Battling on behalf of community centres around Manitoba

Yesterday, at Crescentwood Community Centre, Manitoba Liberals were battling for better support for Community Centres throughout our province.

Never in the history of our province has there been more need now to support community centres and the active lifestyle they promote. Community Centres are the heart of our communities and their needs to be consistent and fair support to Community Centres throughout Manitoba.

The full press release is below:

Save our Community Centres

The sooner we act the sooner we can get kids active and healthy: Gerrard

Winnipeg – Manitoba Liberal Leader Dr.Jon Gerrard today at a news conference at the Crescentwood Community Centre stressed the urgent need for increased funding for community centres and called for $60 million over the next five years to be allocated to community centres in the spring budget as part of a badly needed wellness initiative.
“The role of the community centre is changing and today its survival is even more critical,” Dr.Gerrard said. “Community centres are an investment in the future of our children, they are social hubs for community members, they offer educational programs as well as support for new immigrants.”
The Liberal plan calls for:
· A provincial approach to supporting community centres throughout Manitoba with funding decisions based on merit (with need and program quality, as important criteria)
· $60 million allocated over 5 years to include: o Operating and programming budget, based on number of participants in physical activity programs. o Capital funding allocation o Manitoba wide improved fee subsidy program to give access to low-income families o Grants for renovations which increase energy efficiency of community centre buildings o A plan in place to assist in the development of partnerships in which schools and community centres share access to their facilities
o Support for improved immigrant and aboriginal programming o Support for bike or walking paths to the community centre
This is a critical year for community centres since changes made to the Manitoba curriculum now enables students to apply for credits through sports and other activities supervised by community based instructors.
“This is the time for the government to step up to the plate and make a firm commitment to the health and well-being of Manitoba’s children,” Dr.Gerrard said. “Money spent today to improve community centres saves millions down the road in health and justice costs.”
Dr.Gerrard also stressed the importance of community centres in rural Manitoba as a means of keeping communities healthy and active as well as a by providing equal access to recreational activities available in urban centres.
-30- For more information or interviews, contact:
Samantha Charran
Liberal Caucus Communications
(204) 228-6707
samantha.charran@leg.gov.mb.ca