Community Living Ontario and Inclusion Canada Call for Urgent Action Amid Labour Dispute Impacting People with Disabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2025

Toronto, ON – In light of the deteriorating labour situation across many agencies, Community Living Ontario and Inclusion Canada urge the Ontario government, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), to recognize that people with intellectual disabilities must never be treated as bargaining chips or collateral damage in disputes that directly affect their lives and safety.

Amber Taylor, President of the Community Living Ontario Council, emphasizes that the voices of people most affected are not being heard. “Nobody listens to us,” says Taylor. “Our voices matter and our opinions should be valued. If they were, we would not be in this situation.”

As the labour dispute evolves, information suggests that preparation for moving individuals to other residences without their or their families' input is being considered.  Some have already been relocated without choice. This remains a disturbing situation and has created much anxiety in the community.

“The rights of persons with disabilities are not up for debate and should never be violated,” says Krista Carr, CEO of Inclusion Canada. “The needs of people with disabilities must always be at the forefront in labour disputes. Ontario should honour the United Nations guidelines on deinstitutionalization and ensure vulnerable people are not further victimized by a situation they did not create and have no control over.”

Chris Beesley, CEO of Community Living Ontario, provides further context. “While we appreciate and value the work of Developmental Service professionals and recognize that they are often underrated and overlooked, we believe the reason they are undervalued is due to a systemic issue where people with disabilities are continuously undervalued.”

It is also crucially important to understand that the possible labour actions across the province will force people to live in situations that deny their choice, autonomy, and human rights. As such, we are urgently calling on the provincial government, Developmental Service agencies, CUPE and OPSEU to make sure any disruptions to people’s lives are avoided.

-30-

About Community Living Ontario

Community Living Ontario is a provincial association that advocates alongside people who have an intellectual disability, their families, and 124 local associations for inclusion, equality, and human rights. For more than 70 years, CLO has worked to ensure that people with disabilities can live, learn, work, and actively participate in their communities. Learn more: CommunityLivingOntario.ca

About Inclusion Canada

Inclusion Canada is the national federation of 13 provincial/territorial member organizations and over 300 local associations working to advance the full inclusion and human rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Inclusion Canada drives social change by strengthening families, defending rights, and transforming communities into places where everyone belongs. Learn more: InclusionCanada.ca 

For more information, contact:

Lisa Tabachnick

Director, Marketing, Communications, and Development

Community Living Ontario

lisa@communitylivingontario.ca | 416-819-8764

Jeff Ferguson

Executive Director, Knowledge Mobilization & Transformation

Inclusion Canada

jferguson@inclusioncanada.ca I 1-855-661-9611 ext. 231