Published plans and annual reports 2025–2026: Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility
Plans for 2025–2026, and results and outcomes of all provincial programs delivered by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility in 2024–2025.
Ministry overview
Ministry’s vision
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA) supports the health, well-being and participation of people with disabilities and older Ontarians by working to improve their quality of life through programs to help them stay safe, healthy, independent and engaged in their communities. The ministry works to remove and prevent barriers to improve accessibility, as well as change perceptions and promote the benefits of an inclusive and accessible Ontario. The ministry is also responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
Ministry programs
The ministry supports, develops and delivers programs and public services to improve the quality of life for older adults/seniors and people with disabilities. Acting as an agent for positive change, the ministry also plays a leadership role by using an accessibility and aging population lens when advising on the development of government-wide policies and programs that impact seniors and people with disabilities.
The ministry’s programs are delivered primarily through two different streams of Transfer Payment Agreements (TPAs) – annual grant programs and on-going strategic initiative and partnership programs.
The ministry plays a regulatory role based on modern regulatory principles in the provision of compliance assurance with the AODA and its regulation, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation Ontario Regulation 191/11 (IASR).
2025–26 Strategic plan
In 2025-26, the ministry will continue to work towards improving the lives of older adults and people with disabilities across Ontario. It will support them in participating in the economy and their communities, and help them live active, healthy, safe and socially connected lives.
The ministry will achieve this by focusing on key priorities, including:
- Fostering an inclusive and accessible Ontario by developing, implementing and enforcing the AODA.
- Supporting the quality of life and well-being of seniors and people with disabilities.
- Promoting modern regulatory practices.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Strategic priority: To foster an inclusive and accessible Ontario
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility works across government and with key partners and stakeholders to support older Ontarians in staying safe, healthy, independent and engaged in their communities. It also works to remove and reduce barriers so that people with disabilities can reach their full potential. Examples include:
- Providing support to more than 2,000 individuals (including seniors) each year to help make their homes safer and more accessible through the Home and Vehicle Modification Program. Eligible adults and children with mobility restrictions may receive a grant of up to $15,000 to modify their home and/or vehicle, so they can live safely and comfortably in their homes, avoid job loss and participate in their community.
- Working with the Ministry of Transportation to improve regional fare and service integration for people with disabilities.
Intended outcomes – Barriers faced by people with disabilities and older Ontarians are prevented and removed as much as possible in all areas of daily life – leading to reduced social and economic isolation, as well as improved overall health.
| Indicator | Target value and date | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of obligated organizations in compliance with four foundational requirements (policies, plans, feedback and training) at the start of a ministry-led audit (no further action needed) | 77% (December 2025) | ||
| Footnote: Compliance rates for these requirements reflect the regulated community’s understanding of their obligations and the willingness to remove barriers for people with disabilities. | |||
Strategic priority: To support the quality of life and well-being of seniors and people with disabilities
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility uses an accessibility and aging population lens to inform policies and programs that support older adults/seniors and people with disabilities. It collaborates across government and with key partners, including municipalities and community organizations.
Through cross-government collaboration, the ministry will support the integration of care services (e.g. dental, dementia, palliative, home and community care, and social recreational programming) so that older Ontarians can age and live at home with access to care. This includes:
- Increasing support for the Seniors Active Living Centres Program by investing approximately $17 million over three years to add up to 100 new SALC programs across Ontario.
- Providing local opportunities for older adults to stay active and engaged (particularly through those projects that support specific populations) by increasing the investment in the Seniors Community Grant Program up to $7 million.
- Providing enhanced funding of almost $1.0 million over three years (starting in 2023-24) for the Seniors Safety Line to handle increased call volumes, so seniors can access the support they need.
Intended outcomes – Improving access to services for seniors, and providing them with the services they need.
| Indicator | Target value and date |
|---|---|
| Number of program participants served by MSAA programs and funding | 1,000,000 (March 31, 2026) |
| Indicator | Target value and date |
|---|---|
| Number of seminars, webinars, workshops, and training sessions provided to seniors, caregivers and service providers | 18,000 (March 31, 2026) |
Strategic priority: To promote compliance with the AODA through modern regulatory practices
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility helps ensure public, private, and not-for-profit organizations understand and comply with provincial accessibility standards under the AODA, as well as in 5 key areas under the corresponding Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR):
- Information and communications
- Employment
- Transportation
- Design of public spaces
- Customer service
This is enforced through compliance assistance, as well as audits, inspections and enforcement activities.
