Overview

Ontario’s strength lies in its multiculturalism. Across the province, people from diverse cultural backgrounds help shape communities and build a strong economy. However, acts of hate persist and continue to disproportionately affect Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, as well as those impacted by antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Recent years have seen continued concern around hate-motivated incidents and their impacts on individuals, families and communities. As part of Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategy, our government is advancing targeted initiatives to address these challenges through system-wide approaches and community-informed solutions. These efforts focus on strengthening awareness and prevention, improving culturally responsive supports and services, and building capacity across sectors to better respond to racism and hate.

Initiatives also support enhanced education, training and service delivery across key systems, including education, justice and health, to ensure programs and policies reflect the diverse needs and experiences of Ontarians.

Together, these efforts aim to promote safety, unity and respect, while working to address:

  • anti-Indigenous racism
  • anti-Black racism
  • antisemitism
  • Islamophobia
  • other forms of racism and hate

Creating and supporting targeted strategies, initiatives and resources that promote anti-racism and address hate-driven behaviours

Anti-Black Racism Strategy

The Anti-Black Racism Strategy is a long-term, cross-government approach to addressing systemic racism that disproportionately impacts Black communities. Developed in alignment with the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, the strategy focuses on improving outcomes in key sectors such as child welfare, education and justice.

Through this strategy, our government continues to invest in targeted initiatives. This includes $800,000 annually to support the One Vision One Voice (OVOV) program in the child welfare sector, as well as $20.5 million in the Black Youth Action Plan to improve outcomes for Black children and youth. The Black Employment Support Program also supports justice-involved individuals through reintegration and employment pathways.

Partner ministries continue to collect data, set targets and implement programs informed by evidence. The strategy remains a foundational framework for advancing equity and improving outcomes for Black Ontarians.

Makwa Patrol

The Kenora Makwa Patrol is a community-driven, culturally responsive initiative that supports Indigenous and vulnerable individuals through on-street outreach and connection to services. The patrol acts as an intermediary between the community and local police, providing assistance such as wellness checks, safe rides, needle collection and support during crises, including missing person searches.

The program continues to show strong collaboration with local police and community partners, with high response rates to service calls and ongoing 24/7 outreach.

By enhancing public safety and providing culturally grounded supports, the Makwa Patrol contributes to safer, more responsive communities in Kenora.

Seniors Safety Line

The Seniors Safety Line (SSL) is a province-wide, 24/7 crisis and support service for older adults experiencing or at risk of abuse, including those from Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities. The service provides safety planning, emotional support, information on legal options and referrals to local services, with interpretation services available in over 240 languages to support diverse populations.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, the program received $970,000 in funding and supported 35,873 individuals. Of all calls, 37% were from diverse communities, with 4,588 requiring interpretation services. Additional funding of $200,000 has been provided to better support complex cases and improve service delivery.

The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility is strengthening data collection and performance tracking through new indicators, including call wait times and service responsiveness. In the coming year, SSL will continue to enhance supports for seniors while improving access, responsiveness and quality of service.

Population-specific curriculum resources

The Ministry of Education collaborates with communities to develop curriculum-aligned resources that promote unity, foster understanding and reflect the diverse experiences of Ontario’s population.

Curriculum implementation resources

This initiative supports the development of educational resources on Black history in Canada, the Holocaust, antisemitism, the Holodomor, and the impacts of extreme political and social ideologies for educators and students across Ontario. The ministry partnered with organizations including Archives of Ontario, TVO, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre, Liberation75 and the Toronto Holocaust Museum to create learning materials, teacher supports and professional learning opportunities.

During the reporting period, partners developed Holocaust survivor testimony resources, educator guides, classroom materials and an antisemitism resource. Archives of Ontario provided primary source materials supporting Black history learning, while TVO developed Black History and Holodomor modules, lesson materials, assessments and teacher toolkits. Professional learning opportunities engaged 105 educators, with 121 educators accessing project resources. In addition, 600 students participated in virtual museum visits and 500 students received books to support history learning.

These resources continue to support inclusive learning environments and build awareness among students and educators.

