Regional council has approved more than $2.6 million in funding for community programs through the Halton Region Community Investment Fund (HRCIF). The program provides vital dollars to non-profit social service and community health initiatives annually. “The HRCIF has grown in both size and impact, helping enhance the health, safety and well-being of our residents,” said regional chair Gary Carr. “The fund has tripled since 2012 to more than $2.6 million today.”

HRCIF funding is provided in one-year or multi-year grants and supports programs that: Address mental health; maintain housing and prevent homelessness; strengthen services to older adults, children and youth; improve food security; enhance safety and well-being; and support vulnerable residents.

Children and Youth unit at Ontario Ombudsman to begin accepting public complaints from May 1, 2019.

Today (April 30, 2019) marks the last day before the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Act, 2007, is repealed and the Ontario Child Advocate (the Advocate’s Office) closes.

As of May 1, 2019, the new Children and Youth unit at the Ombudsman’s Office of Ontario will take over investigation authority into child welfare (children’s aid societies), residential licensees, such as foster homes and group homes, and secure treatment programs where a young person has been admitted.