Protect Critical Funding for Black Children and Families in Ontario

Ontario families are facing the loss of critical community supports following a provincial decision by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to end funding for key programs serving Black children, youth, and families — including the Student and Family Advocate (SFA) program and initiatives under the Innovative Solutions for Black Parents (ISBP).

These programs provide essential services including mental health support, student advocacy, tutoring, and parenting and family services.

Without renewal or transition funding, organizations are being forced to shut down programs and lay off staff — leaving families without the support they rely on.

We are calling on the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to take immediate action.

Ontario families are facing the loss of critical community supports following a provincial decision by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to end funding for key programs serving Black children, youth, and families — including the Student and Family Advocate (SFA) program and initiatives under the Innovative Solutions for Black Parents (ISBP).

These programs provide essential services including mental health support, student advocacy, tutoring, and parenting and family services.

Without renewal or transition funding, organizations are being forced to shut down programs and lay off staff — leaving families without the support they rely on.

We are calling on the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to take immediate action.

Protect Critical Funding for Black Children and Families in Ontario

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Subject:

Dear Minister McGregor,

I am writing to express deep concern regarding the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism’s decision to end funding for critical programs supporting Black children, youth, and families across the province.

This includes funding streams such as the Student and Family Advocate (SFA) program and initiatives under the Innovative Solutions for Black Parents (ISBP), which have provided essential, community-based support for years.

These programs are not optional — they are lifelines.

They provide mental health support, student advocacy, tutoring, parenting programs, and culturally responsive services that families rely on every day. The decision to end this funding without renewal, consultation, or transitional support is already causing immediate harm:

Families are losing access to trusted supports
Community programs are shutting down
Staff are being laid off across multiple organizations

This decision disproportionately impacts Black children and families and undermines progress made in addressing systemic barriers in education and wellbeing.

If the province is shifting toward employment-focused initiatives, it must be recognized that children and families cannot succeed in employment without stable mental health, educational support, and community infrastructure in place. These supports work together — they cannot be removed without consequences.

I am calling on you and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to:

Immediately reconsider the decision to end SFA and ISBP funding
Provide emergency and bridge funding to prevent further harm
Engage in meaningful consultation with Black-led organizations
Commit to long-term, sustainable investment in wraparound supports

This decision is already having real and lasting impacts on families and communities.

I urge you to take immediate action.

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