Having a voice in decisions that impact our social services is one of the fundamental reasons I chose to run for the Regional Councillor seat for Bolton. My background in dealing with nonprofit and social service organizations, for the past 8 years, has shown me first hand the challenges that they face on a day-to-day basis. I believe that human services are crucial to the health of our community and that we don’t always have a full appreciation for them until we need them.
In Peel, the Fair Share Task Force maintains that there are large inequities in the per capita funding received in Peel in comparison to the rest of the province. Together with the United Way of Peel, Caledon Community Services, Caledon Parent Child Centre, and dozens of other member organizations they have taken up the fight to see the funding formula changed so that Peel receives our fair share. From childrens’ services, to support for our seniors, and everything in between, these are vital services in our community. Needing, and deserving, our fair share.
Patti,
I’ve been an ardent supporter of Fair Share for Peel for a long, long time now. We must stand resolute in our voice to the upper tiers of government that the GTA has been grossly and unfairly under funded for the past two decades. I hope that this meeting gave you a good insight to the challenges that we face in addressing the short changing of support in community services all across the GTA.
Most definitely Christine. The meeting I attended, hosted earlier this month by CCS, United Way of Peel and Fair Share Task Force, painted a picture of underfunded social service organizations trying to do more with less. Knowing your work in the mental health sector I’m not surprised that you’re a supporter of this movement. As Regional Councillor I’ll pledge to work hard and push to close this funding gap that, bottom line, is hurting families in our community.
Hi Patti:
I agree completely. A couple of pieces which you may/may not have already seen..that are related to your point.
Recently the Ontario Social Planning Network issued its latest report tracking the impact of the current economic downturn on NFP agencies. It speaks powerfully to the “double-whammy” impact — increased client volume & complexity with less funding — currently being faced by our social service sector. The full report can be found at: http://www.spno.ca/Media-Release/a-recovery-free-zone-the-unyielding-impact-of-the-economic-downturn-on-nonprofit-community-social-services-in-ontario.html
HCIA has just completed a report on economic resilience in Caledon: A Community Perspecctive. This report certainly confirms that the economic downturn has had a signficant impact in our community too. Among the findings is a 150% increase in EI claimants in Caledon between 2008-09 and a 515% increase in personal bankruptcy filings during the same time period. To many, Caledon is perceived as a wealth community…and we certainly do have pockets of wealth…but I think this “image” sometimes makes it difficult for people — both inside and outside the community — to appreciate that we have real needs here.
Interestingly, the The Toronto Board of Trade has recently published a report saying that, “Traditionally, issues such as poverty, community safety and integration of new Canadians are viewed strictly through a social justice lens. While we all share responsibilities for fostering social equity, these issues also have a very real impact on the business community and the economic growth of the Toronto region.” The full report can be found at: http://www.bot.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Promoting_Social_Cohesion&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=4797. I find it inspiring that the the voice of Toronto’s business community is recognizing the linkage between social prosperity and economic prosperity.
Ultimately I believe that powerful change is possible when we all choose to contribute solutions and work on these issues together.
Sylvia
Thank you for these Sylvia. I’ll be reading both for certain. You’re right, it is inspiring to see the T.O. business community making the connection. I hope to be able to be part of that powerful change right along with you.
Well said, Patti-
And well worth supporting.
I just finished emailing Minister of Parliament, Tony Clement regarding an indirect issue which will directly impact Peel agency services in the future.
It seems people are going to be able to “opt out” of filling out the long form of the 2011 Canada census form. I may not yet fully understand this bit of news, am seeking to learn more.
While I understand perfectly how some may have privacy concerns with the existing form, there have to be other formats available than simply allowing people to not fill out that portion.
The stats collected go a long way in supporting revenue sourcing for our already severely under-funded social service agencies, imagine what further statistical errosion will bring.
Just had to vent, thanks.
Be well.
I agree that the census stats provide vital information for social service agencies and other users. A workable solution needs to come out of this. Thanks for taking the time to comment AND to email the powers that be. Venting is a good thing!