The ongoing challenges with SAMS and the very crisis OMSSA members currently find themselves in requires collective and cohesive actions and efforts. Both to assist our members, the clients they serve, and to best inform the Province on solutions going forward.

We have heard loud and clear from our members their desire for a comprehensive provincial response and solution.

On Wednesday December 3, 2014, OMSSA is convening a meeting of the 47 CMSM and DSSAB leads to examine concerns, and to develop key recommendations for mitigation and solutions in the short, medium and long term. 

Over 40 CMSMs and DSSABs are confirmed to participate.

Assistant Deputy Minister, Richard Steele, will participate in a portion of the meeting.

OMSSA's intention remains to move forward on a productive path with the provincial government and to achieve, in the short term, some immediate opportunities to address the fallout of SAMS implementation. 

By all indications, it seems that the implications of SAMS implementation will be significant. We believe it is imperative that OMSSA work as partners with the Province to prepare for what will come next and to find ways to address municipal and DSSAB risk and liability.

In addition to the upcoming meeting, OMSSA staff and its leadership have been engaged on your behalf to address the crisis of SAMS on a number of fronts, including:

• Ongoing outreach and discussion with members over the past weeks;
• Coordinating solutions, messaging and efforts on SAMS implementation with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario;
• Responding to media outlets on the experience and implications of SAMS implementation on our members.

OMSSA is committed to supporting its members and will provide an update to members on the outcomes of its ongoing efforts on SAMS implementation.