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Letter to the Editor
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Recession Relief Coalition formed Downtown
Calls for Ottawa to create a Recession Relief Fund to provide support for agencies, such as food banks, drop-ins, shelters and employment centres, and also provide money for a National Housing Program
The Recession Relief Coalition, a network of agencies, foundations and business people, is calling for the Federal Government to create a Recession Relief Fund, which will provide support for agencies, such as food banks, drop-ins, shelters and employment centres, providing essential services to Canada’s most vulnerable people. This fund would also provide money for a National Housing Program.
“Foundations have had their endowment funds hit by the collapse in equity prices, many companies are fighting for their survival. Individuals are experiencing declining net worth and are afraid of losing their jobs.” stated John Andras, Senior Vice President, Research Capital. “We cannot expect the private sector to maintain the donation levels to front line service providers”
As donations decline, demand is increasing. Food Bank usage is rising and drop-ins are seeing greater numbers requiring services, including more families.
“Many folks, when they lose their jobs, can hang on 60-90 days before we start to see them” asserted Bob Rose, Program Director, Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre, a member of the Toronto Drop-in Network. “With 60,000 jobs lost in November in Ontario alone, we know demand is going to increase dramatically”.
“Unless the Federal Government steps up to close the funding gap, many agencies will have to lay-off staff, close programs and in some cases will not be able to survive” said Bill Morari, President, The Rotary Club of Toronto. “This will only increase the load on an already over stretched system. The private and charitable sectors cannot do this alone”.
What we are seeing is happening in every municipality across Canada. The Government of Canada must provide emergency funding now. “We urge every agency, every business, every individual across Canada to sign the Declaration”, said Mr. Andras. “We must act now, while the Budget is being drawn up, to remind Ottawa that people are hurting and that the Federal Government has a responsibility to all Canadians.”
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2008-12-18 10:40:23
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