MEMBER BENEFITS - ONPHAqc.onpha.on.ca/flipbooks/MemberBenefits/files/... · ONPHA MEMBER BENEFITS...

2016MEMBER BENEFITS

Since 1988, ONPHA has built a strong community around Ontario’s non-profit housing sector. Today, more than 700 housing providers from across Ontario find a ‘home’ in ONPHA.

Each of our members brings something different to the table, and that diversity is exactly what makes us strong. You are an integral part of ONPHA – and we want to help you make the most of your membership with us.

This booklet is a resource to help you do just that. We hope you’ll refer to it year round, as a reminder of all the different ways you can take advantage of the benefits that ONPHA membership provides.

For your organization, we help to build capacity and support your work through tailored training, ready-to-use resources, timely updates, exclusive discounts and responsive member support, giving you a boost in capacity when you need it the most.

For your board, we help set strong foundations, by providing the training, updates and resources they need to cultivate strong governance practices and stay connected to the pulse of the non-profit housing sector.

THERE’S A place FOR YOU IN

For you, we help propel your career, through professional development and by connecting you to new opportunities and contacts across the sector. We also offer exclusive savings and discounts for you and your family – it really does pay to be an ONPHA member.

For the sector, we offer a place to connect, so we can leverage our combined strengths and experience to create new energy and momentum. We work to shape and drive discussion on the issues you care about most. And, we listen to your realities and concerns, so we can bring your issues to government with a strong, united voice.

As a sector, we are stronger when we work, innovate and advocate together. We hope you’ll continue to be a part of the ONPHA community for years to come, and we look forward to growing with you as we navigate the changes ahead.

Warmest regards,

Meg McCallum Sharad KerurPresident, ONPHA Executive Director, ONPHA

YOU

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ONPHA HELPS YOUBUILD capacity

YOUR organization

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Wayne Bushey, Property ManagerColumbus Estates of Chatham

Every time I’ve attended an ONPHA conference, training session or regional meeting, I’ve learned something new.

Meeting face-to-face with other housing providers is what makes the difference. You get to learn from the experts, have a real dialogue, and walk away with new ideas and approaches that you can put into practice in your own organization.

“

”

O N P H A M E M B E R B E N E F I T S 2016

1 EDUCATION & TRAINING

Setting you up for successONPHA’s suite of learning opportunities is designed to prepare you and your staff to meet growing and complex demands in managing sustainable, tenant-focused housing. Throughout the year, members can rely on ONPHA to help build skills in areas like:

• landlord and tenant responsibilities• rent-geared-to-income administration• property management and maintenance• housing legislation• financial management• strategic planning, and much more!

ONPHA makes a point of engaging with and listening to members, so we can understand what you need to succeed, and offer informed, relevant learning opportunities to help get you there.

Y O U R organization

Multiple formats at affordable prices With a variety of formats, members can learn in a way that works for them:

• free webinars to build your skills without leaving your desk

• free regional meetings in 14 communities across Ontario

• online courses that can be completed at your own pace

• on-demand courses – we’ll come to you!

Starting new staff off on the right footNew staff? No problem.

ONPHA’s two-day Introduction to Social Housing Management course can help them hit the ground running, with a full primer on the non-profit housing sector, plus an introduction to the skills and best practices they’ll need to succeed.


2 TOOLS & RESOURCES

ONPHA membership gives you access to tailored tools and resources that help you save time and eliminate guesswork, giving you a boost in capacity when you need it the most.

Get a head startONPHA does the research to develop easy-to-use, customizable templates for everything from leases and policies to contracts, letters and tenant handbooks – jump-starting your work and saving you time.

Gain peace of mindWhen you use ONPHA’s templates and resources, you can rest easy knowing that you’re meeting your legislative requirements and following sector best practices.


Information at your fingertipsONPHA’s website acts as a one-stop shop for members looking for answers, advice and information on every aspect of their work, from building operations to housing management and tenant relations. Visit us at www.onpha.on.ca.

A closer lookONPHA’s popular infoON series focuses in on the problems and challenges housing providers face the most, suggesting practical approaches and solutions.

