QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP and Shadow Minister for Children, Community and Social Services, Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West) released a statement following the release of the Financial Accountability Office’s review of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services 2026 spending plan:
“The FAO’s report shows what Ontarians are experiencing, the Ford government is starving funding for the services and supports our children and vulnerable Ontarians rely on, even as life continues to get more and more expensive, and supports and services are harder to access,” said Gretzky.
“The government is planning to increase funding to Children, Community and Social Services by just 0.5 per cent a year, which is essentially a cut, while the FAO says it would need to grow by 3.3 per cent just to maintain current services, which are already insufficient and failing people. By 2028-29, that leaves a projected $1.9-billion gap. Ford and his government are more focused on purchasing private jets for their own use than helping Ontarians who are struggling to pay their bills.
“That gap has real consequences. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet: they’re people trying to afford rent and groceries. The FAO estimates Ontario Works could be short funding for more than 56,000 cases next year, ensuring less Ontarians will receive the support when they need it the most.”