6 June 2025
Published by: Northernnews.ca
Author: Northern News Staff
June 5, 2025
Donna Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer of the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board, participated in the presentation of the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association’s strategic plan in Sault Ste. Marie. Photo by SUBMITTED
The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board is supporting the launch of a new five-year plan to improve health and human services across Northern Ontario.
The strategy, developed by the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association, was approved at its annual general meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, from June 3-5, according to a media release from the board.
The Stronger Together: Leading Change for Health and Human Services in Northern Ontario Strategic Plan provides a bold, unified vision to guide the association’s work over the next five years, championing coordinated, innovative, and sustainable social, health, and human services delivery across Northern Ontario, so it can better serve people in its communities.
The release goes on to note the strategy lays out six key priorities to address regional demographic, geographic and economic challenges through coordinated advocacy, innovation and partnerships.
These include:
• Championing health and human services;
• Addressing regional service delivery challenges;
• Building strategic partnerships;
• Raising the association’s visibility and influence;
• Strengthening governance and member capacity;
• Informing Northern policy development.
The association’s mission is to champion effective and coordinated health and human services that drive long-term economic and social well-being across the North.
With this plan, the organization will focus on cross-regional learning, Indigenous partnerships, and data-driven solutions to amplify Northern priorities in provincial and federal discussions.
“On behalf of association members, I am honored to share our Strategic Plan, Stronger Together: Leading Change for Health and Human Services in Northern Ontario,” said Michelle Boileau, the association’s chair.
“It outlines our key priorities for the next five years, which will guide the association’s work and our collective efforts to enhance human and health services across Northern Ontario.
“Since our creation 18 years ago, the association has demonstrated a proud history of fostering collaboration among Northern municipalities and service system managers, and in advocating in a unified voice to improve service, program delivery, and funding across our communities.
“Delivering essential services in Northern Ontario — such as housing, child care, employment programs, and paramedic services — comes with unique challenges. From securing adequate and sustainable funding for paramedic services to advocating for greater investment in supportive housing, we have consistently worked to ensure that Northern voices are heard at all levels of government.
“We continue to push for innovative, sustainable solutions to support our members in their service delivery, so they can improve the lives of the people they serve.
“This strategic plan reflects the insights of our members, partners, and government. I want to thank everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and perspective to this process. As we move forward, I am confident that, together, we can build resilient communities where every individual has access to the support and services they need to thrive.”
Derek Mundle, the board’s chair, added, “The board is proud to stand alongside our association partners in supporting the launch of this forward-looking strategic plan. Stronger Together reflects a shared commitment to improving the quality of life in Northern Ontario through coordinated, community-focused service delivery.
“As a region, we face unique challenges — vast geography, limited resources, and diverse local needs — but through this plan, we reaffirm our resolve to collaborate, innovate, and advocate with a united Northern voice. This strategy charts a clear path for how we can better support people in our communities today, and build stronger, more resilient systems for tomorrow.”
The association was formed to strengthen collaboration among Northern communities, providing a unified political voice on policies and program delivery from a Northern perspective.
The plan positions the association as a platform for joint advocacy, research, and pilot projects, while also calling for stronger collaboration with government and sector partners to co-create sustainable policy solutions.