsibility for the LTC Homes file. We proposed an opportunity to pilot OT in LTC Homes as a component of enriched Behavioural Support Teams.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
September 7, 2016
Vivienne Ng, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Purpose: Vivienne is new to the position. Opportunity to introduce, OSOT, OT and OSOT's key issues relating to LTC Homes, home and community care and to gain insight into the priority of the Minister's office - Patient's First legislation, physician fee agreement
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
JULY 2016
July 13, 2016
Debbie Humphries, Acting CEO, Kathryn Pilkington, Director of Professional Services & Health Policy, Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors
Purpose: To promote awareness of OT services and supports for residents of LTC Homes, to discuss service delivery options for access to OT in LTC Homes and to forge partnerships in advocating for necessary services for residents of LTC Homes.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair, OSOT Long-Term Care Homes Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
July 12, 2016
Charissa Levy, ED Rehabilitative Care Alliance, Dorianne Sauve, CEO, Ontario Physiotherapy Association, Mary Cook, ED, Ontario Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Purpose: To discuss implications of proposed Patients First Act on rehabilitation services in Ontario and to promote a collaborative through which to advocate for attention to rehabilitation services and new models of rehab services delivery in the community sector of the future to increase availability and access of OT services to Ontarians across the province.
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
JUNE 2016
June 22, 2016
Don McKay, Director of Sales, Home Medical Equipment Inc.
Purpose: To discuss issues relating to service delivery models for OT in long-term care homes. Proposal of pilot project to more effectively support access to necessary equipment of residents in LTC Homes.
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTC Homes Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
June 21, 2016
Rehabilitative Care Alliance
Purpose: RCA Annual Provincial Forum - provided updates on key Rehab Care Alliance activities, opportunities for interactions around key recommendations, next steps, etc.
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
June 8, 2016
Sophie Kiewala, MPP Kingston and the Islands
Purpose: At Ms. Kiewala's request in follow-up to OSOT's MPP Luncheon in October 2015, to discuss roles OTs play, in particular in relation to vulnerable populations, mental health services
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
June 7, 2016
Dean Milton, Assistant Manager, Wheeltrans, Toronto Transit Commission; Lito Romano, Community Liaison, Toronto Transit Commission
Purpose: At the TTC's request to discuss the 10 year Strategy for Wheeltrans and to discuss proposed new eligibility criteria and roles OTs might play in assessment of applicants for Wheeltrans.
OSOT Reps: Lynne Kozina, Community OT, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Nisha Goel (Student OT)
June 1, 2016
Michael Robertson, Director Capacity Planning & Priorities Branch, MOHLTC & Gillian MacDonald, Manager Partnerships & Consultation Branch, MOHLTC
Purpose: To establish relationship with bureaucratic leads of the province's developing Dementia Strategy, to engage OSOT in the strategy development process & promote OT as a valued resource to people living with dementia and their caregivers. To discuss evolving plans for investment in the province's Behavioural Supports Ontario program and how this might impact OT.
OSOT Reps: Sylvia Davidson, OSOT Board Director, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Nisha Goel (Student OT),Ron Gersh, CCS Group
MAY 2016
May 24, 2016
Candace Chartier, CEO, Ontario Long-Term Care Association
Purpose: To discuss long range advocacy strategies of mutual interest to advance the long-term care sector & promote access to occupational therapy services
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTC Homes Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
APRIL 2016
April 12, 2016
Louise Sirisko, Director Special Education Policyand Programs Branch, Ministry of Education
Purpose: To discuss OT solutions for the Speical Needs Strategy (MoE is one of 4 Ministries overseeing this reform agenda
OSOT Reps: Debra Kennedy, Chair OSOT School Based OT Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, The CCS Group
April 8, 2016
Miranda Ferrier, Executive Director, Ontario Personal Support Worker Association, Kathleen Scott, Vice President/Secretary, OPSWA
Purpose: To explore OSOT/OPSWA partnership opportunities to promote OT in the public and private community sector
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, The CCS Group
MARCH 2016
March 24, 2016
Michelle Collins, Senior Lead Health System Performance, Mississauga Halton LHIN
Purpose: To discuss MH LHIN programs and successes with assess and restore programs and to promote OT contributions to seniors health and aging at home goals
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, The CCS Group
March 15, 2016
Stacey Weber, Director Child & Youth Development, Ministry of Children & Youth Services, Kim McLean, Manager of Special Needs, Children & Youth Services
Purpose: To discuss developments in Ontario's emerging Special Needs Strategy and to promote OT solutions for children with special needs & the Special Needs Strategy
OSOT Reps: Debra Kennedy, Chair OSOT School-based OT Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, The CCS Group
March 15, 2016
Heather Driver, Director, Licensing Branch, Licensing & Market Conduct Division, Financial Services Commission of Ontario