Special member pricingMembers get preferred pricing on the products available in the ONPHA store, from our more detailed guides, instructional videos and handbooks, to sample leases and policies.

See what’s available at www.bit.ly/ONPHAstore.

GET AN EDGE ON RECRUITMENTMembers can post job listings on ONPHA’s online job board at no cost. With more than 3,000 unique visitors per month, it’s the perfect place to reach Ontario’s housing professionals and find your next great candidate.

Email us at [email protected] to submit a posting.

http://www.onpha.on.ca/

http://www.bit.ly/ONPHAstore

mailto:[email protected]


3 MEMBER SUPPORT

The answers you need, when you need them

Support at your fingertipsThe answers you need are just an email or phone call away, at no cost to members.

A wealth of expertiseONPHA’s Member Support team is staffed by sector experts with 83 years of combined experience in social housing.

Answers, resources and adviceMembers can rely on ONPHA staff to share expertise, point them to the right resources, find the answer to their question, or help them navigate a tricky situation.

ONPHA membership includes access to expert advice and support to help you navigate the questions and challenges that come your way.


Members contact us every day for expertise and support. Some need help to clarify their legal obligations, others need help locating resources or talking through an issue.

Last year, ONPHA answered more than 600 calls and emails, helping members with everything from navigating the Residential Tenancies Act, to rent-geared-to-income calculations, and managing bed bugs, staffing issues and challenging tenancies.

Whatever the challenge, we’re here to help:

1-800-297-6660

[email protected]



4 COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES

ONPHA stays on top of changing legislation, new funding opportunities and emerging trends in property management, community development and tenant support, keeping members connected and informed through:

Timely updatesStay up to speed with our bi-weekly e-Alert email newsletter, delivering a convenient round-up of news, updates and resources right to your inbox.

Not receiving our e-Alerts? Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Members can rely on ONPHA to keep them in the know, with the updates that matter to Ontario’s affordable housing sector.



Deeper insightsONPHA’s Quick Connections digital magazine gives members a focused look at the issues that matter to them, with original stories, case studies, how-to’s and analysis tailored specifically to Ontario’s non-profit housing providers. Browse our latest content at www.qc.onpha.on.ca.

An online hubONPHA’s website acts as a one-stop shop for members, with helpful housing information, a job board and an extensive library of original research and resources. See what’s new at www.onpha.on.ca.

A place to connect Members can follow ONPHA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube for interesting news items, relevant resources, and for a place to connect and share their insights with their peers.

http://www.qc.onpha.on.ca/



Where non-profit housing goes to learnONPHA’s annual conference and trade show is the largest of its kind in Canada, connecting more than 1,100 affordable housing staff, policy makers, tenants, community partners and representatives of municipal and provincial government.

The conference is the premier learning opportunity for Ontario’s non-profit housing providers, featuring more than 60 educational sessions, two keynote speakers and a multitude of networking opportunities.

Ontario’s non-profit housing sector is a strong community, with a wealth of collective knowledge. ONPHA provides valuable opportunities for members to come together, collaborate and share best practices.

5 EVENTS & NETWORKING


ONPHA housing members receive a $365 discount on conference registration.

Your membership also grants you free admission to the trade show, where you can connect with more than 70 exhibitors to source the supplies and services you need to manage affordable, sustainable and high-quality housing.

Coming together in your backyardEach spring, ONPHA hosts regional meetings in communities across Ontario. These one-day forums are free for ONPHA housing members, giving you an opportunity to:

• receive training tailored specifically to the needs of non-profit housing providers

• get valuable face time with provincial staff and other sector decision makers

• connect and share best practices with housing sector colleagues from your area

• share your local context, experience and insights with your association

• hear what’s happening at ONPHA and within the broader sector


6 SAVING YOU TIME & MONEY

Getting you the Best DealONPHA’s Best Deals bulk purchasing program turns our members’ buying power into big savings and better services.

Exclusive offers: Access special discounted rates, available only to ONPHA members.

Deep discounts: Big purchasing power lets ONPHA negotiate prices you can’t find anywhere else.

A lighter load: Save time on tendering – we’ve gone to market so you don’t have to.

