Findings Underscore a longstanding, severe, and unsustainable funding gap in Peel

BY PAUL JUNOR

On Thursday May 23^rd, 2024, there was a press release in advance of a report prepared by the research firm Blueprint ADE to alert residents of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga of an impending funding shortfall. It was largely due to the strong advocacy and activism of this network of over 100 non-profit organizations that the Ontario government reneged on its planned dissolution of the region of Peel. It informed the government that there would be the need for additional funding to ensure that services, programs and initiatives are maintained.

A forthcoming report reveals the worrisome depths of the provincial social services funding shortfall in the region. The report shows in detail just how far provincial funding for Peel has fallen behind funding other communities in Ontario, and the sizable gap between Peel and comparable municipalities.

Peel is one of Ontario’s most diverse regions, with a vibrant and growing population, but it has, for years, received hundreds of millions of dollars less in provincial funding for non-profit and essential services compared to the rest of the province. The new reports make clear the costs for everyone in Peel, including the services impact of services and the financial impact on local property taxpayers who have had to make up the shortfall.

A subsequent press release was issued after the media launch at Peel Conference Centre. There were speeches from some of the founders of the Metamorphosis Network who serves as CEO of several Peel-based community service organizations.

The release of the report by Blueprint ADE was made by Principal Associate, Thomas McManus. It is described as a leading research and consulting firm known for its rigorous analysis and insightful reports on public funding and policy. Their work supports informed decision-making and strategic planning for governments and organizations.

Sharon Mayne, CEO of the Catholic Family Services Peel-Dufferin states, “The findings of this report underscore a longstanding, severe and unsustainable funding gap in Peel. Peel is a diverse and growing community with bright prospects, but our community cannot bear the brunt of this financial gap. Everyone deserves reliable services no matter where they live. This is an issue that starts in Queen’s Park, and we urge the provincial government to take immediate action to ensure fair and adequate funding for our region.”

Mellissa Harrie, a resident of Peel, expressed concerns about the potential impact of this lack of funding on those who need urgent and essential community services. She notes, “I rely on local community services that support me and my family, but I see how stretched they are, with long waiting lists and limited capacity. I am counting on our MPPs to speak with the Premier and Cabinet, to make sure that these gaps don’t continue.”

Metamorphosis Network is encouraging residents of Mississauga to vote in the upcoming by-election on Tuesday June 10^th, 2024. In preparation of the by-election along with the United Way Greater Toronto, Sheridan College, Mississauga Board of Trade held a mayoral debate on Wednesday May 29^th, 2024. Some of the candidates who participated include Brian Crombie, Dipika Damerla, Stephen Dasko, George Tavares, and Alvin Tedjo. The theme was, “Together Mississauga: Our City, Our Voice.”

Gurpreet Malhotra, CEO of Indus Community Services states, “This election is a crucial opportunity for our next Mayor to be a strong voice for our community, pushing for the funds we need to maintain and improve our services.”