May 20, 2008

A Helping Hand for Francophone Community Groups

McGuinty Government Helps Build Safe, Secure And Accessible Francophone Services

Ontario is investing in Francophone community groups who serve people with a developmental disability and women escaping domestic violence.

The funds are part of a $15-million provincial investment to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, safety and security in community organizations. This funding will help organizations keep their facilities in good condition for people who need them. It will also help cover the costs of important upgrades and renovations like new accessible elevators and safe water systems.

The following Francophone groups will share in the more than $200,000 funding:

• Maison d'Amitié, Ottawa - $65,000
• Association Pour l'integration Sociale d'Ottawa, Ottawa - $5,000
• L'arche Ottawa, Ottawa - $12,600
• Services aux enfants et adultes de Prescott Russell, Rockland - $12,720
• Services aux enfants et adultes de Prescott Russell, Hawkesbury - $5,300
• Bethlehem Projects of Niagara, St. Catharines - $123,500

Quotes

"Our Francophone organizations provide essential services and must reflect the needs of all those in the Francophone community. That's why it's so important that they're safe, secure and accessible to everyone," said Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur.

"When agencies like ours receive financial help to start awaited renovations, we're able to refocus on the services we provide to those in the Francophone community that need us," said Jenny Wolff Jean-François, Acting Director for Maison d'Amitie. "And when that happens, Ontario's entire Francophone community benefits."

"It is vital that services provided to abused women moving from crisis situations be provided in a safe, accessible and secure environment. This investment will help ensure this environment is available for Francophone women and their children," said Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Deb Matthews.

Quick Facts

• Ontario has the largest French-speaking population in Canada outside of Quebec at more than 500,000 people.
• In 2007, more than 14,000 women and children fleeing domestic abuse used emergency shelters, staying an average of 21.3 days.
• Ontario is home to more than 40,000 people with a developmental disability.

Learn More

Find out about Ontario's Domestic Violence Action Plan.

See what Ontario is doing to improve services for people with a developmental disability.

Learn more about Ontario's Francophone population.

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Julia Sakas,
Minister's Office,
416-325-521

Erika Botond,
Communications and Marketing,
416-325-5760

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