OAKVILLE – Ontario’s Official Opposition NDP MPPs were in Oakville today to hear from local organizations as they brought forward their need for funding and resources – something they urgently need as the Conservative government continues to withhold investments.
“Organizations from the not-for-profit sector consistently told us today they are in crisis and at a ‘tipping point’”, said MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo), NDP Finance critic. “I know workers in that sector do not use that word lightly. It’s clear that urgent investment is required to avoid further service reductions and job losses. Solutions exist and Marit Stiles’ Ontario New Democrats are the only ones who are listening and fighting for better.”
Ford’s corrupt Conservative government is sitting on a massive $5.4-billion contingency fund (based on FAO Q2 expenditures and an additional October 2023 top up) that could be used right now to help these local organizations serve people in our communities.
“Life is getting harder for people in our province,” said MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre). “These front-line agencies do the best they can to help, but half are facing significant deficits this year. Meanwhile, this government has left them out to dry. I am so thankful for all of the organizations who travelled from across the province to raise their voices today.”
The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs is travelling across Ontario for the next month to hear from organizations and make decisions on what will be included in the 2024 budget.
Highlights
- Community Development Halton told the committee that non-profits are facing significant funding cuts and challenges – but in spite of the significant need in Ontario, they’re fired up and determined to keep going.
- CSC Chigamik CHC, a non-profit community health care provider, has recently experienced 100-per cent turnover in nurses.
- Children’s Mental Health Ontario spoke about families resorting to calling police for youth mental health support, in the absence of reliable care.