$800,000 to Increase Access for Autism Services
June 23, 2025NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced the Ontario government is investing $800,000 through the Ontario Autism Program’s workforce capacity fund to two local programs, helping more children and families access clinical services. Funding will be put towards expanding access to timely, specialized care that will foster inclusion, independence, and well-being.
“Our government has heard the call to increase support for autism services,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Our investments here in Nipissing and throughout Ontario will help autism service providers build and retain stable, skilled teams that will allow more families to access important services close to home.”
Local funding includes the following:
- $400,000 to HANDS The Family Help Network
- $400,000 to One Kids Place Children’s Medical Treatment Centre of North East Ontario
“We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) for this two-year Workforce Capacity Grant. This investment will have a meaningful impact on children and youth with autism in our region by expanding access to timely, specialized support and strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality mental health services. With this support, we can continue to build a skilled, responsive workforce—ensuring better days for the children and families we serve, today and tomorrow.” – Andrea Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Algonquin Child and Family Services.
“The commitment to enhancing services, resources, and opportunities for the autism community is deeply appreciated. This funding represents more than just financial support—it is a powerful affirmation of the value and potential of every individual with autism. It will go a long way in improving access to programs and services that foster inclusion, independence, and well-being. Thank you for your leadership and for championing a more inclusive and compassionate society. Your efforts are making a meaningful difference in the lives of many families.” – Brenda Loubert, Executive Director of One Kids Place Children’s Medical Treatment Centre of North East Ontario.
Service providers are receiving funding through the Ontario Autism Program’s workforce capacity fund. This fund provides two-year grants ranging from $50,000 to $400,000 in value to help providers to hire new staff, increase staff hours, train employees, invest in technology, and reach rural and remote communities.
Since 2019, Ontario has more than doubled the program’s annual budget, bringing it to a total of $779 million with the addition of a $175 million investment through Budget 2025. This new investment will continue to support the enrolment of children and youth in core clinical services. The workforce capacity fund is one initiative under the OAP capacity action plan. The province prioritizes applications that support families and service providers in northern, rural and remote communities, as well as francophone and Indigenous families recognizing the unique challenges these groups face.
QUICK FACTS
- caregiver-mediated early years programs, the entry to school program, foundational family services, core clinical services and urgent response services.
- Since the workforce capacity fund was created in 2021, Ontario has awarded more than 350 grants in total to autism service providers across the province.