Mario Sergio, M.P.P.

For Immediate Release
August 11, 2004

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT BOOSTS FUNDING TO PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN FLEEING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITHIN THE YORK WEST RIDING
$772,073 increase for shelters key to building a safer community

Toronto - The McGuinty government is supporting services to women and their children fleeing domestic violence in the York West area by investing an additional $ 772,073 in both the North York Women's Shelter and the Jamaican Canadian Association this year , local M.P.P. Mario Sergio announced today.

Agencies that provide vital support for women and children in crisis will receive an additional $3 million this year, strengthening front-line services that contribute greatly to Ontario's domestic violence prevention system.

"Our government made an early commitment to do more to fight domestic violence and to protect women and children fleeing abuse. We are delivering on that commitment," said Mr. Sergio.

In 2004/05, the government is providing more than $90 million to community agencies across the province, providing shelter and counselling services to women and children escaping from domestic violence. This $3 million increase in funding will be directed towards:

approximately 100 emergency shelters;
approximately 100 agencies that provide counselling for women and their children;
agencies providing the transitional support program and early intervention program for child witnesses of woman abuse; and,
community crisis lines.

Audrey Taylor, the spokeswoman for the Jamaican Canadian Association, praised the government's continued support for her agency. "It's reassuring to know that in an age marked by increased instances of domestic violence, our provincial government finds it necessary to increase funding for women's shelters."

"Helping women escape violence and rebuild their lives is the first step to helping them achieve self-sufficiency - something that we all want," said Sergio "By helping women and children in York West find lives free of violence, we are building stronger, safer communities for us all."

For more information contact:

Mario Sergio, M.P.P. York West

(416) 324- 1404




	Releases
Releases Speeches Bills Statements and Questions	For Immediate Release August 11, 2004 MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT BOOSTS FUNDING TO PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN FLEEING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITHIN THE YORK WEST RIDING $772,073 increase for shelters key to building a safer community Toronto - The McGuinty government is supporting services to women and their children fleeing domestic violence in the York West area by investing an additional $ 772,073 in both the North York Women's Shelter and the Jamaican Canadian Association this year , local M.P.P. Mario Sergio announced today. Agencies that provide vital support for women and children in crisis will receive an additional $3 million this year, strengthening front-line services that contribute greatly to Ontario's domestic violence prevention system. "Our government made an early commitment to do more to fight domestic violence and to protect women and children fleeing abuse. We are delivering on that commitment," said Mr. Sergio. In 2004/05, the government is providing more than $90 million to community agencies across the province, providing shelter and counselling services to women and children escaping from domestic violence. This $3 million increase in funding will be directed towards: approximately 100 emergency shelters; approximately 100 agencies that provide counselling for women and their children; agencies providing the transitional support program and early intervention program for child witnesses of woman abuse; and, community crisis lines. Audrey Taylor, the spokeswoman for the Jamaican Canadian Association, praised the government's continued support for her agency. "It's reassuring to know that in an age marked by increased instances of domestic violence, our provincial government finds it necessary to increase funding for women's shelters." "Helping women escape violence and rebuild their lives is the first step to helping them achieve self-sufficiency - something that we all want," said Sergio "By helping women and children in York West find lives free of violence, we are building stronger, safer communities for us all." For more information contact: Mario Sergio, M.P.P. York West (416) 324- 1404