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Ontario faces $3.7 billion social services funding shortfall by 2028: FAO report

According to the report, by 2028-29, the MCCSS will face a cumulative funding shortfall of $3.7 billion. The findings mean that either the government would have to increase funding beyond what was planned or cut services and programs in the upcoming years.

Published Jun 6, 2024 at 6:21pm

Barbara Patrocinio

Ontario faces $3.7 billion social services funding shortfall by 2028: FAO report

Jeffrey Novak, Financial Accountability Officer and Matt Gurnham, Director of Financial Analysis, at Queen's Park this Wednesday, to release the results of the report. (QP Briefing / Barbara Patrocinio)

The Ontario government is falling short on its funding for social services, according to a new report.

The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO)'s study of the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services’ (MCCSS) spending plan showed significant gaps between projected needs and allocated funding.

According to the report, by 2028-29, the MCCSS will face a cumulative funding shortfall of $3.7 billion. This shortfall starts at $0.7 billion in 2024-25, growing to $1.2 billion in 2025-26, and reaching $1.8 billion by 2026-27.

Ontario faces $3.7 billion social services funding shortfall by 2028: FAO report

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