Ontario Budget 2013 tabled in the legislature on May 2, 2013 includes some benefits for immigrants and refugees. However, the continuing emphasis on austerity and balancing the budget will have an overall negative impact on these populations.
OCASI is deeply disappointed that the Budget fails to make equity-focused investments that would make a positive difference.
Overall Budget
The OCASI submission for Ontario Pre-Budget Consultations 2013 is focused on challenges in the year ahead, facing immigrants and refugees, and the immigrant and refugee-serving sector in Ontario.
The Federal Government Temporary Foreign Workers Program exploded onto the front page of major newspapers, lit up social media boards and started conversations in the hallways of service organizations, on buses and in corner stores this past week. This was not anticipated.
Scadding Court Community Centre (SCCC) has received $127,203 in funding from the Government of Canada.
SCCC is a multi-service agency located in the heart of downtown west Toronto. It offers a wide range of programs, services, and opportunities for people of all ages and from all walks of life. The agency believes in supporting individuals and families, strengthening communities and building a better Toronto.
OCASI offers self-directed and facilitated online courses on a range of topics designed to build on your existing knowledge. Last month two concurrent (6-week) facilitated sessions on Serving Youth in Newcomer Communities (SYNC) were held. The sessions were very successful, close to 30 participants completed the training. There were also two concurrent (8-week) facilitated sessions on Understanding and Responding to Woman Abuse (URWA), 20 participants completed the training late last year.