Federal Budget fails to adequately recognize and support the role
of the non-profit sector in hard times. What will the province do?
"If Minister Flaherty's economic stimulus package is to be
innovative, forward looking, community-focused and provide multiple
bottom-line returns, it must invest in cutting-edge organizations that
keep on giving back to the people of Canada year after year. That
means, involving in a fundamental way, the nonprofit and charitable
sector."Excerpt from ONN's letter to Prime Minister Harper.
ONN joined many others from different parts of the sector -
arts, environment, sport, social services, housing calling on Prime
Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister Flaherty to see the
nonprofit sector as an essential part of the economic stimulus solution
for Ontario and Canada and to focus stimulus support for those most
vulnerable.
The budget has been delivered and the general consensus in the
sector is that it did not do enough for the most vulnerable Canadians.
Nor did it position Canada for the future through social innovation or
environmental initiatives. And, while it identified some stimulus
spending for the arts and for community sports facilities, aboriginal
housing, social housing and contained some sector ear marks - YMCA/YWCA
youth program and funds for Special Olympics - the budget does not
offer supports to those nonprofits and charities to whom Canadians will
turn in their time of need such as daycare, mental health services, or
credit counselling.
More than ever before Canada's nonprofits and charities participated
in the pre-budget process calling for inclusion of their concerns in
the federal Budget. We had very modest success and have a very long way
to go. We will need to keep a watch on progress and be more active in
helping Canadians understand the strains on those most vulnerable in
our communities and keep pushing for proactive measure to build the
Canada of tomorrow.
The federal government is only one of the three levels of
Government. ONN is now turning its attention to the provincial
government which is by far the largest funder of social services. Will
the Province maintain and increase funding to social services reeling
under ballooning requests for help? Get ready and stay tuned for our
briefing note. We will need you to alert your MPP of the issues facing
your organization and sector.
Meanwhile ONN is our network and it is only as strong as the sum of
all our efforts. So join ONN as a Network Partner, get involved in an
action group, or even better still, support ONN financially so we have
capacity to work together more effectively. Just think what we could do
if we all begin to pull together for stronger caring, creative and
sustainable communities.
For more detailed budget analysis click here
We have collected actions taken by various groups in the sector and have posted them here. If yours is not listed, please send it to us.
