The charity and not-for-profit
sector has witnessed many changes in the last few years.
Both the federal and provincial governments have introduced
sweeping legislation that will affect how the sector will
be governed. As part of these changes, the Ontario government
announced earlier this year, a new initiative that will
enable the government to better support organizations that
“help Ontarians maintain a high quality of life.” To that
end, the Ontario government will be seeking input from the
charitable and not-for-profit sector regarding how the government
can be more responsive, supportive and accessible to the
sector.
The initiative is being
described as a “comprehensive and long term strategic action
plan for its partnership with the not-for-profit sector”
that is a “first-of-a-kind approach for Ontario.” In consultation
with the Ontario Trillium Foundation and other sector stakeholders,
the government will conduct a series of discussions with
the not-for-profit, private and public sectors to determine
how to make the government more responsive to the needs
of not-for-profit and volunteer organizations across the
province.
It was announced by
the initiative’s co-chairs, Ontario Citizenship and Immigration
Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins and Ontario Trillium Foundation
Chair Helen Burstyn, that the discussions will specifically
examine the structural and legislative framework of the
sector in Ontario and review new methods on how to improve
co-ordination between the government and the sector. Differing
models of partnership between governments and not-for-profit
sectors employed in other jurisdictions will also be analyzed
in order to help strengthen the non-profit sector in Ontario
under the province’s five year, “Open Ontario Plan.”
The Government announcement
notes the following points of interest:
·
The Not-For-Profit sector
includes over 45,000 organizations and employs 1 million
people in Ontario.
·
The sector contributes about
$47 billion in combined revenue to the economy, representing
over 7.1% of GDP – greater than the auto and construction
industries combined.
·
For every $10 invested in
not-for-profit organizations, an additional $20 is generated
in donations and volunteer resources.
To date, the “Partnership
Project” has held roundtable discussions in Toronto (May
17, 2010), Thunder Bay (June 7, 2010), Grimsby (June 24,
2010), Toronto (July 27, 2010), Mississauga (August 4, 2010),
Sault Ste. Marie (August 6, 2010).
Individuals and organizations
are encouraged to get involved and make submissions on the
“Partnership Project” website. Participation can be as
simple as filling out a survey or as involved as participating
in a round table discussion which will include the co-chairs
of the initiative. It is expected that a report outlining
the results and recommendations of the plan will be released
before the end of the year.
The Partnership Project
Website is found at: http://partnershipproject.ca/Home/
The Government announcement
can be found at: http://news.ontario.ca/mci/en/2010/04/building-a-strong-partnership-with-the-not-for-profit-sector.html
