Hawkesbury, Ontario, May 15, 2013 — Thanks to Government of Canada support, Groupe Convex Prescott-Russell will work with community partners to address the needs of the region’s vulnerable groups, such as youth, seniors and people with disabilities.
Mr. Pierre Lemieux, Member of Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with local organizations to develop solutions that meet the needs of communities and achieve better results for Canadians,” said Mr. Lemieux. “We are proud to partner with organizations such as Groupe Convex Prescott-Russell, to address complex social issues across Canada.”
With $255,000 in federal funding, Groupe Convex will bring together local partners to explore innovative ways to tackle social problems in Eastern Ontario. These partners will develop social enterprises — initiatives that provide goods and services while addressing local issues. The intent of these social enterprises is to hire vulnerable people in the region.
The remaining funds for this initiative are being contributed by Groupe Convex; la Société de développement communautaire; the University of Toronto; and Valoris Prescott-Russell. Shared initiatives like this will result in enhanced programs and services to support the well-being of Canadians.
This project is being funded as part of the Government of Canada’s Social Partnerships Strategy. Economic Action Plan 2013 reinforces the need to bring partners together to find innovative approaches to local challenges, such as building partnerships across sectors and leveraging new ideas and sources of funding.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Jan O’Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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Social enterprises
A social enterprise uses business strategies of both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations to achieve a social good. This emerging business model is helping to increase the financial strength of community organizations by providing an alternate source of revenue to tackle complex social problems.
Not-for-profit organizations (NFPs) are encouraged to invest in change and adopt new approaches for greater organizational resilience and community impact. A social enterprise approach can be an option for NFPs that want to stabilize and diversify their funding base while enhancing their programs or services. The result: stronger, more sustainable non-profits and healthier communities.
The Government of Canada’s support for social enterprise will encourage a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, while sharing risk and responsibility. Through a social enterprise, an NFP can advance its mission, fill a market need in their community, and provide opportunities for its client base to participate in community.
Social Development Partnerships Program
The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) invests in organizations that support the well-being of Canadians — from developing a better understanding of the issues Canadians face, to providing greater access to information, programs and services.
Through grant and contribution funding, the SDPP supports community programs that directly assist non-governmental organizations in developing and implementing innovative solutions for overcoming barriers. For example, organizations carry out projects to help families that are taking care of elderly parents while raising children; to help youth who are at risk of dropping out of high school; and to increase participation, opportunities and accessibility for people with disabilities.
For more information on the SDPP, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca
