‘Stronger Together’ is the title of the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association’s (NOSDA) new five-year strategic plan.
Officials say the association, which includes the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB), will help strengthen services, improve advocacy, and build healthier, more connected communities.
“Working together through NOSDA is essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by Northern Ontario communities,” says Mark King, DNSSAB Chair. “From vast distances and limited resources to shifting demographics, these challenges call for innovative solutions and strong partnerships. Our shared commitment as DSSABs ensures that we can respond more effectively and support our communities where it matters most.”
The plan details 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 NOSDA’s visibility and influence
- Strengthening governance and member capacity
- Informing Northern policy development
“Delivering essential services in Northern Ontario – such as housing, child care, employment programs, and paramedic services – comes with unique challenges,” says Michelle Boileau, NOSDA Chair and Mayor of Timmins. “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.”
NOSDA says with this plan, it will focus on cross-regional learning, Indigenous partnerships, and data-driven solutions to amplify Northern priorities in provincial and federal discussions.