Supporting community and sector specific needs through strong proactive and reactive actions

Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant

The Anti-Hate Security and Prevention (AHSP) Grant Program provides funding to faith-based, cultural, 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous organizations to enhance safety and prevent hate-motivated incidents. The program supports physical security upgrades and capacity-building initiatives, such as cybersecurity enhancements, security infrastructure improvements and the hiring of security professionals, to help organizations prevent and respond to hate incidents.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, $12.75 million was allocated to support over 1,100 organizations.

Through one-time grants of $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000, these investments are helping organizations strengthen security measures, improve preparedness and build local capacity to respond to incidents.

Hate Crimes and Extremism Investigative Team

The Hate Crimes and Extremism Investigative Team (HCEIT) is a collaborative network of 24 municipal police services, along with the Ontario Provincial Police and Parliamentary Protective Services that provides specialized investigative and intelligence support on hate crimes and criminal extremism.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, HCEIT generated 200 intelligence reports, investigated 826 hate crimes and contributed to 673 criminal charges, including 31 hate crime-specific charges. The team also delivered 112 training and awareness sessions and conducted 12 security audits for community sites. Participation in HCEIT continues to grow, adding 5 new municipal police services bringing total membership to 24. Training efforts were also expanded to include the development of an Intelligence Command Course that will strengthen police leaders' ability to assess risk, exercise judgement under pressure and support a more consistent approach to security intelligence leadership.

The HCEIT program enhances public safety by strengthening investigative capacity, supporting frontline officers, as well as improving community awareness and preventing hate-motivated crimes.

First Nation Mobile Crisis Response Teams

The First Nation Mobile Crisis Response Team (FNMCRT) Grant program provides funding to First Nations police services to hire dedicated mental health and addictions workers. These teams respond alongside police to support individuals in crisis, improve access to culturally appropriate care while reducing pressure on frontline officers.

Investments have strengthened response capacity, with dedicated full-time staff supporting crisis services and averaging 137 interactions per month. Services include daily mental health programming, on-site assessments, counselling and referrals to community resources, resulting in over 300 assessments and 341 referrals. Feedback from communities including Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service, highlights improved access to care, reduced police workload and more effective, trauma-informed responses. The program has also supported diversion from hospitals by providing immediate, community-based care.

Working with community partners to develop and enhance community-informed initiatives to eliminate all expressions of racism and hate

Anti-Hate response project with the City of London

The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism helped fund the City of London’s Anti-Hate Response Project (Stop Tolerhating) as a public education and resource initiative designed to address hate and racism through awareness campaigns, tools and supports for victims and bystanders. The project focuses on highlighting the lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+ and other racialized communities by improving access to resources and strengthening local capacity to respond to incidents of hate.

Since May 2025, the initiative expanded its citywide awareness campaign and online resource hub, reaching residents through public spaces, digital channels and partnerships with over 60 community organizations.

The initiative successfully mobilized community partners and delivered numerous tools to support prevention and response.

Safer and Vital Communities Grant

The Safer and Vital Communities (SVC) Grant program supports community-based, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations and First Nation Chiefs and Band Councils in delivering projects that promote safety and well-being across Ontario. The program requires collaboration with police and encourages partnerships across sectors to address local issues.

A new two-year funding cycle launched for fiscal years 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028. The theme for the current cycle, Preventing Hate-Motivated Crime through Community Collaboration, responds to rising rates of police-reported hate crimes and focuses on strengthening local prevention efforts through partnerships.

By supporting integrated, community-led initiatives, the SVC Grant program continues to enhance community safety, improve coordination across sectors, build local capacity to address hate and promote safe communities.

Seniors Active Living Centre programs

Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) programs are community-based hubs that help older adults stay active, healthy and socially connected. Programs offer a wide range of activities, including health and wellness programs, recreation, educational sessions, social activities and transportation support. SALC programs focus on connecting seniors to services, expanding access in underserved communities and reducing barriers for seniors with disabilities and those from racialized communities.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, 97 new SALC programs began operating, bringing the total to 413. This expansion includes the first programs led by First Nations and new sites serving diverse communities. Operators set a goal of reaching over 446,000 participants.

In the coming year, the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility plans to add 3 more programs and strengthen connections between SALC program sites and primary health care services.