Reliable suppliers: ONPHA only works with suppliers we know and trust, giving you peace of mind.

ONPHA’s Best Deals catalogue highlights all the ways your membership helps you save. View it online at www.bit.ly/2016BestDeals.

Becoming more efficient and sustainable is crucial to your success, which is why ONPHA is always looking for ways to save you time and money.

VIP

http://www.bit.ly/2016BestDeals


Delivering energy savingsThe ONPHA-ECNG Hydro Program lets members with bulk-metered buildings access significant hydro savings.

• Most members can benefit: The program works for consumption as low as 1,000 kWh per month, right up to the highest volume users.

• Save money: Pay the true cost of power and avoid hefty premiums – participating members are already saving 5-10 per cent on their hydro costs.

The ONPHA-ECNG Gas Program takes the unpredictability out of your gas bill, in an increasingly volatile gas market.

• Stabilize your budget: Fix your natural gas costs for a defined period to provide a constant, guaranteed price.

• Strength in numbers: When we purchase gas on your behalf, volumes are combined, giving suppliers incentive to offer wholesale pricing.

Ready to start saving? Contact Leah Beck, Best Deals Coordinator416-927-9144 x 106 | 1-800-297-6660 x 106 | [email protected]

Benefits you can rely onProtect your most important asset, your staff, with ONPHA’s Employee Benefits Program. Offered through Green Shield and The Co-operators, and administered by Morneau Shepell, the program leverages our members’ buying power to offer superior coverage at competitive rates. Whether you have one staff member or hundreds, we have the right plan for you.

To learn more or sign up: Call 1-866-432-8427



Our members’ work has the power to change lives and build the foundation for strong, vibrant communities. Each year, we celebrate and showcase members’ accomplishments through the ONPHA Awards.

Celebrating innovationThe ONPHA Innovation Award celebrates member organizations with an entrepreneurial and creative spirit, whether it be through an unexpected partnership, a pilot program that’s making a big impact, or a unique response to a challenge facing the organization or its buildings, tenants or community.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION7


Applauding the extra mileONPHA’s Award for Excellence honours member organizations who go above and beyond their housing mandates, supporting and responding to their tenants’ and communities’ needs with imagination and insight.

Putting you in the spotlightONPHA spreads the word about our members’ achievements to highlight the power of affordable, non-profit housing. Each year, we celebrate our award-winning members by:

• showcasing their work at our gala during ONPHA’s annual conference

• producing a video highlighting the impacts of their work

• sharing their good news story through our website, a news release and social media

Find out more about ONPHA’s awardsVisit www.bit.ly/ONPHAawardsinfo to learn more about ONPHA’s awards, including profiles of past winners and information on how to make a nomination.

http://www.bit.ly/ONPHAawardsinfo

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ONPHA IS YOUR window TO THE SECTOR

YOUR board

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Oliver Forbes, Board PresidentAjax Municipal Housing Corporation

As a board member, ONPHA is my connection to the sector and other non-profit housing providers. The chance to learn from other’s experience is a huge benefit.

Knowing that I can easily tap into the knowledge and expertise of the entire sector just by contacting ONPHA is a big comfort.

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RESOURCES, TOOLS & TRAINING

Setting strong foundationsONPHA’s two-day Introduction to Social Housing Management course helps new board members quickly understand the sector, relevant trends and best practices, so they can start off on the right footing.

Strong governance is critical to our members’ and our sector’s success. ONPHA arms its members’ boards with the tools and training they need to lead effective, responsive and efficient organizations.

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Y O U R board

Building board capacityONPHA’s suite of in-person, on-demand and online courses lets board members build the skills and understanding they need to meet their responsibilities and provide high-quality housing for their communities. Look to ONPHA to build capacity in areas like:

• governance fundamentals

• strategic planning• legal obligations• financial stewardship

• asset renewal• capital planning• policy development• board recruitment and

succession planning

Stocking your toolkitBoard members walk away from ONPHA courses with useful resources to guide their work.

They also get preferred pricing on all products available in the ONPHA store, including governance-focused tools, step-by-step guides and customizable templates in areas like strategic planning and board succession.

See what’s available at www.bit.ly/ONPHAstore.

