GTA care home resident attacked, mother says, as support worker strike approaches 2 months

Warning: Images included in this story may be disturbing for some readers.

The mother of a resident of a care home west of Toronto says he was attacked by another resident while support workers from the facility remain on strike after almost two months.

Jan Beddoe’s son, Christopher Beddoe, 47, has lived under the care of Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS), based in Oakville, for about 20 years. 

On Dec. 23, 2025, Christopher was bitten on the neck by another resident, his mother told CBC Toronto. He required hospitalization, where he received stitches for the injury.

“There will be a follow-up with a plastic surgeon,” Beddoe said. “He has an open wound which continues to need wound care on a daily basis, probably into the next month. And of course, he will end up with a pretty significant scar on his neck.”

CWSDS support workers have been on strike for wage increases and better working conditions since Nov. 19. Prior to that, as a contingency plan for a potential strike, the provincially-funded nonprofit closed various group homes and moved the residents living in them to its headquarters at 53 Bond St. in Oakville. Since then, family members, like Beddoe, have raised concerns about overcrowding and unsafe conditions.

The organization “is deeply proud of the high-quality, compassionate care we provide people with complex developmental needs," said CWSDS CEO Patricia Kyle in a statement provided to CBC Toronto.

Kyle declined to comment on this specific incident due to patient confidentiality requirements. 

In an email, Halton Regional Police Service confirmed officers and EMS attended 53 Bond St. around 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 for a medical call involving potential assault. Officers investigated the incident but no criminal charges were laid. 

Halton police also previously confirmed a resident’s death at the facility on Dec. 19. No other details about this incident have been released.

When it comes to her son, Beddoe feels the attack would have never happened if it weren’t for the lingering strike. 

“This was a specific incident where the client who requires eyes on them at all times, one-to-one, was not being supported. He was not protected from harming someone else,” she said. 

Agency workers have been brought in to attend the residents during the strike, but they don’t have the skills and experience to prevent incidents like this from occurring, Beddoe said. 

She expressed full support for the striking workers, but said she also wants to see both sides reach a resolution as swiftly as possible.