DTSSAB Adopts Balanced 2026 Budget Addressing Rising Costs and Appoints Board Chair and Vice-Chair

District of Timiskaming, ON - The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) has approved its 2026 budget on January 21st, 2026, using a balanced approach that carefully manages rising service delivery costs while moderating municipal impacts through the prudent use of reserves.

The Board also appointed new Board Chair, Jeff Laferriere, Mayor of Temiskaming Shores, and re-appointed Vice-Chair, Pat Kiely, Councillor of the Town of Kirkland Lake.

The 2026 budget reflects a complex cost environment. While overall expenditures have declined year over year, municipal contributions have increased due to cost pressures concentrated in specific service areas.

Key factors influencing the 2026 budget include:

• Increased operating costs in Paramedic Services, reflecting mandatory training and facility requirements, ongoing wage and benefit pressures, and targeted leadership and supervisory investments to support frontline staff, training, compliance and patient care.

• Ongoing inflationary impacts affecting salaries, benefits, utilities, and contracted services.

• Decreased provincial funding for Children’s Services, matched by corresponding reductions in spending.

• Proactive alignment of Capital Funds for investment in the maintenance, development and expansion of affordable and transitional housing within the DTSSAB’s housing portfolio

“This budget reflects disciplined financial management in a challenging environment,” said Mark Stewart, CAO. “Strategic reserve use helps us absorb cost increases while continuing to deliver dependable, legislated services.”

“Residents expect reliable emergency response, housing stability, and social supports,” said Jeff Laferriere, Board Chair. “This option allows us to meet those expectations while being mindful of the financial pressures facing municipalities and their citizens.

About the DTSSAB

The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) is

responsible for the provision and delivery of Ontario Works, Children’s Services,

Housing Services and Emergency Medical Services (EMS Land Ambulance) in the district of Timiskaming. The district consists of 23 municipalities and various unorganized townships.

Quotes

“This budget reflects disciplined financial management in a challenging environment. Strategic reserve use helps us absorb cost increases while continuing to deliver dependable, legislated services.”

- Mark Stewart, CAO.

“Residents expect reliable emergency response, housing stability, and social supports. This option allows us to meet those expectations while being mindful of the financial pressures facing municipalities and their citizens.”

- Jeff Laferriere, Board Chair.

Media Contact

communications@dtssab.com                        

Community Action Award Presented to Harley Fire Department

Paramedic Services Chief sarah salvis of DTSSAB and chief logan miron of Harley fire department

On January 6, the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) Paramedic Services proudly presented a Community Action Award to the Harley Fire Department, recognizing their professionalism, teamwork, and ongoing commitment to supporting tiered emergency medical responses in the community. 

The award was granted following a nomination from paramedics related to an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest response that resulted in a positive outcome. The nomination highlighted the essential role Harley Fire Department played as part of the chain of survival, demonstrating the importance of a coordinated, tiered response between emergency services. 

During the award presentation, Paramedic Services Chief Sarah Salvis emphasized the value of strong inter-agency partnerships in delivering effective emergency care.

“Outcomes like this are made possible through collaboration, trust, and shared commitment,” said Chief Salvis. “Harley Fire Department exemplifies what it means to be part of the chain of survival—working seamlessly with paramedic services to support our community when it matters most. 

Paramedics who attended the call testified to the excellent communication and teamwork observed between departments throughout the response. 

In addition to this specific incident, Harley Fire Department was recognized for their increasing involvement in emergency responses across the area, reflecting a sustained dedication to community safety and partnership with paramedic services. District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) Paramedic Services extends sincere appreciation to the members of Harley Fire Department for their continued collaboration, professionalism, and service to the community. 

DTSSAB Invests in Paramedic Wellness to Support a Strong, Sustainable Paramedic Service

Timiskaming District, ON – The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) continues to invest in the long-term well-being of its paramedic workforce through new provincial funding that will expand access to specialized mental health training for frontline staff and leadership within District of Timiskaming Paramedic Services.

Through Ontario’s Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel (MHS4PSP) Grant Program, DTSSAB has received up to $30,000 in one-time funding.  This funding will give DTSSAB paramedics access to evidence-based training initiatives designed specifically for public safety professionals through the Warrior Health program.

This initiative builds on DTSSAB’s existing mental health and wellness supports, including its Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and reflects a workplace culture that prioritizes resilience, peer support, and leadership awareness from recruitment through to long-term service.

“Paramedicine is a demanding profession, and supporting mental health is essential to retaining skilled professionals and attracting new ones,” said Sarah Salvis, Paramedic Services Chief. “This training equips both frontline staff and leaders with practical tools to recognize stress, support one another, and build a healthier, more sustainable work environment.”

The Warrior Health program includes training developed in partnership with organizations such as Wounded Warriors Canada and Boots on the Ground, with a focus on mental health literacy, trauma-informed leadership, and conflict resolution—key elements for those considering a career in paramedic services.

“Our paramedics are there for the community during some of life’s most difficult moments,” said Derek Mundle, Board Chair, DTSSAB. “As a Board, we believe it is just as important that they have strong supports behind them. This funding allows us to build on existing mental health resources and provide practical, evidence-based training that helps our paramedics—and those who lead them—stay well, resilient, and ready to continue serving the people of Timiskaming.”

DTSSAB’s participation aligns with the Province of Ontario’s broader expansion of mental health supports for public safety personnel and reinforces the organization’s commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and resilient workplace for current and future paramedics. Training supported through this funding will be delivered alongside existing EFAP services, providing staff with access to both preventative mental health education and professional support when needed.

Media Contact
communications@dtssab.com

Quotes

 “Our paramedics are there for the community during some of life’s most difficult moments. As a Board, we believe it is just as important that they have strong supports behind them. This funding allows us to build on existing mental health resources and provide practical, evidence-based training that helps our paramedics—and those who lead them—stay well, resilient, and ready to continue serving the people of Timiskaming.”- Derek Mundle, Board Chair, DTSSAB

“Paramedicine is a demanding profession, and supporting mental health is essential to retaining skilled professionals and attracting new ones. This training equips both frontline staff and leaders with practical tools to recognize stress, support one another, and build a healthier, more sustainable work environment.” - Sarah Salvis, Paramedic Services Chief, DTSSAB

‘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 DTSSAB will help strengthen services, improve advocacy, and build healthier, more connected communities across Northern Ontario

Timiskaming, ON –The District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB) 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 honored 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, child care, 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.

“DTSSAB is proud to stand alongside our NOSDA partners in supporting the launch of this forward-looking Strategic Plan. 'Stronger Together' reflects a shared commitment to improving the quality of life in Northern Ontario through coordinated, community-focused service delivery. As a region, we face unique challenges—vast geography, limited resources, and diverse local needs—but through this plan, we reaffirm our resolve to collaborate, innovate, and advocate with a united Northern voice. This strategy charts a clear path for how we can better support people in our communities today, and build stronger, more resilient systems for tomorrow.” Derek Mundle, DTSSAB Board Chair.

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.

About DTSSAB: 
District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB), one of 11 service providers in northern Ontario, is comprised of nine locally elected representatives who serve 23 municipalities and Territories Without Municipal Organization. DTSSAB is responsible for the provision and delivery of Children’s Services, Housing Services, Ontario Works, and Paramedic Services. 

Learn more about DTSSAB here:
https://www.dtssab.com/

DTSSAB Contact:
Michelle Sowinski, Communications and Executive Coordinator
sowinskim@dtssab.com          

About NOSDA: 
The Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association was formed to develop a co-operative and collaborative approach with municipalities and municipal organizations, to facilitate the consolidated municipal delivery of services in Northern Ontario. NOSDA is intended to create a political forum for reviewing and developing both policies and program delivery issues from a Northern perspective. 

Learn more about NOSDA here:
https://www.nosda.net/

NOSDA Contact: 
Fern Dominelli, Executive Director 
fern.dominelli@nosda.net | 705-665-2944