ONPHA’s annual conference and trade show also features a variety of programming geared specifically to non-profit housing boards, from good governance practices and financial stewardship to board succession planning and recruitment.

http://www.bit.ly/ONPHAstore


ONPHA member boards bring a diverse range of expertise to lead, govern and strengthen non-profit housing providers in their communities. ONPHA helps set them up for success by keeping them informed and connected to the sector.

Keeping boards in the knowONPHA’s Board Connections newsletter delivers the information boards need to stay connected to ONPHA and the sector, with news, tips and ideas to help keep your organization running smoothly.

Look out for the newsletter by mail, or email [email protected] to sign up to receive it by email.

best practices from our education department.

At the bottom of this page you will find a link to our reader survey. Please take a few minutes to let us know what you think of this first issue so that we can shape Board Connections to serve you better.

Let’s stay connected!

Meg McCallumPresident, ONPHA

BOARD connections May 2016

Highlights

• What we’ve accomplished• Our new strategic directions• ONPHA wins CHRA award• Five strategic planning tips

Board to BoardLook familiar? ONPHA has relaunched its board-exclusive newsletter, Board Connections! We’re bringing it back to keep our members’ boards in-the-know with the latest ONPHA and non-profit housing sector news.

As a board member myself, I know that timely information that gets right to the point helps me make informed decisions. In this newsletter, you will receive updates from ONPHA approximately every two months to keep you informed of our work, what’s happening in the sector, plus governance tips and

2016 Conference: Registration updatesKeep an eye out in June for the 2016 ONPHA Conference and Trade Show registration guide! This year’s theme, Let’s Grow Together celebrates the growing momentum in our sector. With fresh ideas from our members and renewed commitments from our governments, the program will explore opportunities being uncovered in this new era of non-profit housing! You will soon receive your copy of the guide, and can find more information about the conference on our website: conference.onpha.on.ca.

Register before September 16 and save at least $100!

Connect with us! For more information or to receive Board Connections digitally, contact [email protected], or call 1-800-297-6660

Have feedback about this newsletter? Tell us at www.bit.ly/BoardConnectionsSurvey

INFORMATION & EVENTS2


http://conference.onpha.on.ca/


http://www.bit.ly/BoardConnectionsSurvey

Y O U R board

A window to the sectorONPHA’s educational and networking events are a ‘way in’ for board members, providing important opportunities to stay connected to Ontario’s housing professionals and the pulse of the non-profit housing sector.

From the annual conference and trade show to regional meetings across the province, board members can rely on ONPHA to:

• keep you up-to-date with relevant policy changes, sector trends and best practices

• show you how other housing providers are innovating and evolving to meet the needs of their organizations, tenants and communities

• help you build relationships, share ideas and collaborate with other housing sector leaders

YOU

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ONPHA BRINGS US together

YOUR sector

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Juliet JacksonDirector, Human Services Department, Strategic Partnerships and System ManagementRegion of Peel

ONPHA’s strong voice helps keep housing affordability on the minds and agendas of both the government and the public.

As a strong advocate and a key capacity-building resource for non-profit housing providers, ONPHA helps bring together and strengthen the entire sector.

“

”


1 EVENTS & NETWORKING

A meeting place for the sectorONPHA’s annual conference and trade show is a valuable chance to meet face-to-face, learn from each other’s successes and failures, generate ideas, identify opportunities and build the momentum we need to meet new challenges. It’s also a well-deserved opportunity to celebrate and recognize our members’ hard work and accomplishments.

Each year, more than 1,100 delegates walk away with innovative ideas, new connections and renewed energy that they can take back to their organizations to strengthen and rejuvenate their housing communities.

Our members are stronger together. ONPHA offers a place to connect, so we can leverage our combined strengths, energy and experience to build momentum and grow together as a sector.

Y O U R sector

A local lensHeld in 14 Ontario communities each year, ONPHA’s regional meetings give housing members the chance to touch base with their association, key sector decision-makers, and other housing providers from their area.

Members use it as an opportunity to build relationships and identify shared opportunities to meet the particular needs of their communities. For ONPHA, it’s a key chance to learn about local realities, so we can link our priorities with yours.


