Provincial advocacy group Ontario for All recognized York Region adding social program funding to its budget, and is encouraging other municipalities to follow suit.
The non-partisan advocacy campaign highlighted York Region this week for adding $12.77 million to its budget for social programs and housing in its budget last month, the equivalent of a one per cent tax increase.
The campaign called it a successful advocacy effort after getting many candidates to pledge to support housing and social funding in the last municipal election.
“The majority of the councillors signed the pledge and made commitments to support affordable housing and reduce and prevent homelessness, and they were reminded of that commitment during the council debate on this issue,” the campaign said, adding that a similar pledge was circulated in Peel Region. “Hopefully, we can continue to build on those promises in both regions, to continue to support change on critical issues.”
The Affordable Housing Coalition of York Region asked candidates throughout the region to sign a pledge. The pledge included committing to reduce homelessness, preserving affordable homes and advocating for equitable funding to services, among other commitments.
The region’s $12.77 million will go toward homelessness, enhancing community housing and a community investment fund that helps boost local non-profits. The $12.77 million was initially pitched to be accomplished via a one per cent tax increase, but staff found other funding sources instead. The dollars will also be committed annually for the next three years.
The Ontario For All campaign itself is supported by non-profits throughout the GTA, with endorsements from the Social Planning Council of York Region, the United Way, the YMCA and many others.
Ontario For All will similarly push for progressive measures in the upcoming provincial budget. The campaign’s asks included support for bylaws to preserve affordable homes, providing land for non-profit housing efforts and better funding for social assistance.
The campaign is hosting a "watch party" for the Ontario budget when it gets released March 23 around 3:45 p.m.
“After extensive advocacy from communities on affordable housing and homelessness, health systems, income supports, social assistance, and non-profit sector stability, we will see what the Government of Ontario is prepared to fund and support,” the campaign said.