Modern regulatory principles focus on ensuring that regulated entities are supported in understanding their legislative and regulatory obligations before any enforcement actions are taken. In addition, the ministry’s compliance and enforcement efforts are focused on high-risk and high-impact requirements and sectors to better prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities in the 5 key areas of daily living.
Intended outcomes – Businesses, not-for-profit organizations and the broader public sector are more informed about, and in compliance with accessibility laws, fostering an inclusive and accessible Ontario.
| Indicator | Target value and date |
|---|---|
| Accessibility Compliance Rate – percentage of organizations in compliance | 99.5% (December 2025) |
| Indicator | Target value and date |
|---|---|
| Percentage of obligated organizations in compliance with four foundational requirements (policies, plans, feedback and training) at the start of the audit (no further action need) | 77% (December 2025) |
| Expenditure | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|
| Operating | 181.11 |
| Capital | 0.00 |
| Total | 181.11 |
Detailed financial information
Combined operating and capital summary by vote
| Votes/programs | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Change from Estimates 2024–25 $ | % | Estimates 2024–25 $ | Interim 2024–25 $ | Actuals 2023–24 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry administration program | 8,945,100 | 411,400 | 4.8 | 8,533,700 | 7,421,700 | 6,928,436 |
| Policy, Program, and Strategic Partnerships | 163,659,900 | (5,642,600) | (3.3) | 169,302,500 | 149,331,900 | 157,643,925 |
| Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities | 8,435,000 | 388,600 | 4.8 | 8,046,400 | 7,696,100 | 7,041,695 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 181,040,000 | (4,842,600) | (2.6) | 185,882,600 | 164,449,700 | 171,614,056 |
| Statutory appropriations | 66,014 | 0 | 0.0 | 66,014 | 66,014 | 65,968 |
| Ministry total operating expense | 181,106,014 | (4,842,600) | (2.6) | 185,948,614 | 164,515,714 | 171,680,024 |
| Other adjustments – Bill 124 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | (296,214) |
| Total including consolidation and other adjustments | 181,106,014 | (4,842,600) | (2.6) | 185,948,614 | 164,515,714 | 171,383,810 |
| Votes/programs | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Change from Estimates 2023–24 $ | % | Estimates 2024–25 $ | Interim 2024–25 $ | Actuals 2023–24 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry administration program | 1,000 | 0 | 0.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 0 |
| Policy, Program, and Strategic Partnerships | 1,000 | 0 | 0.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 0 |
| Statutory appropriations | 2,000 | 0 | 0.0 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 0 |
| Ministry total capital expense | 4,000 | 0 | 0.0 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 0 |
| Votes/programs | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Change from Estimates 2024–25 $ | % | Estimates 2024–25 $ | Interim 2024–25 $ | Actuals 2023–24 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry administration program | 1,000 | 0 | 0.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 0 |
| Policy, Program, and Strategic Partnerships | 1,000 | 0 | 0.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 0 |
| Ministry total capital assets | 2,000 | 0 | 0.0 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 0 |
| Total including consolidation and other adjustments | 2,000 | 0 | 0.0 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 0 |
| Votes/programs | Estimates 2025–26 $ | Change from Estimates 2024–25 $ | % | Estimates 2024–25 $ | Interim 2024–25 $ | Actuals 2023–24 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) | 181,110,014 | (4,842,600) | (2.6) | 185,952,614 | 164,519,714 | 171,383,810 |
| Item | Actuals 2022–23 $ | Actuals 2023–24 $ | Estimates 2024–25 $ | Estimates 2025–26 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) | 237,884,448 | 171,383,810 | 185,952,614 | 181,110,014 |
| Percent change | N/A | -28.0% | 8.5% | -2.6% |
Agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs)
Accessibility Standards Advisory Council
The legislatively-based Accessibility Standards Advisory Council (ASAC) is responsible for providing strategic advice to the Minister responsible for the AODA on: the process for, and progress on developing accessibility standards, matters related to the implementation of this legislation and other accessibility matters.
Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority
The ministry is responsible for the development of policy and legislation and regulation amendments related to the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 (RHA) and for managing the government’s accountability relationship with the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA). The RHRA is a self-funded independent regulatory body established under the RHA to administer and enforce the RHA and its regulations on behalf of the government. This includes:
- Licensing retirement homes and maintaining a public register of licensees.
- Educating licensees, consumers and the public about the RHA.
- Conducting inspections, investigations and enforcement activities.
- Handling consumer complaints about retirement homes.
The RHRA also plays a role in communicating with, and supporting retirement homes by working with the ministry to provide necessary resources and guidelines on infection prevention and control, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Ministry organization chart
June 2025
- Raymond Sung Joon Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
- Daisy Wai, Parliamentary Assistant (MSAA - MCM)
- Ric Bresee, Parliamentary Assistant (MSAA - MTO)
- Peter Kaftarian, Interim Deputy Minister
- Letitia Nolasque, Executive Advisor to the Deputy Minister
- Meenu Sikand, Assistant Deputy Minister, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities
- Ebadur Rahman, Director, AODA Policy and Standards
- Rory Burke, Director, Compliance and Assurance
- Michèle Sanborn, Assistant Deputy Minister, Seniors and Accessibility Policy, Programs and Strategic Partnerships
- Maureen Ennis, Director, Planning and Programs
- Don Embuldeniya, Director, Policy, and Partnerships
- Marsha Pinto, Director, Retirement Homes
- Jeffrey Graham — Chief Administrative Office and Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services
footnote 3 - Andrew Farah, A/Director, Strategic Corporate Support
- Peter Spadoni, A/Director, Communications
footnote 3 - Cheryl Carson, A/Director, Legal Services
footnote 4
Note: "(A)" denotes acting.
Annual report: 2024-25 results
In 2024-25, the ministry made progress toward its key priorities of improving access to services for seniors, providing the services seniors need and reducing/removing barriers for people with disabilities. The ministry supported the government’s plan to build a future with a better quality of life and a higher standard of living for seniors and people with disabilities. Support is delivered through deliberate initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive, barrier-free Ontario, where seniors and people with disabilities are independent, safe, active and socially connected.
Significant progress was made on making Ontario more accessible for everyone, as well as promoting the benefits of age-diverse, accessible workplaces and communities, where everyone is respected, able to participate in everyday life and able to enjoy the future they deserve. The ministry:
- Completed 1,855 audits of businesses, not-for-profit organizations and the broader public sector on compliance with accessibility laws, ensuring these organizations are more informed and in compliance with accessibility requirements.
- Engaged with, and influenced a variety of cross-ministry partner initiatives and strategies to ensure accessibility barriers are prevented or removed, and that people with disabilities are meaningfully considered:
- Collaborated with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to host an Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) session for municipalities to promote knowledge and uptake of the AFC model.
- Collaborated with key ministry partners (MLTC, MOH) on initiatives designed to keep seniors healthy, safe and connected, wherever they choose to age. Key priorities included:
- Improving dementia care and supports.
- Supporting seniors, their Families and caregivers.
- Protecting Seniors and Enhancing Social Connections.
- Supported MCCSS (the lead ministry) in engaging with the federal government, provinces and territories on the development and implementation of the federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) to promote maximum benefit for eligible Ontarians with disabilities.
- As a Centre of Excellence, supported ministries across the OPS to embed accessibility into their policies, programs and initiatives, including in the areas of employment, transportation, the built environment and education.
Strategic priority: To foster an inclusive and accessible Ontario
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility works across government and with key partners and stakeholders (including municipalities and businesses) to support older Ontarians in staying safe, healthy, independent and engaged in their communities; as well as, remove and reduce barriers so that people with disabilities can reach their full potential.
In 2024-25, the ministry made significant progress in this priority area which included:
- Investing $1.5 million in 19 projects through the EnAbling Change Program to help not-for-profit organizations (across a range of sectors) develop tools and educational resources to help make Ontario more accessible and open to people of all abilities.
