(NIAGARA FALLS), ONTARIO – The Governments of Canada and Ontario today announced a $2.51 million investment, in partnership with Family and Children’s Services Niagara, that will build a Family Centre addition to their Niagara Falls location at 7900 Canadian Drive, help to create local jobs in Niagara, and support children's services in the community. 

To make the announcement the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Kim Craitor, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara Falls, joined with Wade Stayzer the President of the Board of Family and Children’s Services Niagara. 

“I am proud today to be jointly announcing funding for a project that will get shovels in the ground, jobs created, and enable the Family and Children’s Services of Niagara to enhance its services for years to come,” said Minister Nicholson.  “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government has announced an historic number of projects to help strengthen our communities, including here in Niagara.”
“Taking care of our children is society’s number one imperative,” said Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor. “This investment will enhance and provide our children with their need for comfort, privacy and safety in a space that feels both helpful and hopeful.”
"We are very excited about this announcement," said Wade Stayzer.  "It has been a dream of ours for a long time to be able to offer the same level of services at our Niagara Falls location that we have been able to achieve at our other sites.  We are delighted to be partnering with the federal and provincial governments on this project, and look forward to the continued support of the community in raising the balance needed to make this dream a reality for children and families in need in the Niagara Falls, Crystal Beach and Fort Erie communities."

The Governments of Canada and Ontario, along with Family and Children’s Services Niagara, are each investing one-third of the total project cost.  The federal funding is part of the new national Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, unveiled in January 2009.  Ontario’s matching contribution is provided through the 2009 Ontario Budget – Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future.

Canada and Ontario are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.