Ontario Government Invests $2.7 Million In New Jobs Program For Peterborough

The Ontario Government is investing $2,714,847 for Pathways to Prosperity to provide workers with training for in-demand and well-paying jobs announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday.

Rhonda Keenan, PKED President & CEO (pictured) speaking alongside MPP Dave Smith who was there on behalf of Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project is administered by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED).

PKED is focusing on workforce development over a 12-month period. The project’s goal is to have those employed or unemployed into sustainable well-paying jobs according to PKED. The program has three pillars:

  • Pre-Employment Support: readiness, participant supports, referral to training, long-term retention support, including any mental health support.

  • Job Seeker Training: 15 cohorts of job seekers will receive comprehensive training designed for four sectors: line cook, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction

  • Business Recruitment: recruit 50 local businesses or more to participate and offer job placements for the job seekers at the end of their training.

“We laser-focused on job creation in our region; creating opportunities for workers and families to enter the middle class through well-paying local jobs,” MPP Dave Smith said. “This jobs program will see hundreds of people receive the training and skills development needed to upgrade their careers and earn more money for their families.”

“Creating a collaborative partnership that not only supports the job seeker, but the businesses in this community that are facing a critical skills shortage, was the focus of this program,” said Rhonda Keenan, PKED President & CEO. “Businesses will have greater support to successfully hire people with the skill sets that are most in demand in the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes region.”

This initiative is supported by the government’s Skills Development Fund. They have provided over $200 million in funding for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retraining workers during the pandemic according to the Ontario Government.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $360,000 Into Mental Health and Addictions Pilot Project to Aid 320 People

The Ontario Government is funding $367,480 to non-profit organization Right to Heal for mental health and addictions services for 320 people announced at the Peterborough County-City Paramedics on Friday.

Peggy Shaughnessy, Founder and President of Whitepath Consulting (pictured) has had her organization in operation since 2005. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project, “Moving Beyond Addiction” will service over a 16-month period will use the Redpath program via Whitepath Consulting to treat addictions by using psychology-based methods to identify the reasons behind substance abuse and developing the social, emotional and practical skills to move beyond addiction and fully reintegrate back into society.

“Individuals with addictions more often than not develop addictions by using substances to either feel something or numb something. The root cause is almost always trauma; whether it’s from abuse, mental health challenges or pain,” said MPP Dave Smith. “If we are truly going to address the mental health and addictions crisis, a wide variety of treatments options need to exist locally.”

The program will work under a referral process administered by the Elizabeth Fry Society, enabling the funding for the pilot to flow fully to program services.

Clients referred to the program will typically be homeless, at-risk of homelessness, living with mental health/addictions issues and trauma, or disconnected from appropriate services.

Peterborough Police, Peterborough County-City Paramedics and Peterborough Regional Health Centre can refer clients who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing opioid overdoses.

Health and social services can refer clients from places such as the Consumption and Treatment Services/Opioid Response Hub, Brock Mission, Cameron House, and One Roof Community Centre. The program accepts family and self-referrals.

“With the recent announcement regarding the Consumption and Treatment Services funding, this funding will help expand addiction treatment services in our area and allow funding for the Redpath program that has shown great success in other areas,” said Peggy Shaughnessy, Founder and President of Whitepath Consulting.

Once referred, clients will undergo a rigorous and evidence-based assessment to determine the correct treatment for their unique needs.

The assessment will consider multiple variables to determine their needs including backgrounds of trauma, abuse, domestic violence, housing status, financial situation, and level of substance abuse.

After the assessment, they will enter into one-on-one counselling and/or the Redpath Intervention Program. It consists of 21 counselling and training sessions in three-hour spans in both community and institutional settings.

Sessions focus on identifying trauma and the cause, understanding why a client uses substances, the development of coping mechanisms and practical, emotional and social skills.

Clients will enter an After Care Program, requiring two hours on a weekly basis for group training sessions focusing on personal development and fully reintegrating back into society.

