Content
Simcoe Mental Health Service Disruption
May 25, 2026 – Today, unionized Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) staff in Simcoe County, OPSEU Local 355 members, have begun a legal strike action by walking off at 12:01 a.m.
During the course of collective bargaining, Kinark and union representatives were unable to reach a new agreement. All offers presented during negotiations were declined by the union, resulting in the current labour disruption.
Our priority is to keep our community informed and supported as the situation evolves. CYMH services within the Simcoe service delivery area (including Barrie and Midland) are being impacted. During this time, some services or appointments will be delivered virtually where clinically appropriate or adjusted temporarily. Kinark’s Autism Services staff are not involved in this labour action and all autism services in the region will be relocated to our Barrie office. Our clinical teams are continuing to communicate directly with families to ensure they have the information they need about their care.
Please note, Kinark’s Crisis Services in the region will continue to be available from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. If you need urgent support, please visit your nearest emergency department. Outside of these hours, the following resources are also available:
- CMHA Simcoe County 24/7 Crisis Line: 705‑728‑5044 or 1‑888‑893‑8333
- Kids Help Phone: 1‑800‑668‑6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- New Path Quick Access Clinic: newpath.ca/book-now or 705-725-7656
- Waypoint Youth Crisis Services: 1-800-461-5424
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988
- One Stop Talk: 1-855-416-8255
For further information or specific inquiries, please contact:
- Communications and media inquiries: Communications@kinark.on.ca or 437-331-3499
- Service disruption or care arrangements: admin.simcoe@kinark.on.ca or call Kinark’s Barrie office at 705-726-8861
Kinark will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves and appreciates the community’s understanding during this time.
Previous Updates
In our Simcoe service delivery area (including Barrie and Midland), Kinark has been actively engaged in collective bargaining with representatives of our unionized Simcoe Child and Youth Mental Health staff as part of the regular negotiation process. At this time, there is a labour disruption that is anticipated to begin on Monday, May 25.
At Kinark, we remain committed to resolving current labour discussions in a fair and timely manner and are planning responsibly to minimize disruption for children and families. Our priority is continuity of care and the safety and well‑being of those we serve. We respect the rights of employees to advocate for their interests and remain focused on reaching a constructive resolution.
We will share updates as appropriate, including any potential impacts on services. When the strike is in effect, some services or appointments may be delivered virtually where clinically appropriate or adjusted temporarily. Kinark’s clinical teams will contact families directly with specific information if their appointments or services are affected.
We appreciate the patience and understanding of our community during this time and remain committed to maintaining public trust.