Our messages
Nancy Ansong-Danquah, Chief Operating Officer
This past year has been one of reflection, re- evaluation and recentring. It was a time to focus on our services aligned with our core mandate, strengthen our connection with communities, and lay the foundation for our Service delivery moving forward. I was honoured to be appointed as the permanent Chief Operating Officer during this time, and I remain committed to working alongside our staff, partners and communities to support meaningful outcomes for children, youth and families. Internally, we’ve expanded communication touch points and created more opportunities for ongoing staff feedback and collaboration. We’ve worked across teams to build clarity, share knowledge and implement key sector-wide changes, including Bill 188. At the same time, we’ve made important strides toward financial sustainability and explored new approaches “
to programming. Evolving our programming for youth and the work of our Equity Department reflects our commitment to innovation and to better meeting the needs of the communities we serve. Externally, we’ve deepened partnerships with organizations that share our values and vision. Through outreach with groups such as Victim Services, Central Family Intake, Yorktown and Strides, and through activities like our Community Resource Fair, we are re-establishing connections with local networks and increasing families’ access to timely, equitable and community-based support. Together, with the ongoing support of our Service staff and partners inside and outside of our Agency, these efforts have created the conditions for progress as we move forward with the implementation of our new Strategic Plan. ”
Keshwer Patel, Chief Financial Officer
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As I reflect on the 2024–25 fiscal year, Corporate Services played a pivotal role in strengthening the Agency’s infrastructure and enhancing overall effectiveness. A key achievement was the successful renegotiation of our Agency’s insurance policy, leveraging sector-wide discussions through the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies. This has resulted in significant cost savings while preserving essential coverage. The outcome was made possible through strong collaboration between our Finance and Legal teams, ensuring more favourable terms for the Agency. Corporate Services also led critical updates to our Enterprise Risk Management and Business Continuity plans, and implemented several enhancements to internal systems aimed at improving efficiency and responsiveness. These updates help ensure our teams have the tools and processes needed to support high quality Service delivery.
Financial sustainability remained a central focus in ensuring the Agency’s long-term viability. Like many child welfare organizations across the province, CAST continues to face considerable fiscal pressures, particularly in relation to boarding costs for children and youth with complex needs. Over the past year, our Finance Department worked closely with the Executive Team and leadership to deliver in-depth financial analysis and cash flow management strategies as well as financial sustainability strategies to help ensure that our approach remains both data-driven and responsive to the evolving needs of those we serve. We also supported the implementation of a range of cost-saving measures, always with our operational and Service priorities at the forefront. Looking ahead, our focus remains on supporting the Agency’s financial sustainability and making the necessary adjustments to align resources effectively, meet operational demands, and maintain Service excellence for children, youth and families. ”
Colin Hill, Chief Operating Officer
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After serving CAST as the Interim CHRO for over 2 years, I am absolutely delighted that as of September 2024, I now have the honour and privilege of leading our extraordinary Human
bolstered our resources and capabilities in HR operations, employee & labour relations, talent acquisition and workforce planning, organizational development and engagement, health and safety, and wellness. Once again, we have been recognized with the distinctions of: Greater Toronto’s Top Employers (13 years), Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (10 years) and Canada’s Best Employers for Recent Graduates (10 years). We will continue to partner with the union, management and all employees to maximize staff resiliency, capabilities, success and well-being, as they continue to embrace challenges, seize opportunities, and deliver astonishing outcomes for those we serve. ”
Resources Team as the permanent CHRO. As we continue to embark on a period of change, financial sustainability, transformation and strategic organizational evolution, we’re focused on ensuring that our exemplary employees are supported and enabled to provide services to the children, youth and families throughout Toronto. Over the past year, our Human Resources Team has worked to recognize and anticipate the evolving people, organizational and operational imperatives of CAST and align our focus and priorities accordingly. We have
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