Positive responses to the decision by the Ontario government to cancel the proposed dissolution of Peel

BY PAUL JUNOR

There have been positive responses to the decision by the Ontario government to cancel the proposed dissolution of Peel and many residents are breathing a sigh of relief.

Metamorphosis Network was launched at a media conference at Queen’s Park on October 24^th, 2023, and has been at the forefront in their opposition to the dissolution. They are a coalition of more than 100 non-profit organizations serving the health and human services sector as well as labour groups. In the presence of community members from diverse organizations as well as team members from Peel they outline in clear terms what they believe were the critical issues that need to be addressed, and what may result from the separation.

Metamorphosis Network held a news conference on Thursday, February 22^nd, 2024, to draw attention to issues that they believe are vital to the economic sustainability and viability of Peel. In a press release issued on the same day after the news conference it states that they addressed the funding inequities and dire need for Peel’s residents to get a new and equitable deal for public and social services.

Angela Carter, former Executive Director of Roots Community Services and currently a strategic advisor as well as representative of Metamorphosis identified some crucial issues. She states, “We have a crisis in mental health homelessness, and housing youth services addictions, family violence and senior’s support that remains unavailable. We have a community service sector that is stretched to the breaking point by COVID-19, poverty and inflation. We cannot go back to the status quo. The people who serve deserve services in Peel that adequately and equitably reflect their needs. We will work collaboratively with the Region and other partners to ensure that all sectors get a new, equitable deal for Peel that works for everyone in the community.”

Fred Hahn, President of CUPE states, “Ensuring a new equitable deal for Peel will begin by asking why. Why does Peel get 30%, 40%, or even 50% less per capita for: housing, healthcare, emergency services and education, than the rest of Ontario? Why has Queen’s Park left Peel Ontario’s most diverse community to pay the price with less access to services.”

Data was revealed by the Metamorphosis Network. It shows:

• Peel’s children aid system is underfunded by $27 million
• Peel has about half of the shelter beds per capita of Toronto
• Peel has 20% fewer long-term care beds per capita than the provincial average
• Peel has 35% less childcare funding per capita than the average community

Arvind Krishenbadehool, Manager of Settlement Program at Indus Community Services states, “The people we serve need to see services in Peel that reflect what everyone else in Ontario enjoys. We are here to let you know that the non-profit community services sector is prepared to do some of the heavy lifting to ensure this happens.”

Ray Applebaum, CEO of Peel Services Link, reflects on the fast pace in which Peel has grown over the years and the challenges that persistent underfunding posed to it. He states, “There are significant structural issues that are driven by a shortage of funding, largely from the provincial programming. We’re going to work with all of our partners and ensure we get a share of funding from the province that is equitable and substantial.”

Regional Councilor of Caledon applauds the work of the Metamorphosis Network as imperative and the fact that their collective voice is being heard far and wide. He states, “You’re going to make our jobs a little bit easier when we reach out to our provincial partners, and our federal partners to say this is how important this is in our community.”