A slam dunk for Eric Hoskins, Helen Burstyn and for the nonprofit sector

Today, Minister Eric Hoskin's (Citizenship and Immigration) and Trillium Chair, Helen Burstyn announced that they are taking on the challenges of figuring out how to better serve the nonprofit sector in Ontario.... and I couldn't be more pleased. As Co-Chair of the Ontario Nonprofit Network (and one of CSI's incubated projects) and just coming out of last week's "Our Vision, Our Future' conference where over 200 sector leaders came together to craft a policy strategy to strengthen the sector, it is absolutely invigorating to see how a collaborative and partnership approach to changing policy really can change the world. 

Now, of course it is a process.... a series of discussions, but the sector is ready to give these conversations our very best. We are committed to moving into an empowered position - to provide practical and doable solutions to meet competing needs. We are realistic, practical and downright visionary.  Just imagine a province where the nonprofit sector is really the 'public benefit' sector, where we aren't seen as beggers but rather as solutions providers, where the rules are clear and enabling, where we are working together as equals with our government colleagues to address some of Ontario's most pressing challenges and where we are positioning the province as a global leader in social innovation..... and where our "open Ontario' is exporting practical solutions that are fixing our global future....  Okay... it may take a bit of time, but what a cool ride it could be.

For the official response... read below.

Press Release

For Immediate Release:

Toronto, ON [April 22, 2010] - It is with great pleasure and anticipation that the Ontario Nonprofit Network learned that the Honorable Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Helen Burstyn, Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation are heading a joint initiative to build a stronger partnership with the Province’s not-for-profit sector.

“Ontario has one of the most robust and dynamic public benefit sectors in the world but even the best needs constant tending and attention,” said Tonya Surman, Co- chair of the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) and Executive Director of the Centre for Social Innovation.

“Minister Hoskins, with his announcement today, is focusing on renewing the sector’s structural and legislative framework, and building better and more coordinated relationships between the government and the sector. He will find ready partners in the sector with creative ideas on how we can build those relationships and improve and simplify sector infrastructure. Working together the government and the nonprofit sector can be so much more effective and innovative in our work with communities.”

“This initiative will provide huge dividends for communities and the people of Ontario. Let’s ensure our public benefit sector remains one of the strongest in the world and Ontario one of the best places to live, “ added Peter Clutterbuck Co-chair of ONN and Coordinator of the Social Planning Network of Ontario.

The Ontario Nonprofit Network brings together the nonprofit and charitable organizations in the province to work on strengthening the sector’s ability to provide public good in communities. Ontario’s 45000 nonprofit and charitable organizations are a big part of the fabric supporting healthy, creative and inclusive communities in Ontario. Social service agencies help new immigrants settle into their new country, they assist families and children, seniors and those with vulnerabilities. They help the homeless and those with disabilities. Sport and recreation groups keep communities active and engaged, arts and culture groups inspire and entertain. Environmental groups help us preserve our land and water for future generations.

There is not a person in Ontario who is not touched by one of the province’s non-profit organizations. Five million Ontarians volunteer with a local nonprofit group, approximately 375,000 Ontarians work in one and the rest of us participate in, and benefit from, their tireless work.    

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For more information, contact:

Tonya Surman         

Co Chair, Ontario Nonprofit Network                      

416-979-3939 ext 2

tonya at socialinnovation.ca

Constance Exley       

Executive Director, Ontario Nonprofit Network      

416 -642-5786

constance@ontariononprofitnetwork.ca