$1.6-million from the province will be spent on northern Ontario agencies for repairs, including a new elevator at Ontario Native Women’s Association.
It’s executive director, Coralee McGuire-Cyrette, tells us the money, announced by Indigenous Services Minister Greg Rickford and Social Services Minister Todd Smith, will help the people providing the services.
“Having ministers come in and thank them for the work they do, face to face, to be able to recognize them, that the work they do every single day is usually un-recognized.” says McGuire-Cyrette.
The cost of the new elevator is $678,500, and is expected to be finished by the end of March.
Social Services Minister Todd Smith says the overall plan is to repair buildings and services.
“Obviously the Ontario Native Women’s Association is getting a large chunk of it here for this elevator, but other community organizations and developmental services and women’s shelters and violence against women, and transitional housing.” said the minister.
McGuire-Cyrette notes how the money will help them provide better services to Indigenous women and girls.
“Now that we have space where people can actually come in and see their worker, or attend the programming, barrier free, is a huge accomplishment. This is has been something we have been advocating for over 10 years.” says the centre’s executive director.