“We have had the opportunity to connect clients to the program and are witnessing firsthand the impact Redpath has. We at Elizabeth Fry can see this program coming alive through our referrals from various connections within the health care and criminal justice sectors,” said Debbie Carriere, executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough. “As someone who has completed this program myself, I can truly speak to the excellent opportunity this is bringing to our community for healing.”

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Consumption and Treatment Services Hub Receives $1.3 Million in Government Funding

The Ontario Government has provided funding of $1,357,000 towards consumption and treatment services in the City of Peterborough announced on Friday.

Dr. Thomas Piggot, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Peterborough Public Health addressing the media at Showplace Performance Centre for the announcement. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding will operate in the opioid response hub Fourcast, located at 220 Simcoe Street. The services will provide harm reduction, primary medical services, pathways to mental health and addictions counselling, and pathways to mobile detox services.

“The creation of the Opioid Response Hub, mobile mental health and addictions clinics, expanded withdrawal management and outreach services and, now, Consumption and Treatment Services will save lives,” said MPP Dave Smith. “There is no silver bullet though; we need more treatment services for our community. There is much more work to do. Today we take one more small step forward but our work is not done.”

Community partners include the Peterborough County-City Paramedics, PARN, Fourcast, the 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, and the Mobile Support Overdose Resource Team (MSORT).

“I believe that research has shown that consumption and treatment sites can be a safe and acceptable environment for people struggling with substance use, while also providing access to education, treatment and resources that help to reduce harm, reduce suffering and save lives,” said Randy Mellow, Chief of the Peterborough CountyCity Paramedics.

The Consumption and Treatment Services will offer pathways to off-site services including opiate replacement therapy; the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic (RAAM); withdrawal management (detox) and community treatment services.

"The overdose crisis is an important priority in our region and the provincial funding for this Peterborough Consumption and Treatment Site led by Fourcast and supported by the Peterborough Drug Strategy partners is a critical step to support people who use drugs in our community,” Dr Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Peterborough Public Health. “This service is a key harm reduction service and will save lives."

Treatment Services were bolstered by $500,000 in permanent, annualized funding for Fourcast mobile withdrawal management services. The mobile withdrawal management services program funds a nurse practitioner and several specialized addictions and outreach workers to deliver primary medical care, community outreach and withdrawal management to more individuals struggling with addiction.

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge also received $1,000,000 in annualized funding to staff and operate two custom-built buses. These will serve as mobile mental health and addictions clinics. These mobile clinics will travel throughout the County of Peterborough with teams of nurse practitioners, mental health and addictions counsellors and social workers to treat those struggling with mental health and addictions.

“This funding represents a key development in providing vital harm reduction services that our community clearly requires,” says Donna Rogers, Fourcast Executive Director. “With it, we’ll now be able to add another level of support to those affected by the opioid crisis.”

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Ontario Government Invests Over $5 Million In Rural Townships For Infrastructure

The Ontario Government has given over $5 million to five townships in the Peterborough-Kawartha area for infrastructure announced at the Millennium Gardens in Douro-Dummer on Wednesday.

(left to right) MPP Dave Smith; Andy Mitchell, Selwyn mayor; Janet Clarkson, Trent Lakes mayor; Jim Martin, Havelock Belmont Methuen mayor and Warden J. Murray Jones under the gazebo at Millennium Gardens. Smith says it takes $1.2 million to pave one kilometre of a road. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The mons is part of the 2022 funding allocations under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), the province’s main general assistance grant to municipalities.

“Our local municipalities provide the on-the-ground services we rely on; roads, bridges, wastewater infrastructure, maintenance and affordable housing,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This stable source of funding, increased again this year, provides our local rural communities the opportunity to finance critical infrastructure and keep property taxes under control.”

“This OMPF funding is nothing but good news for the townships in Peterborough County. It is very much appreciated and is critical for the everyday things we need to accomplish. It is truly a partnership,” said Warden J. Murray Jones, Douro-Dummer mayor.