Seniors Community Grant Program

The Seniors Community Grant (SCG) Program provides grants of up to $25,000 to community organizations in support of social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement for older adults. These projects help seniors stay active, connected and engaged.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, nearly $7 million was approved to support 328 projects, with an average grant of $21,956. Of these, 51 projects identified Indigenous Peoples and 87 identified racialized communities among their target groups. Funded organizations included a range of community-based groups serving diverse populations across the province.

Restorative Justice programs

Restorative Justice (RJ) programs support healing by helping Indigenous Peoples reconnect with their cultural identity and reduce involvement with the criminal justice system. These programs provide culturally grounded alternatives to the traditional justice system, including community-based approaches such as sentencing circles. They also connect participants to other local supports to address underlying needs and promote long-term stability.

Between fiscal year 2025 to 2026, over 40 RJ programs were funded, serving approximately 900 clients. In addition to diversion programs, RJ initiatives also provide a range of community-based supports, that help address the underlying factors contributing to justice system involvement, including:

  • conflict resolution and mediation services
  • youth-focused prevention programming
  • cultural reconnection activities
  • community healing initiatives
  • reintegration supports

These programs continue to offer community-led, culturally responsive approaches that support healing and improved outcomes for Indigenous individuals, families and communities.

Gladue Programs

The Gladue programs support fair and culturally informed outcomes for Indigenous individuals involved in the justice system. The Gladue Writer program prepares reports for sentencing judges that outline the systemic and background factors that may have contributed to an individual’s involvement in the justice system, as well as culturally appropriate sentencing recommendations and community-based supports. Gladue Aftercare programs provide ongoing support to help individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Between fiscal year 2025 to 2026, our government funded 12 Gladue Writer programs and 14 Gladue Aftercare programs. As of October 2025, approximately 253 individuals received aftercare services, exceeding previous annual averages.

These programs continue to play an important role in providing culturally grounded supports and improving outcomes for Indigenous individuals involved in the justice system.

Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

The Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) training program supports improved health care experiences and outcomes for Indigenous people by building awareness, understanding and culturally responsive practices among service providers. Training is delivered by Indigenous-led organizations and is tailored, trauma-informed and responsive to the diverse needs of Indigenous communities.

In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, training was delivered to over 1,400 participants through various partners, with strong interest and growing demand across the health sector. Reporting received to-date from partners for fiscal year 2025 to 2026 indicates that more than 3,000 participants received ICS training across the health sector. Examples include targeted training for health care leaders and emergency department staff, as well as community-informed programs grounded in lived experience. Early feedback indicates positive impacts on knowledge, service delivery and cultural awareness.

This initiative supports a stronger and more responsive health system. In fiscal year 2026 to 2027, the Ministry of Health will focus on program renewal, including improved performance measurements and expanded partnerships with Indigenous organizations.

Indigenous Mental Health and Addictions System Coordinators

The Indigenous Mental Health and Addictions System Coordinators (MHASC) Network brings together Indigenous partner organizations to improve coordination, planning and service delivery of mental health and addictions (MHA) policies and programs that impact Indigenous people, families and communities. Coordinators provide advice to the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health, to improve service pathways, client experiences and access to distinctions-based care.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, the MHASC Network was re-established, including an in-person meeting in January 2026 and follow-up engagements with partners to co-develop its structure, governance and performance measures. The MHASC network continues to support policy development, service coordination and culturally grounded approaches across the system to better meet the needs of Indigenous people.

In the coming year, the initiative will focus on strengthening network coordination and advancing culturally responsive, community-informed mental health and addictions services.

Advancing equitable, culturally responsive systems and services

The following initiatives are not included as part of the official Anti-Racism Strategy. However, they focus on embedding anti-racism and anti-hate approaches into policies, training and service delivery, while expanding culturally responsive supports for equity-deserving communities. Efforts include strengthening education on diverse histories, improving culturally appropriate health services, and enhancing training and accountability within justice and public safety systems.

Together, these initiatives aim to improve access to services and ensure that programs and policies better reflect the needs and experiences of diverse populations.

