MONTREAL, February 18, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – However, no matter how much we say it, our cries go unanswered: The community sector is chronically underfunded and has been for years. For the 4,000 independent community action organizations in Quebec, many challenges existed long before the pandemic. In fact, the current social and health crisis has only exacerbated an already difficult situation.

Despite this, community groups have made considerable efforts to adapt to the crisis in order to carry out their respective missions and provide assistance and support to the most marginalized populations. The members of the National Assembly did not miss a single opportunity to highlight the indispensable contribution of the community sector, to thank the community workers and, ironically, to note that miracles always seem to be achieved with very little resources!

This is where the problem lies.

Thank you for not doing much to pay rent, continue to run our programs, or provide decent wages and working conditions.

We can’t go on like this. Community groups need adequate, stable, annual funding that would allow us to do our job well, according to our strategic directions, and in response to emerging needs in the field! There is a significant shortfall in obtaining adequate funding, i.e. $460 million annually for all independent community action organizations in Quebec.

A social safety net under attack…

Quebec is fortunate to have a large and strong community sector whose mission is to support people who have all kinds of needs. Every year, thousands of people turn to us for help or assistance, to break out of their isolation, to find a place in their place and to defend their rights.

The community sector is an important link in the Quebec social safety net. Unfortunately, just like the funding of community groups, social programs and public services have also suffered major disinvestments in recent decades. The more the government cuts, the more inequalities and injustices worsen and the pressure on organizations increases. Community groups are not there to replace services that are the responsibility of the state.

Broken promises, closed community groups!

It is for these reasons that independent community action organizations will participate in a week of actions and closures of February 21 to 24. Here in Montrealhundreds of community groups will participate in a demonstration, the February 22to send a clear message to the government, in view of the last budget of the Coalition Avenir Québec before the elections: Mr. Legault, listen to our call from the bottom of your heart, assume your responsibilities towards the population, keep your promises and… Get involved to the community sector!

FRACA Montreal is the regional chapter of the Pan-Quebec Association Commit to the community or the “Get Involved in the Community Sector” campaign which brings together 4,000 independent community action organizations.

SOURCE FRACA Montreal

For further information: Diana Lombardi, spokesperson, 514 742-9437, [email protected]