Purpose: To present OSOT positions, concerns and recommendations regarding FSCO's plan to integrate the Assessment of Attendant Care, Form I into the HCAI electronic billing system
OSOT Reps: Karen Rucas, OSOT Auto Insurance Sector Lead, Carol MacDonald, OSOT Auto Insurance Sector Team Chair, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
March 11, 2016
Ian Chesny, Senior Policy Advisor, Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Purpose: To advocate OSOT's positions and proposals to restore access to reasonable levels of OT services in LTC Homes
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
FEBRUARY 2016
February 18, 2016
John Fraser, MPP Ottawa South, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Purpose: To discuss the government's approach to the future of regulation of health professions in Ontario and Ontario OTs' interest in expanded scope of practice as John has special responsibility for this portfolio
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
February 10, 2016
Special Needs Strategy Provider Table - Darryl Sturtevant, Assistant Deputy Minister, Children & Youth Services, representatives from Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care, Education and Community & Social Services
Purpose: Update to stakeholders on progress of Special Needs Strategy
OSOT Reps: Debra Kennedy, Chair OSOT School-Based OT Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
February 16, 2016
Sue Vanderbent, CEO, HomeCare Ontario
Purpose: To explore issues of mutual interest in relation to advocacy for home and community care sector
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, The CCS Group
February 17, 2016
Roundtable on Patients First Discussion Paper, Nancy Naylor, Associate Deputy Minister, Health System Delivery & Implementation, Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care
Purpose: Stakeholder consultation on proposed health system restructuring
OSOT Reps: Barbara Cawley, Co-Chair OSOT Seniors/Community TF, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
JANUARY 2016
January 18, 2016
Ministry of Transportation, Elizabeth Weldon, Program Advisor, Medical Review Section
Purpose: To discuss the potential involvement of occupational therapists in the Medical Review process relating to driver safety and licenses that is possible further to the passage of Bill 31.
OSOT Reps: Nelle Marie Hyde, Brenda Vrkljan, Ruheena Sangrar, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
January 18, 2016
Financial Services Commission of Ontario - Heather Driver, Senior Manager, Margaret Orlander, Kim Abdool
Purpose: To discuss OSOT's submission in review of the proposed Common Traffic Impairment Guideline
OSOT Reps: Carol MacDonald, Chair OSOT Auto Sector Team, Karen Rucas, OSOT Auto Sector Lead, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
OSOT’s Advocacy Meetings 2015
DECEMBER 2015
December 15, 2015
Ontario Health Regulatory Colleges - Health Clinic Regulation Forum
Purpose: To participate in discussions about proposed model for clinic regulation of Ontario Health Regulatory Colleges (including COTO)
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
NOVEMBER 2015
November 18, 2015
Laurie Johnston, CEO, Ontario Retirement Communities Association
Purpose: To establish relationship with a significant stakeholder in the community sector and to discuss OSOT's submission to the Seniors Secretariat's consultation on the Ontario Retirement Homes Act, 2010, promoting access to OT services for residents of Ontario retirement homes.
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director and Ron Gersh, CCS Group
OCTOBER 2015
October 2, 2015
Deborah Simon, Executive Director, Ontario Community Support Association
Purpose: To further discussions around positioning of "restorative" messaging to Home and Community Care Transformation tables
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group
SEPTEMBER 2015
September 30, 2015
Levels of Care Workshop, MOHLTC Implementation Branch
Purpose: To provide an OT perspective to consultative discussions regarding the development of levels of care for the home and community care transformation agenda
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
AUGUST 2015
August 20, 2015
Miranda Ferrier, Executive Director, Ontario Personal Support Worker Association
Purpose: To establish relationship and to explore opportunities for collaboration in positioning restorative approaches in the community sector, specifically programs such as the Home Independence Program
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, CCS Group (GR Consultant)
August 19, 2015
Minister Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors & Associate Minister of Health & Long-Term Care Dipika Damerla and their staff
Purpose: To present a proposal for funding of pilots/demonstration projects of interprofessional restorative therapy teams in long-term care homes. Presented as part of a consortium of associations representing Dietetics, Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Speech-Language Pathology
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, OSOT LTC Homes Team Chair and Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
JULY 2015
July 17, 2015
Jane Cleve, Director Specialized Services & Supports Branch, MCYS, Kim McLean, Manager Special Needs, MCYS, Stacey Weber, Manager Children & Youth Services, MCYS, Carly Heung, Senior Policy Analyst, MCYS, Lisa Lumley, Manager Strategic Planning Unit, Ministry of Education, Denise Bagheri, Senior Policy Advisor, Mental Health & Addiction Unit, MOHLTC, Jenny Cheng, Senior Policy Advisory, Mental Health & Addictions Unit, MOHLTC
Purpose: Met to discuss Special Needs Strategy and to position OT services in the school system. Presented Occupational Therapy in the Ontario School System: effective practices that fit with the Special Needs Strategy a resource promoting the most current evidence and promising practices in school-based OT.
