Stronger Together
Northern Ontario Service Deliverers unveils strategic plan to guide health and human services in our communities ‘Stronger Together’: Northern social services leaders unveil plan to improve support for our communities The Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, supported by the DNSSAB, will help strengthen services, improve advocacy, and build healthier, more connected communities across Northern Ontario North Bay, ON:
The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) is proud to support 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 (NOSDA), was approved at its most recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sault Ste. Marie from June 3-5, 2025. The Stronger Together: Leading Change for Health and Human Services in Northern Ontario Strategic Plan provides a bold, unified vision to guide NOSDA’s work over the next five years, championing coordinated, innovative, and sustainable social, health, and human services delivery across Northern Ontario, so that we can better serve people in our communities.
It lays out six key priorities to address regional demographic, geographic, and economic challenges through coordinated advocacy, innovation, and partnerships. These include: 1. Championing health and human services 2. Addressing regional service delivery challenges 3. Building strategic partnerships 4. Raising NOSDA’s visibility and influence 5. Strengthening governance and member capacity 6. Informing Northern policy development NOSDA’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 NOSDA members, I am honoured to share our Strategic Plan, Stronger Together: Leading Change for Health and Human Services in Northern Ontario. 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,” said NOSDA Chair, Michelle Boileau. “Since our creation 18 years ago, NOSDA 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, childcare, 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,” Boileau said.
“Working together through NOSDA is essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by Northern Ontario communities,” said DNSSAB Chair, Mark King. “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.” “This new strategic plan provides a shared vision and clear priorities that will guide our work over the next five years. By uniting our voices, NOSDA will continue to grow as a strong advocate for the North. Together, we can improve service delivery, influence policy, and build healthier, more resilient communities across Northern Ontario,” added King. NOSDA 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. View the full NOSDA Strategic Plan here. https://www.nosda.net/about-nosda/mission-vision-and-values
