QCGN discusses funding with House of Commons Standing Committee on Official
Languages

    
                     Community, Commitment, Cooperation
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MONTREAL , Oct. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - Groups providing services to Official Language minority groups require stable funding they can count on in order to effectively do their jobs, the Quebec Community Groups Network told a House of Commons committee this morning.

The QCGN was invited to appear before the Standing Committee on Official Languages to discuss "The Impacts of the Delays in Providing Funding to Beneficiary Organizations from the Department of Canadian Heritage". On hand at meeting were QCGN President Mr . Robert Donnelly ; QCGN Director General Mrs. Sylvia Martin-Laforge; Mrs. Heather Stronach , Executive Director, Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ); and Mr. Lawrence DePoe , Executive Director, Canadian Parents for French (CPF).

To prepare for the meeting with parliamentarians, the QCGN surveyed its members on the impacts of late funding. Member organizations reported severe financial stress, reliance on credit, and non-payment of creditors. They noted that programmes had been suspended, that salaries were not paid, and that staffers were laid off, or their hours reduced. At least one Executive Director was using their personal credit card to cover expenditures. They also noted that partners and creditors were openly resentful and distrustful.

The Quebec Community Groups Network is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 32 English language community organizations across Quebec . Its mission is to identify, explore and address strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of English-speaking Quebec and to encourage dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders.

For the full press release and a link to our brief, click here.

For further information: Rita Legault, Director of Communications, [phone], ext. 223, cellular: [phone], [email protected]