The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
Office of the Premier
Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON, M7A 1A1
By email: premier@ontario.ca
March 19, 2025
Dear Premier Ford,
Congratulations on your re-election as Premier of Ontario. The people of Ontario have put their trust in you and your government during the most uncertain of times. In light of global social and economic events, we know the task at hand proposes unprecedented challenges. As major changes take place around the world, the impact is felt here at home in Ontario. Ontarians are worried and struggling to meet their basic needs.
You cannot protect our province alone. Team Ontario includes 58,000 nonprofits and charities that operate for the public benefit in all corners of our province. We are your first line of protection for communities, especially in times of emergencies when fast and effective mobilization is needed. Remember, we did it in 2020. We are ready to partner with you again.
We are a powerful economic driver.
Nonprofits create jobs, activate volunteerism, and deliver essential programs and services that support the well-being of all Ontarians, including the most vulnerable in our communities. The sector contributes $65 billion to our province’s GDP, employing 844,000 people. With $1.00 of investment, nonprofits generate up to $2.18 in GDP impact. This magnitude is equivalent to many other industries in Ontario, such as manufacturing and automotive.
Behind these impactful numbers are the stories of thousands of nonprofits, supporting millions of Ontarians every day.
Whether it’s the trade war, an affordability crisis, or the next emergency, the nonprofit sector is the first to know and respond. We deliver essential programs efficiently and effectively that sustain the quality of life for millions of hardworking Ontarians and their families. Whether we are fostering a sense of belonging through arts and sports programs or ensuring families have access to affordable housing, we are there for Ontarians when they need us most. Our work today carries forward the longstanding tradition of people coming together at the local level to recognize community challenges and solve local problems.
Preparing for the next emergency in Ontario.
Ontario’s economic well-being and societal shifts are inextricably tied to the work of nonprofits. We are impacted in three ways: as employers, procurers of goods and services, and as organizations supporting people.
Nonprofits are working to strategically prepare for whatever is about to come next:
● Strategizing how we meet surges in demand.
● Re-activating pandemic-like infrastructure, such as community response tables, alongside local elected officials and the small business community.
● Reviewing our own procurement strategies to buy local and social, and encouraging Ontarians to do the same.
Work with us to get things done.
In the coming weeks and months, you will be called upon to formulate and implement momentous public policy that will have a profound impact on the ability of local nonprofits to improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance the public good. No two organizations are alike, but their common ground is more important to consider in public policy development.
As the government sets its vision to protect Ontario, we outline key areas of focus for the first 100 days, so your cabinet can work to foster a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Ontarians.
In your first 100 days:
● Invest in the immense impact nonprofits have on the millions of Ontarians supported through our infrastructure.
● Ensure nonprofits are part of, and prioritized in, your Plan to Protect Ontario where over $40 billion in new investments, loans, and other financial supports will be made available to mitigate impacts of the U.S tariffs on communities.
● Identify solutions with nonprofits who know what needs to be done in challenging times by setting up a roundtable with you, your team, and nonprofits to discuss how we can protect Ontario together.
Nonprofits across Ontario look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Nonprofits and charities in Ontario
Ontario Nonprofit Network, Toronto