Scarborough hospital workers rally Monday over $36M funding shortfall

Healthcare workers at Scarborough Health Network will rally Monday, July 27, at Birchmount Hospital, calling on the Ontario government to increase hospital funding as the network faces a $36 million shortfall.

According to CUPE 5852, which represents approximately 2,500 healthcare workers at SHN, years of chronic underfunding have created a crisis for both frontline staff and patients. A 2025 union survey found 71 per cent of workers believe staffing shortages are compromising patient care. The survey also showed 42 per cent of workers have experienced workplace violence.

Stacy James, president of CUPE 5852, said persistent funding challenges have resulted in longer wait times, increased pressure on healthcare workers and growing burnout. "The people of Scarborough deserve safe, timely and quality healthcare," James said. "Right now, healthcare workers are doing everything they can to care for patients. But without proper government funding, our hospital system is being pushed beyond its limit."

The union argues that long wait times and overcrowded hospital units have contributed to safety concerns for both patients and staff, with frustrated patients more likely to become aggressive in understaffed settings.