As the 2025 Ontario provincial election approaches, a stark divide has emerged among candidates in Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon over a critical pledge to address an $868 million funding shortfall in community services. While Liberal and NDP candidates have stepped forward to support the initiative, no Conservative or Green Party candidates have signed the commitment, sparking concerns about the future of essential services in the Peel Region1.
The pledge, spearheaded by the Metamorphosis Network—a coalition of over 100 non-profit organizations—aims to rectify what it describes as an “enormous funding gap” that costs each resident in Peel Region $578 annually. The shortfall impacts vital services such as childcare, affordable housing, mental health support, and senior care, leaving vulnerable populations at risk12.
“I recognize that the Province of Ontario underfunds community services in Peel Region,” the pledge states, calling for increased investment and the creation of a collaborative table involving the province, municipalities, and non-profits to address the crisis1.
As of February 14, 2025, all NDP candidates in Brampton’s five ridings and Dufferin-Caledon have signed the pledge, alongside two Liberal candidates in Brampton and two in Mississauga. However, Conservative and Green candidates remain notably absent, with neither party’s leaders committing to the initiative1.
The funding disparity in Peel Region has been a long-standing issue. A 2024 Metamorphosis report revealed that Peel receives significantly less per capita funding compared to other major Ontario municipalities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton. In fact, Peel ranks last in provincial support, receiving approximately $145 less per resident than smaller municipalities with populations of 50,00012.
The Region of Peel has thrown its weight behind the pledge, passing a motion last week urging all candidates to sign on and address the funding gap. “This is about ensuring that all community services are properly funded in perpetuity,” the motion stated1.
The lack of support from Conservative and Green candidates has drawn criticism from advocates, who argue that the funding shortfall exacerbates inequality and limits access to essential services. “Peel Region is one of the fastest-growing areas in Ontario, yet it continues to be overlooked in provincial funding allocations,” said a spokesperson for the Metamorphosis Network. “This pledge is a crucial step toward fairness and sustainability”12.
The issue has also become a focal point in the broader provincial election campaign, with parties vying to address affordability and infrastructure challenges. While the Liberals and NDP have emphasized their commitment to community services, the Conservatives and Greens have yet to outline specific plans to address the funding gap in Peel14.
As the election draws nearer, the question remains: will all parties step up to ensure that Peel Region receives its fair share of provincial support, or will the funding gap continue to widen, leaving residents to bear the cost?
The Metamorphosis Network is a coalition of over 100 non-profit agencies based in Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon. It advocates for vulnerable populations and works to address systemic inequities in community service funding1.