March 12, 2007
 |
| Leona was joined by MPP Ernie Parsons to announce a major investment in community agencies that support people in need |
BELLEVILLE – The McGuinty government is investing $5.1 million in more than 270 projects in communities stretching from Lindsay to Brockville to renovate and upgrade agencies that provide programs and services to people in need, Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and MPP for Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington, announced today on behalf of Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur.
“Our government believes that people in need in our communities deserve our support,” said Dombrowsky. “By investing in our social services agencies, we are making sure that vulnerable Ontarians have a safe, accessible place to go when they need help.”
More than $5.1 million is being directed to 244 developmental services agency projects and 31 violence against women agency projects in the area. 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.
“Our community agencies help so many people, but need sustainable places to provide their vital services – which is what these investments are all about,” said Ernie Parsons, MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings. “When agencies no longer have to worry about repairs and upgrades to their buildings, they can focus on helping more people.”
“We are thrilled with today’s announcement,” said Brian Steele, Executive Director of Pathways to Independence, a Belleville-based agency that provides residential and program services for people with a broad range of developmental challenges across South Eastern Ontario. “The Ontario government has clearly made social services a priority, creating a better environment to help us improve services for the people all social service agencies strive to support.”
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.
