Mental health and addictions, homelessness and employment support in the District of Nipissing are among some key issues a delegation from the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) is bringing to various ministries during the Rural Ontario Municipal Association’s (ROMA) annual conference in Toronto today and tomorrow.
The delegation of DNSSAB representatives, including the CAO and Board members, are raising significant concerns with the Ministries of Health; Municipal Affairs and Housing; Children, Community and Social Services; Attorney General; Education; and Community Safety and Correctional Services says a news release from the organization.
“This is an excellent opportunity to talk directly with the Ministry leaders about current challenges and potential solutions that fit our unique communities,” says DNSSAB CAO Joe Bradbury.
Among the top priorities are the coordination of mental health and addictions services and the importance of transitional housing to alleviate some of the most pressing issues surrounding homelessness.
“Issues affecting the most seriously disadvantaged in our communities often overlap the mandates of several ministries and the program areas of the DSSABs,” adds Bradbury.
Bradbury is also taking part in a panel discussion called Addressing Poverty and Employment in Rural and Northern Communities. This session explores both provincial and municipal efforts through human services delivery and innovative models of employment supports that work to tackle poverty. As the only panel member from the North, Bradbury will be talking about the DNSSAB’s successes with employment, and what this could look like in the future.
The delegates represent the 11 member municipalities of the DNSSAB.
