City Hall Ballroom

Northwestern Ontario is a large and sparsely populated region with a number of unique challenges that can impact service delivery. The area covers a vast expanse of land, which can make it difficult to provide services and support to people living in remote or isolated communities.

Recruitment of staff can also be a challenge in Northwestern Ontario, particularly in specialized fields such as healthcare or social services. Due to the remote nature of the region, it can be difficult to attract and retain qualified professionals who are willing to live and work in the area.

Despite these challenges, there are many dedicated individuals and organizations working to address the unique needs of the region and provide essential services to those who need it most. Collaboration and innovation are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring that everyone in the community has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.

In response to these challenges, four local organizations in Northwestern Ontario came together to respond to local system challenges in autism service. Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, George Jeffrey Children’s Treatment Centre, Children’s Centre Thunder Bay and North of Superior Programs worked collaboratively on a project supported by the Ministry’s Capacity Building Grant.  The three areas of focus identified by the project team - access and technology, late diagnosis, and staff recruitment and retention - are all critical factors that can impact the delivery of autism services. By working together, the team was able to develop solutions that will help improve access to services, reduce diagnosis wait times, and ensure that there are enough qualified professionals to provide quality care to children with autism.

Overall, this collaborative project is an excellent example of how organizations can work together to make a positive impact in their community. By pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, local organizations can develop effective solutions to complex problems, and ensure that no one is left behind.

3 Key Takeaways
1. Multi organization collaboration to address system challenges
2. Pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise to develop effective solutions
3. Innovative problem solving to meet system challenges

Tina Bennett, CEO, George Jeffrey Children’s Centre
Terra Lofts, Director Programs and Services, Children's Centre Thunder Bay