Laying the Foundations for the Future

As I look back on this past year, I’m struck by how much momentum we’ve built together—and how clearly the path ahead is coming into focus. In October 2024, we launched our Innoweave project after applying the previous June, and it has already started to set the stage for future activities that will strengthen Family Councils across Ontario. This work is giving us the tools to support councils in ways that reflect the unique culture of each home, including Indigenous and culturally diverse communities, ensuring councils can thrive in every setting.

Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate to attend key sector events—including the Ontario Long-Term Care Association and AdvantAge Ontario conferences, and the Walk With Me conference in Ottawa. These gatherings provided us with opportunities to share FCO’s knowledge and resources while connecting with partners who share our commitment to making long-term care truly resident-centred and full of joy for those who live, work, volunteer, and care within it.

None of this progress would be possible without our small but mighty team. I am deeply grateful for their creativity, collaboration, and dedication. Time and again, they show how a group of committed people can have an outsized impact across the sector.

This year, we also built new relationships with the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) and the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE), opening the door to deeper collaboration on issues that affect older adults and caregivers. We continued our strong partnerships with Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils (OARC) and Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), strengthening our shared goals, and maintained close working relationships with the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC)—not only as a funder but also as a critical policy partner. Through consultations, we’ve provided input on pharmacy services, inspection protocols and communications, and staffing changes and qualifications. I also had the opportunity to participate in MLTC investigator training to share how investigators can connect meaningfully with caregivers and councils.

As part of my role, I continue to serve on the MLTC Technical Advisory Table and sub-tables. While much of the work at those meetings is confidential, I can assure you that the perspectives of caregivers and councils are front and centre in every conversation. Regular meetings with the Assistant Deputy Ministers of both the Operations and Policy Divisions, as well as with the Minister and her office, ensure FCO’s voice is present where it matters most.

Our events this year—including our webinars with CARP and our June 2024 conference—showcased the best of what we can do when we gather to learn and share together. I’m also especially proud of the continued success of our Navigation Guide, made possible through the generous support of the JBS Foundation. This resource is already helping families navigate one of life’s most difficult transitions with clarity and compassion.

It’s been a year of growth, connection, and laying strong foundations for the future. Together with our partners, funders, councils, and families, we are creating the conditions for Family Councils to thrive and for long-term care to be a place of dignity, joy, and community.