On Thursday, May 15th, the Ontario Government released its 2025 budget entitled “A Plan to Protect Ontario.” Parkinson Canada has actively engaged with the Ontario Government throughout the 2025 pre-budget process, and we are pleased to see that parts of our advocacy are reflected in today’s budget. Even with an emphasis on strengthening the economy, health care remains a priority for this government.  

Improving access to care is Parkinson Canada’s main advocacy priority in Ontario. We are encouraged to see the Ontario government’s investments, including a $1.8 billion dollar investment to connect two million people to primary care over the next four years, and a $235 million dollar investment in 2025-26 to create and expand up to 80 additional primary care teams. These measures will help our community gain access to connected and convenient primary care where and when it is needed.  

Care partners provide invaluable support for people living with Parkinson’s and are always a top priority for our advocacy efforts. While care partners were not explicitly mentioned in the 2025 Budget, the Ontario Government has announced supports for seniors and care partners through the new Support for Seniors and Caregivers Act. This is backed by $114 million in investments including $20 million over three years to expand access to respite services for care partners of those living with dementia. Parkinson Canada will continue to raise awareness of the importance of supporting care partners, not only for the Parkinson’s community, but for all Ontarians.  

Today’s budget has announced other investments that we were encouraged by and will continue to watch for the impact on Ontario’s Parkinson’s community. These announcements include:  

  • An additional $300M investment over the next four years, including $60M in 2025-26 to expand primary care teaching clinics for primary care physicians and other practitioners 
  • The government has invested $60 million to support the new centre for brain science at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, which is dedicated to brain science research and care, and connecting those with complex mental health conditions to the care they need. 

While the 2025 Ontario Budget is a step in the right direction for health care in Ontario, there is still work to do to increase access to Parkinson’s informed care and to better support for care partners in the province. Parkinson Canada will continue to listen to our community in Ontario and work closely with the Ontario Government to ensure the voices of people affected by Parkinson’s are heard. If you would like to read the full budget, you can find it here: 2025 Ontario Budget | A Plan to Protect Ontario.