For immediate release
May 13, 2026
QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady today stood to ask Premier Ford, in light of labour action due to funding cuts, what specific action he is taking to prevent service disruptions that could leave thousands of children, families, and vulnerable Ontarians without critical supports. Currently, in many parts of the province, workers in developmental services, child treatment, mental health and addictions, youth corrections, community health, and social services could be walking off the job next week.
“I’m getting calls from parents of children and adult children who are anxious what will happen in the coming days,” said Brady. “This is just not a labour dispute — it is a growing safety crisis… Does the premier believe it is acceptable for homes for vulnerable Ontarians to become sites for labour disruption? If not, what is he doing to end this labour escalation before it begins?”
Brady reminded the Chamber these sectors have been sounding the alarm for years — long waitlists, crushing caseloads, staff burnout, and chronic underfunding, and this government has known for more than a year, labour escalation was a very real possibility.
“Here we are, days away from disruptions by people relied upon by some of Ontario’s most vulnerable people,” said Brady. “They also rely on consistency…Workers have done their part, they showed up through crisis after crisis. The question is, has this government?”
Brady informed the House she was aware Premier Ford took a call from a labour council leader and made assurances he would move things forward. She also clarified that this is not a question of unaccounted budget promises, it’s a conversation about safety and stability. Places of recuperation, rehabilitation, social services and even peoples’ homes are about to become sites of labour action.
The question was fielded by the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, Michael Parsa, who touted the government’s record spending in the developmental services sector he said was starved by the previous Liberal government.
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For more information, contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at [email protected] or 519-428-0446