PHSSC

That Report COM 31-2024, dated November 5, 2024, respecting Social Assistance and Employment Opportunities Funding Announcement, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendations BE APPROVED: 1. That Report COM 31- 2024 BE RECEIVED for information regarding the Provincial announcement that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) has reinstated the previous program delivery funding (PDF) model for 2025, ending the funding freeze since 2018, to address the steady rise in Ontario Works (OW) caseloads; 2. That Regional Council ENDORSE leveraging existing levy contribution to attract provincial funding (50/50) in order to deliver the mandated social assistance program; and 3. That Regional Council APPROVE the conversion of 21 temporary full- time equivalents (FTE’s) to 21 permanent FTE’s effective January 1, 2025. This is supported by the new provincial funding with no levy increase.

That Report COM 32-2024, dated November 5, 2024, respecting Child Care and Early Years 2024 Budget Adjustment, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendation BE APPROVED: 1. That a gross operating budget adjustment in the amount of $3,043,856 gross and $0 net, to be fully funded through the Ministry of Education (MEDU), BE APPROVED to support Niagara Region’s early years and child care system.

That Report COM 33-2024, dated November 5, 2024, respecting Housing Services Property Management Services Agreements, BE RECEIVED and the following recommendation BE APPROVED: 1. That the Commissioner of Community Services or designate BE AUTHORIZED to enter into agreements, in a form satisfactory to the Director, Legal Services, for the provision of property management services by the Regional Municipality of Niagara to third-party non- profit and co-operative housing providers and community agencies to support new and existing community and supportive housing projects. This is contingent on the approval of the resources noted in the 2025 budget that would be funded through cost recovery for these services.