OPSEU Strike Updates

Last updated: May 25, 2026 at 7:00 AM

On Monday, May 25, 2026, staff who are members of OPSEU began strike action. We recognize this is a significant moment for our organization. Surrey Place continues to respect the bargaining process and remains committed to reaching a resolution.

For more information about impacted services and programs, please check out the Clinical Services and FAQ section of this website.

Previous Updates

May 20: OPSEU Local 511 in legal strike position

Autism Services

Our priority remains the consistency and quality of the behavioural services provided to your child. If services are disrupted due to a strike, we have measures in place to keep families supported.

Regular Clinical Check-ins:

To maintain clinical continuity during this time, supervisors will reach out to clients and families for regular check-ins. During these calls, our supervisors may address:

Service Coordination: Discussing how we can support or integrate with other services your family may be accessing, such as school day adjustments, after-school programs, or other community resources.
Professional Collaboration: Assisting with the coordination of other professional services to maintain a unified approach to your child's care.
Clinical Guidance: Providing strategies/resources to maintain skills and addressing any concerns that arise during this transition which could include writing OAP letters for purchase of materials or technology to generalize skills to home.

Service Credits and Billing

You will not be charged for cancelled service. If you have already paid a deposit or installment, you will receive a refund for cancelled services.

If you have any questions or concerns about crossing the picket to access your service to access scheduled sessions, please contact your clinician or supervisor.

Please continue to check our website and social media accounts for the most up-to-date information.

Resources

While Surrey Place services may be affected by a labour disruption, there are additional supports and resources available to clients and families. The organizations and services below may be able to help you access information, continuity of care, or community support during this time.

Surrey Place Wellness Services

Surrey Place's Wellness Services program offers free events, workshops, and resources open to current and former clients, families, caregivers, and the broader community, regardless of whether your regular services are impacted by the strike. Programming includes mental health support, social groups, recorded webinars, and a clinician-vetted resource library, delivered both in-person and virtually.

To register for upcoming events or access recorded sessions, visit the Wellness Services page. For questions, contact wellness.registration@surreyplace.ca.

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)

Developmental Services Ontario is the access point for adult developmental services in Ontario. If you or your family member requires support accessing funded developmental services, the DSO website includes information on how to apply, what funded services are available, housing resources, and how to find your local DSO office.

Strides Toronto — Lead Agency for Child and Youth Mental Health

Strides Toronto is a multi-service agency providing mental health, autism, and developmental services to children, youth, and families in Toronto. As the Lead Agency for infant, child, and youth mental health in Toronto, Strides Toronto works across service providers to improve access to care. They offer a range of OAP-funded and fee-based autism services, including ABA, Foundational Family Services, and caregiver-mediated programs, primarily serving the East York and Scarborough communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

This page will be updated as the situation develops. If your question isn't answered here, please reach out to your clinical team or contact us directly.

About the Strike

Will my services be cancelled?

Will Surrey Place remain open during a strike?

Visiting Surrey Place locations during a strike

Will there be a picket line outside Surrey Place?

How loud will the picket line be?

Are picket lines unsafe to cross?

How long will I have to wait before entering Surrey Place?

Will I be separated from my child?

Will my child be left alone if I am late for pick-up due to the picket line?

Your Services

Paid Autism Services

How will I know if my service is impacted?

What happens if my program is cancelled?

Will virtual services be available if in-person services are disrupted?

Will I lose my spot on the waitlist if my service is paused?

Who will be providing my child with services if clinicians are on strike?

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening

Why was my baby’s hearing screening appointment cancelled?

Can I request a new hearing screening appointment for my baby?

Will I be contacted?

Are there other options for newborn hearing screening? I’m concerned that my baby is close to 2 months old and may age out during the strike at Surrey Place. What do I do?

Entry to School

What locations are open during the strike?

What is the schedule for Entry to School services?

What can I expect at pickup and drop off?

What happens if I am late for service?

What happens if I don’t want to cross the picket line?

What happens to lost service time?

How long will the strike last for?

Will there be parking at the North and South locations?

Please note: details about other ministry-funded programs coming soon.

Billing and Fees

Will I be charged for a program that is cancelled due to the strike?

What if I choose not to attend a session that is still running?

For Families with Children in Autism Services

Will my child's behavioural therapy sessions continue?

Crisis and Urgent Support

How will Surrey Place support families in urgent or crisis situations?

Staying Informed

How will I be notified about updates on services?

Who can I speak to about my services?

Communicating with Surrey Place Staff During the Strike

How can clients reach staff members during this time (email or phone)?