August 16, 2006

Hon. Diane Finley, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development
Place du Portage, Phase IV, 14th Floor
140 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, QC
K1A 0J9

Re: Supporting Community Partnerships Initiative (SCPI)

Dear Minister Finley;

I am writing to you in support of the Supporting Community Partnerships Initiative (SCPI). This program will be considered for renewal in March 2007 as part of the National Homelessness Initiative. I fully support the renewal of this program.

The Supporting Community Partnerships Initiative has funded many successful programs in countless communities across Canada, including several projects in my riding of Etobicoke North. These programs provide important and worthwhile services to individuals who rely on support from the community, especially those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, and victims of domestic abuse.

As this initiative provides funds for a very specific purpose, many programs rely on SCPI as their sole source of funding. Without this financial support, many programs and organizations will be forced to close. This would result in a serious lack of services within the community, which would have a negative impact on individuals with the greatest need.

Given the importance of the Supporting Community Partnerships Initiative, I urge you to renew funding beyond March 2007. The renewal of sustained funding for this program will allow community based organizations to continue to serve our communities in the future.

Thank you for your attention and assistance in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Roy Cullen, P.C., M.P.
Etobicoke North