- Promoting age-friendly and accessible infrastructure upgrades to help people with disabilities and seniors stay engaged in their neighbourhoods. Through a one-time increased investment, the Inclusive Community Grants Program was able to fund an additional 20 projects (bringing the total number of projects funded to 38).
- Supporting the administration of the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility program which recognizes individual Ontarians and organizations who raise awareness about the benefits of inclusion and foster positive change in their communities to improve the lives and experiences of people with disabilities.
- Completed 871 verification audits that assessed compliance with the General Requirements sections of the IASR under the AODA, as well as the IASR's Customer Service, Information and Communications, Transportation, Employment and Design of Public Spaces standards.
Intended outcomes – Barriers faced by people with disabilities and older Ontarians are prevented and removed as much as possible in all areas of daily life, reducing social and economic isolation, as well as leading to overall improved health.
| Indicator | Baseline value and date | Trend value and date | Target value and date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of audited obligated organizations that are in compliance with four foundational requirements (policies, plans, feedback and training) at the start of audit (no further action needed) | 64% December 31, 2018 | 65% (December 31, 2023) 67% (December 31, 2024) | 77% December 31, 2025 |
| Footnote: Compliance rates for these requirements reflect the regulated community’s understanding of their obligations and their willingness to remove barriers for people with disabilities. | |||
Strategic Priority: To support quality of life and well-being of seniors and people with disabilities
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility uses an accessibility and aging population lens to collaborate across government and with key partners (including municipalities and community organizations) to inform policies and programs that support older adults/seniors and people with disabilities.
In 2024-25, the ministry:
- Supported over 278 projects through the Seniors Community Grant Program, allowing local not-for-profit community groups and organizations to deliver programs and opportunities that encourage greater social inclusion.
- Expanded the Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) Program to invest in 97 new programs (bringing the total number of SALC programs from 316 to 413), and increased Maintenance and Operating maximum funding to existing SALC programs by 10 per cent (up to $55,000 per program). With a total additional investment of approximately $17 million over three years, the SALC Program expansion will help promote wellness, social interaction, education and support services to keep seniors active, healthy and independent in more communities across the province.
- Continued to provide funding through the refundable Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit to help low-to-moderate income seniors with eligible medical expenses, including expenses that support aging at home, such as: attendant care, assistive breathing devices, and hearing and walking aids.
- Continued to effectively oversee licensed retirement homes by ensuring the RHRA fully complied with key Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) requirements.
- Enhanced infection prevention and control (IPAC) programs in licensed retirement homes by sharing best practices, hosting a fall preparedness webinar, and supporting vaccine distribution (Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV) during the high-risk respiratory illness season, resulting in fewer COVID-19 outbreaks in fall/winter 2024 compared to 2023.
- Celebrated 20 outstanding seniors (through the Ontario Senior Achievement Awards) for their exceptional contributions to their communities and the province, and for making a positive difference in the lives of Ontarians.
- Actively participated in the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum, including supporting projects to identify evidence and policy options for: new technology to support aging at home, the prevention of seniors’ abuse and housing supports for a diverse seniors population.
Intended outcomes – Improving access to services for seniors and providing them services they need.
| Indicator | Baseline value and date | Trend value and date | Target value and date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of program participants served by MSAA programs and funding | 95,194 (2020-21) | 997,475 (2023-24) | 1,000,000 (2024-25) |
| Footnote: This measure tracks participants who were engaged in activities funded through standalone strategic Transfer Payment Agreements (TPAs) with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, Queen’s University (AFC Outreach Program), Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, March of Dimes Canada for the HVMP and Older Adults Centres' Association of Ontario and the Seniors’ Community Grant. Future reporting is expected to include Seniors’ Active Living Centre (SALC) participant numbers following the implementation of improved reporting mechanisms in the 2023-24 year. | |||
| Indicator | Baseline value and date | Trend value and date | Target value and date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of seminars, webinars, workshops, and training sessions provided to seniors, caregivers and service providers | 6,355 (2020-21) | 18,621 (2023-24) | 18,000 (2024-25) |
Individual program outcomes
Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)
The HVMP supports the ministry’s priority to provide programs and services that improve the quality of life of seniors and people with disabilities by helping Ontarians to modify their homes and vehicles, so they can live safely and participate in their communities.
| Indicator | Baseline value and date | Trend value and date |
|---|---|---|
| Number of program participants served by MSAA programs and funding | 973 (2022-23) | 924 (2023–24) |
Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC ) Program
The SALC Program invests in incorporated, non-profit organizations and municipalities to provide non-residential programs that promote active and healthy living, social engagement, and learning for persons who are primarily seniors by providing them with activities and services to keep seniors active, healthy and independent.
