Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles made a direct appeal for increased provincial support for municipalities during a visit to Windsor on Saturday, December 7, 2025. Stiles, alongside Windsor-West MPP Lisa Gretzky, spent time serving meals at the Downtown Mission, highlighting the urgent need for more resources to address the intertwined crises of homelessness and addiction.
A Hands-On Visit to the Front Lines
The political leader's visit to the Downtown Mission was more than a photo opportunity. By helping to serve meals, Stiles aimed to draw direct attention to the human cost of the housing and addiction emergencies facing communities across Ontario. The event underscored her party's position that cities like Windsor are on the front lines but lack the necessary financial tools from the provincial government to implement effective, long-term solutions.
The Core Demand: Sustainable Funding for Municipalities
During her time in Windsor, Stiles argued that the current level of provincial funding is insufficient. She emphasized that municipalities bear the brunt of providing shelter, support services, and healthcare related to homelessness and substance use, but their budgets are stretched thin. The NDP leader's call centers on creating a stable, increased funding model that would allow cities to plan and execute comprehensive strategies rather than resorting to temporary measures. This includes investments in supportive housing, mental health services, and addiction treatment programs.
Context and Broader Implications
The visit and subsequent statements come amid growing pressure on all levels of government to respond to visible social crises in urban centers. Stiles used the platform in Windsor to connect local challenges to a province-wide issue, suggesting that the provincial government's approach needs a fundamental shift. The argument is that without significant and reliable investment, the problems of encampments, emergency room visits related to addiction, and social service strain will only intensify. The NDP frames this not just as a social justice imperative but as a necessary step for community safety and economic stability.
While the provincial government has its own programs, opposition critics like Stiles contend they are inadequate. The event in Windsor serves as a marker for the NDP's ongoing advocacy, positioning the party as pushing for a more interventionist and supportive role from Queen's Park in tackling these deep-rooted social issues.
