'He was not protected,' says mother of Oakville care home resident attacked amid support worker strike | CBC News

"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."

Christopher Beddoe, 47, was bitten on the neck by another resident on Dec. 23, 2025, requiring hospitalization and stitches. He will see a plastic surgeon and requires daily wound care, with an expected significant scar. Support workers at Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS) have been on strike since Nov. 19 for higher wages and better conditions. CWSDS closed several group homes in a contingency plan and relocated residents to its Oakville headquarters, prompting family concerns about overcrowding and safety. CWSDS leadership praised its care and declined comment on the incident for confidentiality reasons. Halton police investigated; no charges were laid.

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