Toronto, ON – WoodGreen Community Services welcomes the Government of Ontario Budget 2025, and the significant investments made to protect Ontario jobs, support workforce development, and base increases in community mental health and addictions services.
As a leading non-profit in workforce development and employment, we are encouraged to see an additional investment of $1 billion over three years into the Skills Development Fund (SDF), Capital and Training Streams, and an additional $50 million into Better Jobs Ontario to support various skills training, eligible funding to support tuition, child care and transportation expenses. This funding provides an opportunity for WoodGreen employment and training programs to be supported and expanded.
“We applaud the province for providing such a substantial investment aimed at supporting workforce development, employment, training and skills development” said Sonya Goldman, Senior Director of Employment, Skills Development and Corporate Engagement. “WoodGreen works with job seekers, particularly from vulnerable groups, to explore their career goals and pursue long-term and meaningful employment. These investments are optimistic for the expansion and enhancement of our programs and services within our community.”
The government is also investing $303 million over the next three years to stabilize the community-based mental health and addictions services sector. This four per cent base increase will help support sustainability of WoodGreen case management, counselling and psychotherapy programs, which will ensure our ability to provide ongoing support to higher acuity clients with more complex needs.
While we support these budget commitments, we are discouraged not to see further investment into home and community care services and assisted living. Now more than ever, with an ageing population, we need alternative supports in the community to help seniors age in place.
The community care sector is a strong partner in alleviating pressure on hospitals, and long-term care (LTC). Models such as WoodGreen’s Cluster Care Model houses vulnerable seniors who otherwise would be in the hospital, providing these clients with 24/7 supports and diverting 83 per cent of clients away from LTC. Without further investment, we cannot operate or expand these models of care that keep clients healthy and well in the community. WoodGreen will continue to call on the Ontario government to support and enhance community care so vulnerable clients can access care at home rather than in hospital or institutionalized care prematurely.
WoodGreen looks forward to continuing to work with the Ontario government to ensure vulnerable community members are empowered to find employment, affordable housing and the wrap-around supports they need to be successful.
ABOUT WOODGREEN COMMUNITY SERVICES (woodgreen.org): WoodGreen is one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto, serving 40,000 people each year. We offer over 75 programs and services tackling the social determinants that affect the health and well-being of individuals in our community.
-30-
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Tureisha Hamlet, Manager, Public Relations, [email protected]