The Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP) stands in solidarity with the OPSEU/SEFPO workers currently on strike or locked out across Ontario.

These workers provide essential services in mental health and addictions, developmental services, youth justice, children’s mental health and community healthcare. Their work supports some of the most vulnerable members of our communities and forms a critical part of Ontario’s broader system of care.

As psychotherapists, we recognize that the quality and accessibility of care depend not only on the dedication of frontline workers, but also on adequate public investment in the services they provide. Growing demand, long waitlists, workforce shortages and challenges in recruitment and retention affect workers and service users alike.

We call on the Ontario government to increase funding for these essential services and ensure workers receive fair compensation, including wages lost through years of erosion under Bill 124. Skilled frontline workers must be able to remain in the professions and communities they serve. Strong public services require both sustainable funding and a workforce that is treated with dignity and respect.

We strongly oppose police intervention in response to lawful strike activity, including during the labour dispute at Sistering. Labour disputes should be resolved through good-faith negotiation, not police involvement. Frontline workers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect as they exercise their collective bargaining rights.

We also recognize that this is a shared struggle affecting workers, agencies, service users and communities across Ontario. The wellbeing of our communities depends on maintaining accessible, high-quality mental health and social services and ensuring that those who provide them can continue to do so.

OSRP extends its solidarity to the workers involved in this labour action and encourages our members to learn more about the campaign at worthfightingfor.ca.