RESEARCH, ADVOCACY & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS2

Grounding and informing policyRooted in and informed by your day-to-day realities, ONPHA uses original research as a platform to advocate to government.

By working directly with provincial staff and elected officials, ONPHA helps shape legislative and policy agendas, ensuring our members’ interests are understood, considered, and reflected.

Through research, advocacy and government relations, ONPHA works to shape and promote discussion on the issues you care about most, bringing your priorities to the table with a strong, united voice.

GIVING BACKEach year, as part of our commitment to helping tenants of non-profit housing thrive, ONPHA awards the Kathleen Blinkhorn Aboriginal Student Scholarship to five Aboriginal students living in non-profit housing in Ontario. Each winner receives $1,000 to support the costs of their post-secondary studies. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at www.bit.ly/ONPHAKBaward.

http://www.bit.ly/ONPHAKBaward

Y O U R sector

In the past year, we’ve worked with the Province and others to bring your needs and concerns to the table on issues like:

• sector modernization• housing assistance programs• supports for seniors• care occupancy designation• transitional housing

Shining a spotlight on housing affordabilityONPHA’s advocacy works to elevate and drive discussion around housing affordability in Ontario and elsewhere.

For more than a decade, our Waiting Lists Survey helped focus the public’s attention on the affordable housing crisis facing Ontario’s communities. With consistent front-page media coverage, this research has become the go-to figure to support investment in affordable housing.

Last year, we partnered with the BC Non-Profit Housing Association and other housing advocacy organizations from across the country to develop the Canadian Rental Housing Index (www.rentalhousingindex.ca).

The interactive online database painted a national picture of rental housing affordability, setting the stage for local advocacy during the 2015 federal election.

2016 WAITING LISTS SURVEY REPORT

ONPHA’S final REPORT ON WAITING LISTS

STATISTICS FOR ONTARIO

http://www.rentalhousingindex.ca/


RESEARCH & ADVOCACY highlights

Strengthening social housing communitiesDrawing on our members’ experience, this report outlined concrete steps to address unsupported tenancies, recognizing that people need more than financial support to thrive. Since then, we’ve seen the Province echo this call with their commitment to housing stability in their Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy (LTAHS) update.

A simpler, cheaper housing subsidyMembers and their communities need a housing assistance program that is easier and less costly to administer. Our report recommended changes to help make this a reality – and we saw many of these reflected in the Province’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy (LTAHS) update.

Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity ActONPHA successfully petitioned to have social and non-profit housing designated as “infrastructure” in Bill 6, the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act, 2015, giving municipalities the flexibility they need to allocate infrastructure funding to social and affordable housing.

STRENGTHENING SOCIAL HOUSING COMMUNITIESHELPING VULNERABLE TENANTS MAINTAIN SUCCESSFUL TENANCIES

A simpler, cheaper housing subsidy:REIMAGINING THE DELIVERY OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE IN ONTARIO

Technical background paper

YOU

ONPHA HELPS YOU GET ahead

You

Lorraine BentleyExecutive DirectorOptions Bytown Non-Profit Housing Corporation

I really appreciate the opportunities ONPHA provides to network and learn from my colleagues across the province.

Having a place to go to share best practices, challenges, questions and new thinking on how best to house and support tenants is a huge value.

“

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1 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Add more to your professional toolkitLooking to take your skills and knowledge to the next level? ONPHA offers a range of in-person and online courses to help you build your resumé in areas like:

• the ins and outs of housing legislation• rent-geared-to-income administration• financial planning and administration• working with property management companies• policy development• strategic planning• non-profit housing governance

Whether you’ve been in the sector for two years or twenty, ONPHA’s suite of training opportunities can help you stay fresh and develop the skills you need to advance your housing career.

You

Learn in a way that suits your needsOffered throughout the year, ONPHA’s online courses let you learn at your own pace from any home or office computer.

ONPHA’s webinars are another great way to polish your skills without even leaving your desk. Free for housing members, these web-based, interactive forums provide solid overviews and refreshers in areas like rent-geared-to-income administration, quarterly reporting, accessibility, fundraising, succession planning and much more.


