Ontario government to help Caledonia residents

Assistance will go to households directly affected by blockade

Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing

For Immediate Release
June 16, 2006

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TORONTO - The McGuinty government is providing emergency financial assistance to residents in Caledonia directly affected by the continuing blockade, John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced today.

“The province recognizes that individuals and families have been affected by the situation in Caledonia,” Gerretsen said. “We want to help residents deal with this challenge.”

The province is working with the Caledonia Community Liaison Committee to determine how the province could best help individuals and families who were the most directly affected by the blockade and occupation.

“I have asked the Caledonia Community Liaison Committee to develop their recommendations at their next meeting on Monday, June 19,” said Gerretsen. “Members of the local community are the experts on what can be done to help those who have suffered disruption and distress as they tried to carry on their daily life in Caledonia over the past weeks and months.”

The McGuinty government is also providing a new business assistance program for Caledonia and area business that suffered losses from the disruptions and road blockades on Argyle Street and Highway #6. The announcement, made by Joe Cordiano, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, brings a total of $1.7 million to support local business.

“With this commitment to support residents directly affected by the blockade and our plan to help get businesses back on their feet, we are doing all we can to support the community in Caledonia,” said Minister Cordiano.

“This commitment to help Caledonia residents directly affected by the blockade is welcome news for the community,” said Dave Levac, MPP for Brant.

Contacts: Patti Munce, Minister’s Office, 416 585-6333; Diane McArthur-Rodgers, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 416 585-6047