"We are pleased that the Province is continuing with this important program to assist Municipalities. The funding for Selwyn of $1,068,400 will assist our community to move forward on our capital programs and to assist with targeted operational budgets,” said Andy Mitchell, Selwyn mayor.

Each township has yet to fully discuss where the money will be going except for Trent Lakes where the funds will be used to redo their public works buildings said Janet Clarkson, Trent Lakes mayor.

“This is going to be a long way toward taking the pressure off that and any of this money helps the municipalities move forward without borrowing money,” she said.

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Ontario Invests Millions In Staff For Long-Term Care Homes

The Ontario Government will provide up to $270 million this year to long-term care homes across the province to increase staffing levels, leading to more direct care for residents announced by MPP Dave Smith at Fairhaven Home on Wednesday.

(left to right) MPP Dave Smith; Mary Anne Greco, Riverview Manor Administrator; Carol Rodd, CEO St Joseph’s at Fleming; Dawn Baldwin, Extendicare administrator and Lionel Towns, Fairhaven Executive Director. Each member made speeches regarding the government funding for more healthcare staff. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This includes $3,120,446 for long-term care homes in Peterborough-Kawartha this year. By 2024, the total average increase of permanent annualized funding for long-term care homes in Peterborough-Kawartha will be $18,043,200 more than what they would receive.

This is part of the province’s commitment to ensure long-term care residents receive — on average — four hours of direct care per day by 2024-25.

It was also announced that as part of the government’s plan to fix long-term care, it will bring forward legislation that will enshrine its commitment to four hours of care into law.

“For too long, governments of all stripes have neglected and underfunded our long-term care system. We have now seen all too painfully the results of that inaction,” said Smith. “Today, that changes. $18,043,200 more in annual funding will hire thousands of new nurses, personal support workers, attendants and physiotherapists for homes across our community. Our seniors will see four hours of direct care every day by our hardworking health care professionals.”

These funds will increase care for residents at: 

  • Extendicare Inc., in Lakefield, will receive up to $356,212 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $2,181,756 annually more than their current funding.  Extendicare Inc., in Peterborough, will receive up to $619,816 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $3,796,272 annually more than their current funding. 

  • Fairhaven, in Peterborough, will receive up to $911,908 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $5,585,316 annually more than their current funding. 

  • Riverview Manor Nursing Home, in Peterborough, will receive up to $345,530 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $2,116,320 annually more than their current funding. 

  • St. Joseph’s at Fleming, in Peterborough, will receive up to $712,434 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents. By the year 2024-2025, the home will receive $4,363,536 annually more than their current funding.

“We know that more qualified staff means more daily care for residents,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care. “Hiring more staff is part of our government’s plan to fix long-term care and to improve the quality of care residents receive and the quality of life they experience.”

“This historic commitment of funding will have transformative effects on the care provided in Homes, and on the working conditions of our direct care staff,” said Lionel Towns, Executive Director of Fairhaven Long-Term Care Home.

“Our residents, their families, and our entire care team are pleased with the Ontario Government’s commitment to increase funding for Long Term Care. This funding will support a staffing model that will allow an increase in direct care time for each of our residents,” said Carol Rodd, CEO of St. Joseph’s at Fleming.

“Extendicare applauds the Ontario government for taking action on the long-standing staffing challenges that the long-term care sector has been confronting for many years,” said Dawn Baldwin, Administrator at Extendicare Lakefield. “Residents’ care needs have become increasingly complex, and this path to continued funding increases will make a real difference in delivery of safe, quality care for those we serve.”

“OMNI Health Care-Riverview Manor is thankful for the Government’s significant announcement of a $345,530 enhancement to our nursing & personal care funding for the remainder of 2021, and additional funding of $2,116,320 annually by 2024-2025. All of the funding is to be spent directly on nursing, personal care and programs, with any surplus returned to government,” said Mary Anne Greco, Administrator of Riverview Manor Nursing Home.

Residents receive an average of two hours and 45 minutes of direct care from nurses and personal support workers. This funding will increase the daily average to three hours, per resident per day by the end of this fiscal year. This funding also includes $42.8M to homes to increase care by allied health care professionals (such as physiotherapists and social workers) by 10 per cent this year.

The government is investing $4.9 billion over four years to boost direct resident care to an average of four hours daily by increasing care staff by more than 27,000 people. Hiring thousands of new staff at long-term homes and increasing the amount of care they deliver each year will be made possible by annual funding increases to homes: 

  • $270 million in 2021-22 

  • $673 million in 2022-23 

  • $1.25 billion in 2023-24 

  • $1.82 billion in 2024-25

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his government introduced and had Bill 124 passed in 2019. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the announcements, several healthcare workers — mostly from St. Joseph’s — were present to support Rodd. They voiced their opinions to Smith after the media conference concerning Bill 124 if he would support the repeal.

The Bill caps wage increases to a maximum of one per cent total compensation for three years to healthcare workers.

"We just have to keep pushing forward,” said Rodd. “I think the government is doing the right things, right now. I think they are making the right moves. Giving more money to our sector is a big help. We can't thank our healthcare workers enough.”

Smith remarked that the announcements today have nothing to do Bill 124 and are focused on “increasing the amount of care for seniors.” He spoke with the concerned healthcare workers after the proceedings.

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Ontario Grants Peterborough $150,000 for Start-Up Visa Program and Commits $5 Million to Rural Economic Development

Peterborough MPP Dave Smith announced that the Start-Up Visa Program will receive $150,000 in funding through Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program on Thursday.

Dave Smith makes announcement on Thursday with Mike Skinner, CEO of Innovation Cluster. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Dave Smith makes announcement on Thursday with Mike Skinner, CEO of Innovation Cluster. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The Start-Up Visa Program, implemented by the Innovation Cluster, will allow entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada by starting a business, creating jobs and diversifying the community.

“Diversifying and developing our local economy by investing in new ideas and new Canadians will deliver long-term economic growth. this direct investment will foster wider, sustainable growth in the city and county of Peterborough,” said Smith. “Unique programs such as the Start-up Visa program will enable new entrepreneurs to invest in our community and strengthen our economic recovery.”

In addition to the Start-Up Visa program, the Ontario government is committing $5 million in cost-share funding under the next intake of the RED program to help rural communities implement additional economic growth plans to address the economic impacts of COVID-19.

“Supporting local jobs and economic development in rural communities is more important than ever,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “As the economy continues to reopen our investments in the RED program will have a very real impact for communities across rural Ontario.”

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Trent University Receives More than $125,000 in Federal Funding to Support Work-Integrated Learning for Students

Trent University students will gain hands-on career experience through new work-integrated learning (WIL) courses, boosted by more than $125,000 in federal funding announced on Monday.

Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

“These work-integrated learning initiatives are indicative of Trent University’s commitment to creating unique experiential learning opportunities that ensure our students are equipped with the skills required for today's changing workplace,” said Dr. Michael Khan, Trent provost and vice-president Academic. “These funds continue to support Trent in delivering the guaranteed experiential learning opportunities that help our graduates launch their careers.”

The funding is provided through the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative (IWIL) and Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada’s Innovation Hub (iHub).

This will provide enhanced work-integrated learning experiences to more than 200 students across at least six disciplines.

The goal of the funding is to remove barriers and increase access to innovative WIL experiences, with a focus on leveraging technology to enhance students’ experiences.

The two WIL initiatives include an Applied Research Bootcamp and a Crime Scene Challenge.

The Applied Research Bootcamp will equip students with community-based research skills including ethical research, community communication and interaction and communicating academic research within a community setting.

The Crime Scene Challenge invites forensic students at Trent in conjunction with Peterborough Police, OPP and RCMP investigators, to learn and practice fingerprinting techniques and documentation. The investigators will provide real-world challenges that students will experiment on to help solve.

