Victims of crime in Nipissing get help

Nipissing, MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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The McGuinty government is supporting the victims of crime and strengthening communities by investing in programs that enhance victim services in Nipissing, MPP Monique Smith announced today.

This year, more than $843,000 will be invested in projects to enhance local services in northern Ontario.

Details of local funding are as follows:

Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre of Nipissing
$9,850

Big Sisters Association of North Bay
$25,000

Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services (VCARS) Near North
$31,070

“This assistance will make a real difference in our community,” said Smith. “Over the past three years, our investment in community grants has provided funding that enables local agencies to deliver innovative supports and services that improve victims’ lives.”

Today’s announcement is very positive news for our agency and I want to thank the McGuinty Government for the enhanced project funding,” Darlene Jamieson, Executive Director of Big Sisters Association of North Bay said.

The McGuinty government has provided more than $15.1 million over three years for community-based projects across Ontario. These projects are funded to assist victims of hate crimes, domestic violence and sexual assault, child/youth victims, including young victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, and other victims groups that are unserved or
under-served.

Applications from community-based organizations were reviewed and evaluated by seven review committees. The committees are comprise of community members, staff from the Ontario Victim Services Secretariat and representatives from the Office for Victims of Crime, an agency that advises the Attorney General on ways to ensure that the principles set out in the Victims’ Bill of Rights are followed.

“Community involvement is integral to this grant program, which depends upon both the local agencies that develop the projects and the regional committees that review the applications,” said Ruth Campbell, Chair of the Office for Victims of Crime. “I am proud of the active role that the Office for Victims of Crime plays in reviewing the applications for grants from the many local services.”

“The McGuinty government is working with local communities to find new and better approaches to providing the help victims need close to home,” Attorney General Michael Bryant said. “The projects we are supporting will help many victims of crime across the province to rebuild their lives and get on the road to recovery.”

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