Network of Peel non-profits launches campaign to close funding gap

February 13, 2025 · 0 Comments

Metamorphosis Network says Peel gets less than half of every dollar Toronto gets to fund municipal social services

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A network of over 100 Peel non-profits are hoping to use the Provincial election to address support service funding issues in the region.

On February 12, the Metamorphosis Network launched its “Cut in Half” campaign which urges MPP candidates across Peel to pledge to solve “a crisis in funding for support services across Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon.”

The Metamorphosis Network’s goal with the campaign is to raise awareness about deteriorating services.

“Although the population in Peel is growing, provincial funding for community social services is not – and as a result, per capita funding is far less than in other regions,” said Metamorphosis Network in a release. “Peel gets $868 million less than other communities, with every person in Peel getting $578 less for services.”

The Cut in Half campaign will be featured in ads across Peel Region, featuring images that are deliberately cut in half to emphasize the consequences of the funding gap.

For example, one ad displays half a plate of food and the words “Families go hungry when Ontario starves community funding”.

“The Metamorphosis Network is not just raising awareness; they are calling for Provincial candidates to sign their pledge recognizing that the Province of Ontario underfunds community services in Peel Region, and to commit to solving the problem,” reads the news release. “Through signing the pledge, Metamorphosis is asking candidates to promise to create a working table with the province, municipalities, and non-profits from Peel Region to ensure that all community services are properly funded.”

Gurpreet Malhotra, of the non-profit Indus Community Services, said Peel residents deserve the same services people get elsewhere in Ontario.

“It is not fair that people in our communities get less and wait longer for services. We want Provincial candidates to pledge their support and commit to making a real plan to

solve the problem,” said Malhotra.

Raymond Applebaum, of the non-profit Peel Senior Link, said Peel’s most vulnerable populations are suffering as wait lists grow for critical health and social services.

“The impact has a ripple effect on those who are in need of support to enable them to live independently with services in their community of choice. The Pandemic has caused significant issues and left so many seniors and youth isolated and experiencing loneliness and depression. We are calling upon candidates from all parties to sign a pledge of their support and commitment to collaborate with us to find solutions together to this collective challenge,” said Applebaum.