Ontario Budget 2001 : MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN ONTARIOA PRIORITY IN 2001 BUDGET

TORONTO - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty today announced in the Ontario Budget a series of significant investments to improve the quality of life for Ontario's most vulnerable.

The Government announced it is investing $55 million in 2001-02, growing to $197 million annually, to enhance services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities and their caregivers.

"It is a priority of this Government to care for the most vulnerable people in our society," Flaherty said. "These are people who are unable to work because of disability or disease. People who are at risk of violence," he added.

To emphasize the duty of government to support those in need, Flaherty announced:

• $67 million over five years to build new places for adults with developmental disabilities to live within the community;
• $26 million over the next four years to improve the safety and security for abused women and children in crisis by adding 300 spaces in shelters and refurbishing another 100, and $3 million this year, growing to $9 million annually, for counseling, telephone crisis services and other supports;
• Recognizing innovative approaches to meeting needs, Children's Treatment Centres will receive an additional $20 million annually, which is almost double existing funding;
• An additional $3 million this year and $4 million annually in future years to expand education supports for children and youth in institutions and facilities;
• $26 million over three years to upgrade, renovate and build or purchase new facilities for community mental health organizations;
• An additional $8 million annually for Children's Aid Societies to protect children from abuse and neglect; and
• $15 million will be spent annually to break the cycle of youth prostitution and punish those who exploit young people.

"It is up to government to ensure vulnerable people in our society have our support," Flaherty said. "That is what we are doing. We believe that is the role of a responsible government," he added.

- 30 -

Disponible en français

For more information visit www.fin.gov.on.ca