Smitherman, Mcguinty government invest in commmunity projects to help victims of crime

Enabling local agencies to develop new ways to assist victims

The McGuinty government is strengthening the community and helping victims of crime in the Toronto area by investing in programs that enhance victim services, including Literature for Life that is receiving a grant of $84,904 and Le Centre des jeunes francophones de Toronto that is receiving a grant of $120,788, George Smitherman, MPP Toronto Centre-Rosedale, announced today.

“This assistance will make a real difference in our community,” said George Smitherman.  “It will help local agencies develop or enhance specialized supports to victims and their families to put them on the road to recovery.”

The McGuinty government is providing approximately $1,386,269 this year to community-based agencies in Toronto to support new programs and services for victims of crime.  

“This new funding will support our important work to help keep our children safe from crimes of violence and hate.”

Money for the Victims’ Justice Fund, which is dedicated to providing services for victims of crime, is collected through a surcharge, which is applied to provincial and federal fines.  Through the fund, the government is providing $15.1 million over three years for community-based projects across Ontario – $6 million this year alone.  

This year, for the first time, the Office for Victims of Crime worked with community representatives in six regional committees across the province and ministry staff to review and suggest projects that fill gaps and are innovative and effective.

“The Office for Victims of Crime is proud that we have been able to take an active role in reviewing the applications for grants from the many local services,” said Ruth Campbell, Chair of the Office for Victims of Crime.  “Community involvement, both in the local agencies that develop the projects and the regional committees that review the applications, is key to improving the services available to victims across the province.”

“The McGuinty government’s investment in victim services will help these agencies develop and enhance resources designed to empower victims and make communities stronger and better equipped to meet victims’ needs,” said Bryant. “Our government will invest more in victim services in four years than the previous government did over eight.”