The Ontario ADP grant provides $975 annually for ostomy supplies—an amount that no longer reflects today’s real costs. Ostomy Canada is calling for an increase and inviting Ontarians with ostomies to share their stories in a short video to help drive change at Queen’s Park.
Ontario ADP Grant: Why $975 a Year Isn’t Enough
Living with an ostomy brings many challenges—but affording basic ostomy supplies shouldn’t be one of them. Yet for many Ontarians, that’s the reality. The Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) currently provides a flat grant of $975 per year to help offset the cost of ostomy supplies. While this support is important, it hasn’t increased in years—despite inflation, rising product costs, and growing individual needs.
The Real Costs of Ostomy Supplies
Anyone who lives with an ostomy—or cares for someone who does—knows that $975 doesn’t go far. Depending on the type of ostomy and products used, annual supply costs can range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. That means individuals are left covering hundreds, even thousands, of dollars out of pocket every year. For seniors, people on fixed incomes, and those managing other health conditions, this added financial pressure can be overwhelming.
Why We’re Speaking Out
Ostomy Canada’s Advocacy Team is calling on the Ontario government to review and update the ADP grant. This funding must reflect the current cost of living and ensure that all Ontarians with an ostomy can access the supplies they need with dignity and security. To help push this message forward, we’re creating a powerful video featuring real voices—people across Ontario sharing their personal stories and the financial struggles they face.
Your Voice Matters
If you live with an ostomy in Ontario, we invite you to be part of this movement. Record a short 10–20 second video explaining how the current ADP grant falls short and what it means for your daily life. Your story could be the catalyst for real change.
Please email your video to: [email protected]
Our team will combine submissions into a single video message and deliver it directly to Queen’s Park.
Let’s Make Our Voices Heard
Government programs must keep up with the real-world needs of the people they serve. With your help, we can advocate for a more realistic, respectful, and effective ADP grant—one that truly supports those living with an ostomy.
To learn more about this advocacy initiative, visit:
www.ostomycanada.ca/advocacy
Media Contact
Ian MacNeil, Advocacy and Government Relations, Ostomy Canada Society
[email protected]
3 Responses
Thank you for advocating for this important issue. I am somewhat uncomfortable making a video, but as a 67 year old who has lived with a permanent ostomy for 25 years, I can attest to the fact that the grant amount doesn’t cover even 1/2 of my current costs. These supplies increase in price about every 3-4 months. As a senior on a very low fixed pension, the costs of my supplies forces me to stretch my change limits which leads to skin issues. I must search monthly online for people selling supplies they no long need and have traveled many miles at times to pick up the purchases. Despite taking these measures, the annual cost of my supplies is $2500- $3000, which is just under 1/4 of my personal yearly pension income. An increase in the ADP Ostomy grant is desperately needed and warranted. Thank you!
Good afternoon Nancy. Please excuse my tardy response as I missed your email sent in late September. I appreciate the challenges that so many of us in Ontario have to deal with with the Ontario ADP grant. It has been 10 years since the grant has been adjusted resulting in financial challenges with so may persons living with an ostomy. We recognize the fact that you are not comfortable making a small video expressing your challenges with the current program. Rest assured many of us are uncomfortable expressing their feelings in this manner .This program is only one of a number of tools we ae using to bring to attention the negative results in not making regular adjustments to the ADP program. We continue to advocate on behalf of all persons living with ostomy to provide sufficient financial support To live our lives to the fullest with dignity.
Best Regards
Ian MacNeil
975 dollars a year for urostomy supplies is about 2500 to 3000 dollars short per year.cost is going up and my fixed income staying the same .not even talking about the price of everything else going up.not be able to get the supplies i need for my urostomy is creating other skin problems.if mp,s getting a raise then ostomy patients should getting there supplies covered