Grade 7 and 8, and Grade 10 History Curriculum Revisions and Implementation Supports

In February 2026, revisions to the Grade 7, Grade8 and Grade 10 History curriculum were released, adding new learning on Black history, the Holocaust and the Holodomor famine. These updates include learning about the contributions of Black individuals and communities to Canada, as well as the barriers they faced.

The Grade 10 course also includes learning on extreme political and social ideologies, the Holocaust, rising antisemitism and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine. The revised curriculum was developed in collaboration with community partners and academic experts, who provided positive feedback on the inclusion of diverse histories and perspectives.

The updated curriculum will be implemented in all Ontario schools starting in the 2026 to 2027 school year, with training supports being provided to educators and school boards.

Pre-Sentence Report with Social Context

The Pre-Sentence Reports with Social Context (PSR-SCs) approach enhances the legislated reports prepared by probation and parole officers for judges before sentencing by providing additional social and cultural information. The approach was developed in response to direction from the Ontario Court of Appeal in R. v. Morris.

The reports provide additional information about personal circumstances and factors that may have contributed to their involvement with the justice system, alongside information about the offence. This supports judges in making informed sentencing decisions that consider public safety, rehabilitation and the circumstances of each case.

To support this work, new and existing probation and parole officers receive training on preparing Pre-Sentence Reports with Social Context, including guidance on identifying relevant social factors and documenting them appropriately.

The training will be delivered through a comprehensive, self-directed e-learning format designed to enhance the participant’s learning experience. The initiative is scheduled to launch in late 2026 as a non-mandatory training opportunity.

Anti-Racism Training Corrections Foundational Training-Corrections Officer

This initiative provides foundational anti-racism training for new correctional officers to help them navigate diverse and complex challenges in the workplace. Introduced in August 2019, the training covers racism and discrimination in correctional settings, including the experiences of racialized individuals.

The training includes case studies, interactive exercises and practical scenarios that help staff recognize bias, strengthen professional decision-making and apply policies from the Ministry of the Solicitor General consistently in their day-to-day work.

To date, more than 3,851 recruits have completed the training. By strengthening awareness and skills, the initiative supports fair and effective service delivery within the correctional system.

Wewena ngiiwemaa

Wewena ngiiwemaa was developed in response to Call for Justice 7.3 from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). The program supports Indigenous women in provincial correctional institutions by strengthening reintegration planning and connecting participants with community-based services before their release.

Delivered in 4 provincial institutions, the program provides individualized reintegration planning and referrals to community supports to enhance public safety and help participants successfully transition back into their communities.

Now in its second year of operation, the program has transitioned to the Provincial Initiatives Branch for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year.

E-Learning Training Modules in support of Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 requirements, and for regulatory compliance officers (also referred to as Thematic Training)

This initiative encompasses mandatory e-learning modules to support training requirements under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019. The training focuses on key areas such as:

  • human rights and systemic racism
  • recognition of Ontario’s diverse and multicultural society
  • understanding the rights and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Training for mandated learners was launched on August 31, 2024, through the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s Learning Management Platform. To date, approximately 16,000 individuals in law enforcement roles have successfully completed all 4 required training modules.

The initiative continues to support consistent, standardized training across the policing sector. The ministry is exploring options for a second phase of training and considering opportunities to expand the modules to additional areas within the Public Safety Division.

Proceeds of Crime — Front-Line Policing (POC-FLP) Grant

The Proceeds of Crime — Front-Line Policing (POC-FLP) Grant program reinvests assets seized through criminal prosecutions to support community safety and crime prevention initiatives in Ontario. Funding is available to municipal and First Nations police services, as well as municipalities policed by the Ontario Provincial Police, and encourages collaboration with community organizations.

During the 2023 to 2024 and 2025 to 2026 grant cycle, funding was awarded to support 23 projects focused on organized crime enforcement, hate crimes and school safety. Activities included over 180 community outreach events, engagement with more than 58,000 community members as well as delivering anti-hate workshops and youth-focused initiatives. Police services also conducted training, seized firearms and delivered awareness sessions regarding hate crimes, hate-motivated incidents and more.

A new three-year grant cycle (2026 to 2029) has launched, allowing communities to address local priorities such as at-risk youth, anti-hate initiatives and human trafficking through flexible, locally driven approaches.

