Social Initiatives to Address Needs of Vulnerable English-speaking Youth, Seniors and Newcomers
MONTREAL, April 27, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Community Groups Network today announced the selection of 10 projects that will improve employability or secure basic socioeconomic security for vulnerable youth, seniors/caregivers or newcomers in Quebec's English-language communities.
These projects will be financed under the Community Innovation Fund (CIF), which will invest $1 million in federal funds between May 2017 and March 2019 for social initiatives that build job skills and develop partnerships across the non-profit and private sectors.
"This innovative approach will spur dynamic and sustainable partnerships between community organizations along with corporate, governmental and commercial enterprises that will lead to strengthening the vitality of our communities," commented CIF Governance Committee co-chair Ian Kott, President of Jormian Capital.
"I'm pleased to support the projects being offered by the Quebec Community Groups Network. By bringing together 53 English-language community organizations across the province, QCGN plays an important role in identifying, exploring and addressing strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of the English-speaking community of Quebec," said Marc Miller, MP for Ville-Marie-Le Sud-Ouest-Île-des-Soeurs, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
The CIF is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program - Children and Families Component and is part of the Roadmap for Canada's Official Languages 2013–2018: Education, Immigration, Communities.
"CIF will empower community groups through knowledge-sharing activities focused on providing the skills needed to build collaborative partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders," said QCGN Board member James Hughes, who sits on the fund's Governance Committee. "Through these activities, the fund will create conditions for communities to increase their social impact."
Hughes explained that QCGN's role is to administer the project and to help the community sector make links with private partners. The next step will be to bring representatives from the governance committee and funding recipients together to share information and lessons learned. The QCGN will also develop an evaluation framework in collaboration with an academic institution to assess data gathered during the projects.
An independent selection committee reviewed 43 letters of intent and shortlisted 11 applicants which were invited to submit a full application. A total of 10 projects are being funded.
To view the list of funded projects, visit the Community Innovation Fund website: qcgn.ca/community-innovation-fund/#projects
Pour lire le communiqué en français : http://bit.ly/CIFQCGN
The Quebec Community Groups Network (qcgn.ca) is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 53 English-language community organizations across Quebec. As a centre of evidence-based expertise and collective action, it identifies, explores and addresses strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of the English-speaking community of Quebec and encourages dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders.
SOURCE Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)
For further information: Rita Legault, Director of Communications and Public Relations, [email protected], Telephone: 514-868-9044, ext. 223, Cellular: 514-912-6555
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