QUEEN’S PARK — Doug Ford’s decision to cut $15 million from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) will make things worse for community organizations, youth groups and municipalities, plus those that rely on them, said Ontario NDP’s deputy leader Sara Singh. Singh’s concerns echo those of the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN), which took a stand Wednesday against the callous cut.
“This cruel cut will make things harder for thousands of people — especially those living in rural and small communities, where OTF grants make a big difference. Every year, hundreds of Ontario communities have depended on OTF grants to pay for vital community initiatives at community sports facilities, food banks, arts organizations and other social service providers,” Singh said.
OTF grants have been given to nonprofits, First Nations and small Ontario municipalities to implement community services, strengthen local economies and create jobs. OTF has been the only province-wide grant system to serve all Ontario and the entire nonprofit sector. According to a 2016-17 annual report, 87 per cent of OTF funding goes to job creation in local communities.
“Ford’s cut not only shortchanges communities and those that benefit from community programming, it means jobs and opportunities are being cut — making this callous cut a particularly short-sighted one.”