McGuinty government strengthening social services agencies through investment in Grey-Bruce - Mar. 12, 2007

Investments Will Support Community Agencies Serving People In Need

WALKERTON ­ The McGuinty government is investing $840,000 in more than 80 projects in the Grey­Bruce area to renovate and upgrade community agencies that provide programs and services to people in need, Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell announced today on behalf of Minister of Community and Social Services, Madeleine Meilleur.

"Our government believes that people in need in our communities deserve all the help we can give them," said Meilleur. "By investing in our social services agencies, we are making sure that vulnerable Ontarians have a safe, accessible place to go when they need support the most."

More than $840,000 is being directed to 79 developmental services agency projects and five violence against women agency projects in Grey and Bruce counties. Projects focus on physical building improvements, such as expanding residential and day program sites, adding accessibility features for people with disabilities, and boosting safety and security features. For example, The Women's Centre Serving Bruce and Grey is receiving $250,000 to acquire and renovate a building in Owen Sound to support the expansion of outreach counseling supports for women.

"Community agencies provide invaluable help to so many Ontarians, but they need our support to do what they do best," said Mitchell. "Investments in these projects will result in stronger services and better programs for those who use them in our community."

Overall, the government is injecting $36.5 million into Ontario communities to stimulate employment and improve social services agencies. Funding for these initiatives comes from the government's $190 million economic stimulus package, which is a key component of the government's plan to foster a stronger workforce and a stronger economy.

Announced in the 2006 Fall Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, the stimulus package aims to boost jobs and growth through a focus on four key areas:

> Focused training and job services to help job­threatened and laid­off workers find new jobs
> Fast­tracking infrastructure projects to generate immediate economic activity and job creation
>Encouraging Ontario tourism to boost economic activity and tourism­related jobs
>Strengthening inter-provincial trade to match industrial needs in Alberta with Ontario's industrial capacity.

"While the economy remains fundamentally strong, it is important to remember that slower growth has a real impact on people and communities," said Greg Sorbara., Minister of Finance, “Each of the four areas we are focusing on represents the building blocks of a sound economic foundation. Investing in these areas now means a more prosperous and competitive future for Ontario."

30

Contact: Carol Mitchell, MPP
Huron-Bruce
519-482-5630