By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
A few weeks ago, I discussed the deep interconnectedness of contraband tobacco, illicit drugs, weapons, and human trafficking. In our society, systems are inextricably linked; relieving pressure in one area often triggers a positive chain reaction. It is with this in mind that I am advocating for increased investments in developmental services in the upcoming provincial budget. By doing so, we can proactively reduce the mounting pressure on Ontario’s healthcare, long-term care, and shelter systems.
As many of you know, I serve on the government’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. This week, we begin drafting the report for Budget 2026. As I review my notes from our recent hearings, one submission sits at the top of the pile: Community Living Ontario’s compelling brief, ‘Catch Them Before They Fall.’
There are more than 250,000 children, youth and adults who have a developmental disability in Ontario all of whom are connected to hundreds of thousands of family members. These family members are an irreplaceable part of the province’s health and social care infrastructure. But when those with developmental disabilities or their family members need help, they rely upon service organizations.
People’s needs have become more complex; family resiliency is fraying and funding for the developmental services sector is inadequate to the challenges being faced across the province. Right now, more than 53,000 people are waiting to access developmental services in Ontario. Not only is this creating unsustainable pressures on families, but also on the broader health and social care system as far too many people with developmental disabilities are stranded in our hospitals, long-term care homes or in shelters.
Of the 53,000 on the waitlist, 28,000 are waiting to access housing or housing-related support. As a result of the lack of appropriate housing and support, 2,500 people with developmental disabilities are in long-term care facilities. People with developmental disabilities are 6.5 times more likely than average of becoming an ‘alternative level of care’ (ALC) patient while in the hospital. ALC hospital stays cost on average $770 per day compared to $347 per day in supportive housing.
There are also far too many aging parents who are supporting adult dependents without systemic support. In fact, I recently received a phone call from a gentleman from another riding who had seen my rise in the Ontario Legislature to shed light on some of the province’s most vulnerable. This man, whose health is failing him, is terrified what will happen to his adult son when he is no longer alive. I had no good answer for him as this father broke down in tears. This should not be in our province.
This is why I support Community Living Ontario’s two key asks for Budget 2026. The first is to increase annualized developmental services base funding by three per cent for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, and by two per cent in each of the subsequent five years. The second commitment would be to provide full Passport program funding allocations to all eligible people over the next five years.
A key driver to all that ails developmental services is the fact that base and wage-specific funding for agencies has been drastically outpaced by inflation. Agencies are struggling to keep the lights on and have had to cut programs that families view as lifelines. At the core of the developmental services sector is a group of values-driven organizations that have continued to operate despite being starved of resources.
Budget 2026 must look beyond short-term costs and recognize the long-term benefits of supporting Ontario’s most vulnerable, their families, and those who carry out this compassionate work in our communities with dedication and care.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk