CBC News investigates Ontario’s core autism funding wait

CBC News reviewed Ontario Autism Program progress reports obtained through a freedom of information request. Reporters Nicole Brockbank and Angelina King found that registrations kept growing while access to core funding remained limited.

Families in the Story

As reported by Nicole Brockbank and Angelina King for CBC News on March 30, 2026, Deny registered her son, Nico, in the program. She told CBC that he was still waiting for core services funding when the article was published.

The same CBC report says Alina Cameron and her daughter, Fiona, also waited for funding. Cameron told CBC that receiving consistent core services later helped her family.

Early intervention is key.

End The Wait Ontario in the Story

CBC News featured End The Wait Ontario as a resource created by founder Spencer Carroll to bring together data and tools for parents navigating the system. CBC reported that his family has paid privately for services while waiting for government funding.

Only through accountability can we see whether or not these funds are being deployed responsibly.

Budget Context

CBC reported that the Ontario government announced new OAP funding in the 2026 budget, bringing annual funding to $965M. The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services said access to core clinical services had grown under the government.

Cameron of the Ontario Autism Coalition responded that last year's increase did not move the needle on the core wait list, and called for the province to commit all new funding to families for core clinical services. She said the low share of registered children with access to core funding was troubling.

Published by CBC News, March 30, 2026, by Nicole Brockbank and Angelina King. CBC Toronto Enterprise Unit. Read the full article on CBC.ca