Enhancing First Nations voices in policy and program design — First Nations Health Transformation

First Nations Health Transformation is advancing the inclusion of First Nations voices in health policy and program design. By strengthening trilateral partnerships with Political Territorial Organizations, this initiative focuses on improving health equity and supporting First Nations leadership in system planning and delivery.

Progress includes enhanced collaboration with First Nations partners to identify priorities and develop governance models that will support self-determination in health. To date, engagements have identified opportunities to improve services in areas such as diabetes care, mental health and addictions and maternal health, particularly in remote communities.

This work is helping improve trilateral coordination across the health system and reduce gaps and duplications in services. In the coming years, continued collaboration will support more efficient service delivery and stronger health outcomes for First Nations communities

Culturally Affirming Care for Francophone Black Youth

To improve access to culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate mental health and substance use services, this new initiative aids Francophone Black youth, their families and caregivers across the province.

The initiative supports expanded bilingual services, care navigation and coordination, as well as outreach and health promotion activities. It also strengthens community-informed partnerships to improve service delivery and ensure supports are responsive to the needs of Francophone Black youth.

Francophone communities can expect continued expansion of services, enhanced coordination and stronger partnerships to support youth and families.

Pediatric Recovery — Mental health supports for Black children and youth

This initiative supports Black children, youth and families by providing culturally responsive mental health and addictions services. The program focuses on building resilience through supports such as early psychosis care, mobile clinics, education services, increased access to Black therapists as well as prenatal and postnatal care.

To date, more than 3,400 children and youth have accessed counselling, therapy, crisis response and navigation services, with over 10,908 visits delivered across in-person, school-based and virtual settings. The program has also expanded capacity through the addition of over 98 new positions, including clinicians and outreach workers.

Client feedback shows strong outcomes with 97% reporting that care felt culturally responsive and free from discrimination. The initiative continues to improve access, reduce wait times and support better mental health outcomes for Black children and youth.

Pediatric Recovery — Implementation of the Sickle Cell Disease Quality Improvement Standard

This initiative supports the implementation of a quality improvement standard for sickle cell disease across hospitals and community health service providers in Ontario. It focuses on improving the quality of care for treatment and prevention, while building capacity among health care providers to better meet the needs of pediatric patients, families and caregivers, with a particular focus on reducing disparities for Black communities.

In Q1 and Q2 of the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, a total of 1,012 clients were served, including 904 who received navigation services and 73 who were referred to specialized sickle cell centres for follow-up care. Partnerships with organizations such as the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario and Ontario Health Teams have supported the coordination of care and expanded psychosocial supports.

The initiative is strengthening culturally safe care and improving patient experiences and outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease.

Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs

Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs provide coordinated, community-based supports such as mental health and addictions services, social service supports, employment assistance and supportive housing. The initiative includes 2 Indigenous-led HART Hubs and requires all sites to provide culturally relevant and safe care pathways for Indigenous and other equity deserving populations.

As of early March 2026, HART Hubs have supported more than 100,000 client interactions, helping individuals connect to treatment and recovery services. Over 250 individuals have accessed supportive housing, with plans to add nearly 900 new supportive housing units in support of long-term stability.

The initiative continues to expand, including the addition of a new hub in Kingston in Fall 2026.

Mental Wellness Teams (MWTs) Joint Agreement with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

Mental Wellness Teams (MWTs) provide culturally safe, trauma informed mental health and wellness services to First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities. The initiative is jointly funded by our government and Indigenous Services Canada through a Memorandum of Agreement in place since fiscal year 2022 to 2023, supporting delivery through community-based, multidisciplinary teams.

In Ontario, 20 teams serve approximately 120 First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities. MWTs offer a range of supports, including crisis response, early intervention and screening, trauma-informed care, land-based care, care coordination and aftercare. Services integrate traditional, cultural and mainstream approaches to support a continuum of care.

Stabilizing Emergency Department Nursing Staffing Strategy

The Stabilizing Emergency Department (ED) Nursing Staffing Strategy supports workforce capacity through education and training initiatives for ED nurses. A key component is the General ED Orientation Module III, which was relaunched in April 2026 with enhanced content on mental health, cultural safety, bias and institutional racism, including an Indigenous focus.

