York Region and partners call for more sustainable provincial funding to support health and human services
Newmarket – Community-led research has identified a significant gap in provincial funding for health and human services in The Regional Municipality of York compared to other large Ontario jurisdictions.
Together with the York Region Nonprofit Network, York Regional Council is urging the Ontario government to meet with municipal elected officials, York Region and non-profit sector representatives to explore sustainable, long-term funding solutions to enable the Region to continue delivering critical programs and services that meet residents’ needs and support community health and well-being.
“As one of the fastest growing municipalities in Ontario, York Region continues to experience increasing demand for services,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “Municipalities cannot continue absorbing rising costs for provincially mandated health and human services without adequate partnership and support. Collective advocacy with our community partners sends a clear message: stronger, sustainable provincial investment that keeps pace with population growth and rising demand is essential to maintain our critical services and support healthy, resilient communities.”
Research findings align with Regional analysis highlighting population growth, evolving community needs and rising service costs are increasing pressure on municipal services and finances, despite increases in provincial funding in some areas. Findings also show upfront investments in health and human services reduce pressures on higher-cost emergency services, policing, housing and income supports.
According to the research report, over the past decade, York Region residents received approximately $369 less per person each year in provincial funding for these services compared to residents in similar municipalities. This funding gap represents an estimated shortfall of more than $450 million per year in York Region.
“Municipalities and non-profit organizations are on the front lines delivering critical services that help individuals and families navigate complex challenges,” said City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, Chair of Community and Health Services. “There is rising demand, and the gap in provincial funding is increasing strain on both service providers and the people who rely on them. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Ontario government and non-profit organizations to identify ways we can protect essential programs, address community needs and help residents thrive.”
York Region continues to be a healthy, safe and desirable place to live, but rapid population growth, increasing diversity, economic volatility and affordability challenges are reshaping community needs and increasing demands for services. Understanding these changes enables the Region and its partners to respond proactively and build on community strengths.
York Region Nonprofit Network is an emerging community-led network strengthening non-profit sector capacity through collaboration, coordination and collective advocacy. It brings together nonprofit organizations from across York Region to advance shared priorities, strengthen collective program-solving and support coordinated responses to emerging community needs and complex social challenges. It is supported with funding from York Region and United Way Greater Toronto, and facilitated by Ontario for All, an alliance of nonprofit community organizations that raise issues for building a fair, equitable and inclusive communities in the province.
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.3 million residents and over 58,000 businesses with 624,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices
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Media Contact:
Tamara Ostrowski, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675, ext. 71226
Cell: 905-251-6412
Email: @email