OSOT Reps: Debra Stewart, School-Based OT Team, Kim Woodland, School-Based OT Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
July 14, 2015
Deborah Simon, Executive Director, Ontario Community Support Association
Purpose: Meet to discuss access to OT services in community & amongst OCSA members
OSOT Reps: Barbara Cawley, OSOT Strategic Advocacy Committee, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
JUNE 2015
Maria Cece, Manager Auto Insurance Policy, Ministry of Finance
Purpose: To discuss proposed amendments to the SABS and implications of benefit reductions on individuals injured in MVAs…identifying OT perspectives and recommendations.
OSOT Reps: Karen Rucas, OSOT Auto Insurance Sector Lead, Carol MacDonald, OSOT Auto Insurance Sector Team Chair, Ron Gersh, CCS Group, (GR Consultant)
MAY 2015
May 12, 2015
Collaborative Rehab Meeting with Dr. Peter Nord, Co-Chair Rehabilitative Care Alliance
Purpose: Update on Rehabilitative Care Alliance activities, assess/restore policy
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
May 6, 2015
Ministers Mario Sergio (Seniors) & Eric Hoskins (MOHLTC) Policy Staff
Purpose: Interprofessional meeting to discuss access to OT & therapy services in Long-Term Care Homes
OSOT Reps: Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTC Homes Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
APRIL 2015
April 28, 2015
Minister Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors,
Minister Deb Matthews, Treasury Board
Purpose: Dinner event, opportunity for networking with key Ministers
OSOT Reps: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Ron Gersh, GR Consultant, CCS Group
April 15, 2015
Anna Greenberg, Director, Community & Population Health Branch, Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care
Anne Bowlby, Manager, Mental Health & Addictions Unit, Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care
Purpose: Discussion of occupational therapy contribution to Phase 2 of provincial Mental Health & Addictions Strategy
OSOT Reps: Anna Yarmon, Co-Chair, OSOT Mental Health Team, Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
MARCH 2015
March 20, 2015
Rehabilitative Care Alliance, Out-patient/Ambulatory Advisory Group Meeting
Purpose: Review/input to work of Task Group for out-patient and ambulatory rehabilitative services
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
March 13, 2015
Nancy Naylor, Assistant Deputy Minister of Health, HEALTH SYSTEM ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE DIVISION and Nancy Lytle, Director X-RAY SAFETY AND LONG-TERM CARE HOMES BRANCH
Purpose: presenting OSOT’s document on OT in LTC Homes and further advocacy for attention to restoration of OT service.
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director, Joanne Kular, Chair OSOT LTC Homes Team
March 12, 2015
Rehabilitative Care Alliance, Frail Senior/Medically Complex Task and Advisory Group Meeting
Purpose: Update to Advisory Group on work of task force and introduction of Draft Final Report of the Rehabilitative Care Alliance
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
March 11, 2015
Alyson Rowe, Senior Policy Advisor, Minister of Health & Long Term Care’s Office
Purpose: introduction of OT as a stakeholder in mental health and addictions strategy
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director , Anna Yarmon, Chair OSOT Mental Health Sector Team.
JANUARY 2015
January 14, 2015
Rehabilitative Care Alliance Frail Senior/Medically Complex Advisory Group Meeting
Purpose: ongoing advisory role to RCA, bringing an OT perspective to work of RCA
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
January 7, 2015
Rehabilitative Care Alliance Out-Patient/Ambulatory Advisory Group Meeting
Purpose: ongoing advisory role to RCA, bringing an OT perspective to work of RCA
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director
January 6, 2015
Rehabilitative Care Alliance Capacity Planning/System Evaluation Advisory Group Meeting
Purpose: ongoing advisory role to RCA, bringing an OT perspective to work of RCA
OSOT Rep: Christie Brenchley, Executive Director