The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), Canada’s oldest HIV service organization, will cease operations after 42 years due to financial difficulties and a significant decline in service demand. The organization announced on Friday that it will officially close its doors on March 31, 2026.

Executive Director Ryan Lisk described the closure as “bittersweet.” He expressed sadness over the end of the organization but noted the positive impact of medical advancements in HIV treatment. “The legacy includes so many thousands of people’s lives affected by HIV, who volunteered for the organization, who received mental health support and peer support,” Lisk said. “So we’re really proud of ACT’s history and the legacy that we’re leaving.”

Several factors contributed to ACT's decision to close. The organization has struggled with fundraising for the past two decades. Although it receives some government funding, it does not cover all administrative costs, such as rent and operational expenses. Additionally, ACT has seen a drastic reduction in service users. This year, the number of users was half of what it was before the pandemic, and projections indicate that by 2026, it will serve less than one-third of its 2019 clientele.

ACT was established in 1983 by volunteers in response to the AIDS crisis, a time when the virus was poorly understood and associated with stigma and high mortality rates. Today, advancements in treatment, including daily medication and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), have transformed the landscape of HIV care in Canada. Dr. Kevin Woodward, executive and medical director of HQ Toronto, noted that individuals diagnosed with HIV now have life expectancies comparable to those without the virus. “Now the folks who are diagnosed with HIV and living with HIV, you’re going to live the same lifespan as somebody else,” Woodward said.

The focus of HIV care has shifted toward managing chronic diseases and addressing related issues such as mental health, housing, and aging. However, barriers to accessing medication remain, particularly for migrants new to Canada. Woodward highlighted that refugees may receive interim federal health coverage for medications, while undocumented migrants often face challenges in accessing healthcare due to fears of costs or being turned away.

Lisk, who has been with ACT for 13 years, acknowledged that while the needs of people living with HIV persist, he is proud of the organization’s achievements over the years. “The needs of people living with HIV do continue … I do think for our service users, we have hope and confidence in our community partners and that the services that are available in Toronto will be able to continue to support them beyond ACT.”