NETWORKING & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES2

Connecting Ontario’s housing professionals

Conference and trade showONPHA’s annual conference and trade show connects more than 1,100 affordable housing professionals from across the province. From the opening reception and conference gala, to the trade show and special group outings and tours, there are countless opportunities for you to network and build relationships with sector colleagues.

With more than 60 educational sessions offered every year, it’s also a great way to build your speaking portfolio, by sharing your knowledge and experience with your peers.

ONPHA helps you get ahead in your career, connecting you to new opportunities and your fellow housing sector professionals across Ontario.

You

Regional meetingsEvery spring, ONPHA hosts regional meetings in 14 Ontario communities. Free to attend for housing members, the meetings are your chance to collaborate and connect with housing sector professionals in your area.

Finding your next opportunityONPHA’s online job board is a go-to source for housing professionals looking to find new opportunities and advance their careers, with more than 25 new positions posted every month.

See the latest opportunities at www.bit.ly/ONPHAjobs.

http://www.bit.ly/ONPHAjobs


3 DEALS & DISCOUNTS

ONPHA’s Best Deals bulk purchasing program leverages our members’ buying power to find you the best products at the best prices. As an ONPHA member employee, you and your family have access to exclusive deals and discounts that help you do more for less.

Big savings on home appliancesONPHA member staff and their families receive special discounts at Appliance Canada (at less than wholesale prices!) on everything from fridges, stoves and dishwashers to washers, dryers and microwaves.

ONPHA membership also benefits you and your family, giving you access to the best prices on many useful products and services.

You

Redecorate at a discountThinking of updating your home with a fresh coat of paint? You and your family can receive 35-40 per cent off the retail price of paint when you shop at ONPHA’s Best Deals partner, Dulux.

The insurance you need for lessAs an ONPHA member employee, you qualify for a 20 per cent discount on home and car insurance policies with ONPHA’s Best Deals partner, Economical Select.

View the catalogueONPHA’s Best Deals catalogue highlights all the ways your membership helps you save. View it online at www.bit.ly/2016BestDeals.Exclusive ONPHA member pricing

http://www.bit.ly/2016BestDeals


4 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Celebrating the difference you makeONPHA’s Sybil Frenette Outstanding Leadership Award honours an individual who has championed the cause of non-profit housing in Ontario, showcasing commitment, drive and leadership.

Housing is about more than buildings. It’s about changing people’s lives and building vibrant communities. ONPHA’s awards celebrate the people whose vision and energy propel our sector forward.

You

Putting you in the spotlightONPHA celebrates our sector’s outstanding leaders to showcase what can happen when great people put their minds and efforts toward great things. Each year, we shine a spotlight on our award winners by:

• showcasing their work at our gala during ONPHA’s annual conference

• producing a video highlighting the impacts of their work

• sharing their good news story through ONPHA’s website, a news release and social media

Recognizing your long-standing contributionsONPHA recognizes the people who have dedicated their careers and talents to Ontario’s non-profit housing sector, presenting them with the Lifetime of Service Recognition Award in honour of 20 or more years of service.

Find out more about ONPHA’s awardsVisit www.bit.ly/ONPHAawardsinfo to learn more about ONPHA’s awards, including profiles of past winners and information on how to nominate someone.

http://www.bit.ly/ONPHAawardsinfo

ONTARIO NON-PROFIT HOUSING ASSOCIATION489 College Street, Suite 400Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6G 1A5

phoneIn Toronto: 416-927-9144

Toll-free: 1-800-297-6660

fax416-927-8401

[email protected]

onlinewww.onpha.on.ca

@ONPHA

/ONPHA

/ONPHAjm

membershipCynthia Maroulis416-927-9144 x 108

1-800-297-6660 x 108

[email protected]

member support1-800-297-6660

[email protected]

best dealsLeah Beck416-927-9144 x 106

1-800-297-6660 x 106

[email protected]

quick connectionswww.qc.onpha.on.ca






http://www.qc.onpha.on.ca/

MEMBER BENEFITS - ONPHAqc.onpha.on.ca/flipbooks/MemberBenefits/files/... · ONPHA MEMBER BENEFITS...

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