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Local Schools Receive Over $15 Million For Student, Family and Staff Safety

Two local school boards have received $15,489,750 by the Ontario Government to increase safety for students, school and staff in a media conference held on Thursday.

MPP Dave Smith (right) address the media with board officials from the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

MPP Dave Smith (right) address the media with board officials from the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

The funds as part of the school boards’ cumulative funding Will go towards projects designed to improve ventilation, air quality, Internet connectivity, hands-free water bottle stations and other public health infrastructure for the upcoming school year.

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) is receiving $11,884,400 while the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) is getting $3,605,350.

The media conference was held at Chemong Public School in Bridgenorth and was held by KPRDSB board officials and MPP Dave Smith.

”Our educators and staff, school board leader ship and families have made tremendous strides to keep our school safe from COVID-19, while continuing to deliver world-class education despite the pivots we have had to make,“ said Smith. “This $15 million has supported projects to install touchless features, Wi-Fi/Internet connectivity, HEPA filter unit, state-of-the-art HVAC systems and upgrades to plumbing fixtures to support a safe return to school in September. Critical infrastructure upgrades will add another layer of protection as we enter this new school year.”

Diane Lloyd (pictured) addressing the media in a Grade 2 classroom at Chemong Public School. The Ontario Government is providing $1.6 billion in resources dedicated to protecting schools against COVID-19. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

Diane Lloyd (pictured) addressing the media in a Grade 2 classroom at Chemong Public School. The Ontario Government is providing $1.6 billion in resources dedicated to protecting schools against COVID-19. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

“Student and staff well-being is a highest priority and improving ventilation and filtration in classrooms and learning environment supports healthy and safe learning environment for all,” said Diane Lloyd, board chairperson.

The province is making over $1.6 billion in resources to school boards in Ontario for the upcoming year to keep kids as safe as possible according to Smith.

This funding will add support for student mental health, additional staff, school nurses, asymptomatic testing, remote learning technology and supporting health and safety measures in student transportation.

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Peterborough Public Health Receives $3 Million To Fight COVID-19 Efforts

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has received $3,043,300 from the Ontario Government to help in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in a media conference at the King Street health office unit announced on Monday.

Dr. Rosana Salvaterra (pictured) will retire this September after 13 years of service. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dr. Rosana Salvaterra (pictured) will retire this September after 13 years of service. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made by MPP Dave Smith and was joined by Dr. Rosana Salvaterra and Larry Stinson, PPH Director of Operations.

The funding will cover two parts:

  • $2,027,300 in relief funding to support ongoing efforts

  • $1,015,000 COVID-19 mitigation to offset expenses incurred from previous work

“We are grateful for this one-time funding from the province to support our local COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “As we look ahead to resuming vital public health services while the pandemic continues to unfold, provincial funding will be essential to ensure Peterborough Public Health has the capacity to keep our community safe and healthy on many fronts.”

Dr. Salvaterra cautions the city of a possible fourth wave with doubling of new cases over the weekend she said.

She encourages that immunization is the most powerful tool against COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. Salvaterra wants to see 90 per cent of our eligible population get the necessary shots in the pandemic battle.

Larry Stinson (pictured) will act as the interim CEO before Dr. Thomas Piggott will assume Dr. Salvaterra’s role. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Larry Stinson (pictured) will act as the interim CEO before Dr. Thomas Piggott will assume Dr. Salvaterra’s role. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Stinson — who will become the interim CEO after Dr. Salvaterra’s retirement on Sept. 19 — says the government money to offset the increase that would have come to the municipalities. More than $1 million will help mitigate PPH’s funding from 25 to 30 per cent.

The money will also go towards school-based public registered nurses and a public health inspector practicum program.

Health unit staff and volunteers have delivered vaccinations across Peterborough County and surrounding Indigenous communities.

“More than 212,000 vaccine doses have been administered,” says Stinson. “More than 57,000 residents have been tested for COVID-19 at least once. We’ve been able to successfully manage 52 outbreaks since the pandemic began.”