Due to overwhelming success of the program, Ontario announced an investment of approximately $17 million over three years beginning in 2024-2025 to expand the number of SALC programs across the province.
As part of this announcement, the government expanded the list of local and community-based organizations that can provide financial or in-kind support. In addition to municipalities and not-for-profit corporations, the list now includes: registered charities, Legions and Lion’s clubs.
Approved new programs were either in areas without an existing SALC program, or areas that served underserved populations. This aimed to increase access to seniors’ programs, as well as meet the diverse needs of older adults (i.e. based on their culture, interests, abilities and geographic locations).
In addition, MSAA is refining its data collection requirements re: measuring access to services for seniors. Updated requirements re: the data to be collected will be included in the 2025-26 final reports.
Strategic Priority: To promote compliance with the AODA through modern regulatory practices
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility helps ensure public, private and not-for-profit organizations understand and comply with provincial accessibility standards under the AODA and its corresponding regulation, the IASR. This is done through compliance assistance, audits, inspections and enforcement activities. Compliance is promoted for the five key IASR standards: information and communications, employment, transportation, the design of public spaces, and customer service and with general requirements set out in the IASR.
In 2024-25, the ministry achieved the following:
- Completed 1,855 audits of businesses, not-for-profit organizations and the broader public sector on compliance with accessibility laws, ensuring these organizations are more informed and in compliance with accessibility requirements.
- Through the ministry’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Program, in 2024, of the 1,855 audits completed, 99.8% were resolved as compliant.
Intended outcomes - Businesses, not-for-profit organizations and the broader public sector are more informed and in compliance with accessibility laws, fostering an inclusive and accessible Ontario.
| Indicator | Baseline value and date | Trend value and date | Target value and date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility Compliance Rate – percentage of organizations in compliance | 99.8% (December 31, 2023) | 99.8% (December 31, 2024) | 99.5% (December 31, 2025) |
| Footnote: When audited organizations are found to be non-compliant, the ministry works with them to attempt to establish compliance before considering enforcement measures. In cases where organizations do not engage with us or avoid meeting their legal obligations, they can be subject to enforcement measures outlined in the AODA. | |||
KPI historical trends
| Outcome | Performance indicator | Baseline 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | Current 2023-24 | Target (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Improving service accessibility for seniors | Number of program participants served by MSAA programs and funding | 95,194 | 120,065 | 353,654 | 997,475 | 1,000,000 |
| Providing seniors with the services they need | Number of seminars, webinars, workshops, and training provided to seniors, caregivers and providers | 6,355 | 10,315 | 15,453 | 18,621 | 18,000 |
| Outcome | Key performance indicator | 2018 % | 2019 % | 2020 % | 2021 % | 2022 % | 2023 % | 2024 % | Target (2025) % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removing barriers for people with disabilities | Accessibility Compliance Implementation Rate – percentage of organizations in compliance | 95.7 | 95.1 | 96.9 | 99.5 | 98.5 | 98.4 | 99.8 | 99.5 |
| Removing barriers for people with disabilities | Percentage of obligated organizations that are in compliance with 4 foundational requirements (policies, plans, feedback and training) at start of audit | 64 | 84 | 70 | 77 | 67 | 65.3 | 67 | 77 |
| Item | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|
| Operating | 164.5 |
| Capital | 0.0 |
| Staff strength | 148 |
Footnotes
- footnote[1] Back to paragraph Estimates, Interim Actuals and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2025 Ontario Budget.
- footnote[2] Back to paragraph Estimates and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure.
- footnote[3] Back to paragraph Provides services to the Ministry of Long — Term Care and the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.
- footnote[4] Back to paragraph Also reports to DM of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and ADAG, Ministry of the Attorney General.
- footnote[5] Back to paragraph Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2025 Ontario Budget.
- footnote[6] Back to paragraph Ontario Public Service Full-Time Equivalent positions.