The strategy also expanded access to training for nurses working in remote and Indigenous communities. Following a September 2025 agreement, nurses from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) facilities can now participate in these virtual training modules. As of March 31, 2026, approximately 21 ISC nurses attended 71 training sessions, supporting workforce development in northern, rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

This initiative supports workforce development and improved care delivery by strengthening nurses’ ability to provide culturally safe care.

Demonstrating health equity and inclusion through the Minister's Patient and Family Advisory Council (MPFAC)

Established in 2019, the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (MPFAC) is a permanent advisory body that provides advice to the Minister and Ministry of Health to support patient- and family-centred policy development. The council brings together members with diverse lived experiences from across Ontario, with a focus on equity, anti-racism, diversity and inclusion.

MPFAC continues to provide advice on ministry policies and programs, helping identify system barriers and improve access to care for Indigenous, Black, racialized and other equity-deserving communities. Since May 2025, the council has played a key role in informing the Primary Care Action Plan, including work to connect people on the Health Care Connect waitlist to primary care.

The fiscal year 2024 to 2025 MPFAC annual report highlighted strong impact, with ministry teams reporting that engagement with the MPFAC strengthened policy and program development.

Health (care) Quality/Quality Standards/guidelines of care

Ontario Health promotes equity, anti-racism and inclusion as key dimensions of high-quality health care. These principles are embedded across quality standards, with a consistent focus on addressing systemic barriers and improving outcomes for diverse populations.

Recent work includes the development and implementation of quality standards such as those for Sickle Cell Disease and Gender Affirming Care for Adults. These standards aim to improve care for populations that experience disparities, including Black and other racialized communities.

Implementation of the Sickle Cell Disease Quality Standard has shown measurable improvements, including a 23% decrease in emergency department wait times, a 10% decrease in unscheduled visits and an 18% decrease in hospital admissions between 2023 and 2024.

Ontario Health continues to support the adoption of equity-focused standards to improve care quality and access across the health care system.

Patient Ombudsman

The Office of the Patient Ombudsman (OPO) supports patients and caregivers in resolving concerns about health care experiences and has made a public commitment to advancing equity, including addressing anti-Indigenous racism. The OPO has dedicated resources to support this work, including an Early Resolution Specialist — Indigenous Experiences, who helps Indigenous patients and families navigate concerns, resolve complaints and connect with appropriate services.

The office also works with Indigenous health leaders and offers website materials in multiple Indigenous languages to improve accessibility. Through its annual reports, the OPO highlights issues related to anti-Indigenous racism in health care and identifies opportunities for health service organization and/or system improvement.

The OPO’s 2024 to 2027 Strategic Plan includes a continued focus on strengthening communication and engagement with Indigenous communities to improve patient experience and outcomes.

Funding Indigenous-led health services

This initiative provides targeted funding to Indigenous-led organizations to expand access to culturally safe and responsive health services. Funding supports a range of programs aimed at improving mental health, physical health and overall well-being for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, over $20 million in mental health and addictions funding was provided to Indigenous health service providers, along with $5 million for Lower Limb Preservation initiatives and over $19.5 million in funding from the Ministry of Health for Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy programs. While service data is still being finalized, these investments are supporting the early stages of program implementation and service expansion.

By advancing Indigenous-led service delivery, the initiative strengthens culturally appropriate care and contributes to healthier communities.

Improving Access to ODSP Services for Indigenous and Remote Communities

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) has improved access to Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) services in remote and rural First Nations through outreach, partnerships and community-based service delivery. Local ODSP staff travelled to these communities, partnering with Service Canada, Service Ontario and Ontario Works Administrators (OWAs) to provide information, support applications and meet with clients. To raise awareness of available support, outreach also included health fairs and radio campaigns. The ministry has also partnered with OWAs to deliver regular virtual service sessions, enabling residents to connect with caseworkers closer to home.

The Disability Adjudication Unit also strengthened partnerships with Indigenous organizations to reduce barriers and support culturally responsive service delivery across participating communities