Nearly 75 per cent of local residents are protected from COVID-19 Stinson added.

Additionally, Smith announced that as of Aug. 1, the Ontario Government’s new Low-Income Senior’s Dental Care Program will expand.

The income eligibility thresholds for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program are being updated. In 2019, the Ontario government launched the Ontario Seniors Dental Care program to provide free routine dental care for eligible low-income seniors across the province.

“Peterborough-Kawartha has the highest number of seniors in Canada. They have put a lifetime of effort working, investing in our community and paying for the social services we all enjoy,” said Smith. “This program provides comprehensive, free dental care for our lower-income seniors. This expansion will offer the program to more,”

Since the launch of the Seniors Dental Care Program in 2019, over 50,000 Ontarians have enrolled in the program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Since the launch of the Seniors Dental Care Program in 2019, over 50,000 Ontarians have enrolled in the program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Income thresholds are now updated for single Ontarians aged 65 and over from $19,300 to $22,200 and for couples with a combined annual income from $32,300 to $37,100.

This will allow roughly 7,000 more seniors to access the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

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Five Counties Children's Centre Receives Government Funding For Rehab and Speech Services

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) has received $1,487,968 from the Ontario Government to enhance the centre’s services in an announcement made Thursday afternoon.

(left to right) Ashley Parsons, occupational therapist; MPP Dave Smith; Kristy Hook, board chair; Scott Pepin, CEO gathered in a colourful treatment room at the FCCC. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

(left to right) Ashley Parsons, occupational therapist; MPP Dave Smith; Kristy Hook, board chair; Scott Pepin, CEO gathered in a colourful treatment room at the FCCC. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The press conference was held at FCCC with centre members and MPP Dave Smith as the government ambassador.

The Ontario government is investing $240 million over four years to increase access to critical rehabilitation services for children and youth with special needs and help them live happier and healthier lives.

This investment is part of the 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.

When children in Ontario begin school, almost 30 per cent have at least one developmental vulnerability that could pose a risk to their lifelong health, learning, and behaviour. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

When children in Ontario begin school, almost 30 per cent have at least one developmental vulnerability that could pose a risk to their lifelong health, learning, and behaviour. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

With this investment, $60 million in new funding will be provided annually starting this year to build additional service capacity and increase access to preschool speech and language services and community-based and school-based rehabilitation services across the province.

“We know when our kids thrive, our communities thrive. It’s incumbent on all of us to ensure we invest in our children and youth by providing the support they need,” said Smith. “Children with exceptionalities deserve every opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Today’s investment will build on our government’s existing support so children in our community can live fulfilling and productive lives.”

In 2019-20, more than 53,000 children received services through Ontario’s Preschool Speech and Language Program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In 2019-20, more than 53,000 children received services through Ontario’s Preschool Speech and Language Program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As part of the $60 million in new annual funding, Five Counties Children’s Centre will receive $1,487,968 to support the following:

Preschool Speech and Language New Budget Allocation:

  • $311,723 – 2021/22 new investment (including annualization) representing a 37% increase

Community-Based and School-Based Rehabilitation Services New Budget Allocation:

  • $664,286 – 2021/22 new total annualized investment for School-Based Rehab

  • $511,959 – 2021/22 new total annualized investment for Community-Based Rehab representing an 18.2% increase

The total new annualized investment is $1,487,968.

Children’s Treatment Centres also provided School-Based Rehabilitation Services for 71,000 students in publicly funded schools in 2019-20. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Children’s Treatment Centres also provided School-Based Rehabilitation Services for 71,000 students in publicly funded schools in 2019-20. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Part of this is targetted for early intervention,” explained Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “By the assessment, we can help parents guide them in the most appropriate service. Sometimes we have parents coming to us asking or not knowing if this is normal or not.”

These investments will improve service experiences and outcomes for children and youth with special needs and their families across the Peterborough-Kawartha.

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