Canada and Ontario partner with London organizations to make important renovations

December 21, 2009

LONDON – Canada and Ontario today announced infrastructure funding that will help to create jobs and support infrastructure upgrades for six not-for-profit organizations in the London area.  The event was held at Goodwill Industries, which Canada and Ontario are partnering with to build a new 90,000 square foot Goodwill Social Enterprise Abilities Centre. 

To make the announcement, John Baird, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, and Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and Member of Provincial Parliament for London North Centre, were joined by representatives from the six not-for-profit organizations, as well as, Members of Parliament Ed Holder and Joe Preston and Members of Provincial Parliament Chris Bentley and Khalil Ramal.

The other five other organizations to receive funding from Canada and Ontario are: the South-Western Ontario Children’s Care Inc., Hutton House Association, the Grand Theatre, the Ontario Society for Crippled Children (Operating as Easter Seals Ontario), and Youth Opportunities Unlimited. 
“Today, I am proud to jointly announce funding for a project that will get shovels in the ground, jobs created, and enable this organization to enhance its services for years to come,” said Minister Baird.  “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government has announced an historic number of projects to help strengthen our communities, including these projects here in London.”
“Today’s investment is yet again another demonstration of the McGuinty Government’s commitment to strengthening our communities’ not-for-profit sector in London,” said Matthews.  “This investment will not only help deliver valued community services, help create jobs, and stimulate our local economy, but will also improve the quality of life for residents in London.”

“We wholeheartedly applaud our government partners for helping Goodwill build a stronger foundation for putting people to work, reducing poverty and strengthening our community.” said Michelle Quintyn, President & CEO, Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes.

The total investment for these six projects is over $31 million, with the Governments of Canada and Ontario each providing almost $21 million.  The Governments of Canada and Ontario are each providing one-third of the total project costs, while the partners will cover the last third.

Canada’s funding is part of the national $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, under Canada’s Economic Action Plan unveiled in January 2009.  Ontario’s matching contribution is provided through the 2009 Ontario Budget – Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future.

Canada and Ontario are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.