The City of Toronto, the Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), and Indigenous communities have announced new funding initiatives to support local businesses, enhance justice services, and provide legal aid for Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge in Canada. Additionally, BGC Airdrie Club in Alberta has received a justice grant to create a 'Rural Resiliency' program.
In Toronto, the city has allocated $3.3 million in funding for the local small business community. The funding will be distributed through the Main Street Recovery and Rebuild Initiative (MRRI), with $1.9 million provided for non-profits and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) through the Main Street Innovation Fund (MIF) and the Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Grant (CMGP). An additional $1.4 million will be used to support renovations to retail spaces used by small businesses in neighborhoods across Toronto through the Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program (CSRG). These programs aim to improve the well-being and vibrancy of Toronto's main streets. Since 2021, MRRI has supported over 325 local projects and delivered over $9.4 million in funding and grants to local small businesses, not-for-profits, and BIAs. The funding and programs are funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) [fea5cef2].
The CMGC has awarded 14 grants to businesses in Kennebec and Somerset County through its ERIH grant program. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $49,000, are funded by Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development and are aimed at supporting small and emerging businesses, with a focus on women- and minority-owned operations. The funding is being used to support existing operations, help new businesses establish themselves, purchase equipment, hire employees, and overcome pandemic-related revenue loss. The grants are part of CMGC's efforts to stimulate economic growth in the region and empower local enterprises [13139eda].
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mickey Amery is encouraging Indigenous communities in Alberta, Canada to apply for a new provincial grant worth between $5,000 and $25,000. The grant aims to enhance the delivery of justice services at the community level. First Nations, the Metis Nation of Alberta, and Metis settlements are eligible to apply, as well as municipalities, registered not-for-profits and charities, and community groups with a designated fiscal agent. The program will deliver up to $1.2 million this year. Crown corporations, for-profits, individuals, academic institutions, police services, and publicly funded organizations are not eligible. The application deadline is February 29, 2024 [12cc8bed].
Furthermore, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Yvan Baker, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, and Kirsti Mathers McHenry, Executive Director of Pro Bono Ontario, will make a funding announcement to support access to legal services and advice for Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge in Canada. The announcement will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (EST) at The Theatre - St. Volodymyr Institute, 620 Spadina Ave, M5S 2H4, Ontario. The funding aims to provide legal aid and support for Ukrainian refugees in Canada [92e8bf72].
BGC Airdrie Club in Alberta is one of 39 grant recipients of the Alberta Community Justice Grant, receiving up to $25,000 in a one-time payment. The grant aims to make the justice system more accessible and inclusive. BGC Airdrie will use the grant to create a program called 'Rural Resiliency', which will research and create a directory of organizations, service providers, businesses, and government organizations in Airdrie and the rural surroundings that offer services related to the justice system. The goal is to provide a one-stop shop for individuals seeking support. The grant will fund a part-time position for this project. The project's main focus is to help children, families, and young people, but it will benefit all ages. The findings or guide will be released next year. To be eligible for the grant, organizations had to be registered not-for-profit organizations, registered charities, First Nation/Métis Nation/Metis Settlements, municipalities, or community groups with a designated fiscal agent. The grant is part of an innovative approach to alternative justice in Alberta. BGC Airdrie previously received $125,000 from the provincial government to tear down their old clubhouse and build space for their programs [2ca3bdb5].
The City of Toronto, the CMGC, and Indigenous communities recognize the importance of supporting local businesses, justice services, legal aid for refugees, and the 'Rural Resiliency' program in Airdrie. These funding initiatives aim to provide financial assistance and resources to help businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic, enhance justice services at the community level, support Ukrainian refugees seeking legal services in Canada, and make the justice system more accessible and inclusive in Airdrie.