M.P.P DUNLOP: GRANT AND AWARD PROGRAMS

As we begin a new year it’s a good time for me to remind my constituents about volunteer award programs and new funding under Celebrate Ontario. I want to make sure you are aware of programs and application deadlines that are fast approaching.

To begin with, the 2009 Application Guide and questions and answers about Celebrate Ontario are available on the Ministry of Tourism website at www.tourism.gov.on.ca
This year’s Celebrate Ontario is available to both new and existing festivals and events and has three tiers of support, including a new category aimed at boosting smaller festivals. Festivals or events with operating budgets less than $250,000 will be eligible for up to $50,000 of assistance. Festivals or events with operating budgets between $250,000 and $1 million will be eligible for up to $100,000 of assistance. Festivals or events with operating budgets in excess of $1 million will be eligible for up to $400,000 of assistance. Please note that the application deadline is January 16, 2009. 

I also encourage my constituents to consider nominations for the Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence. Nomination Forms are now available at my offices or at ontario.ca/teachingawards.  The Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize people – teachers, principals, board leaders and support staff – who excel at unlocking the potential of Ontario’s students. Give these remarkable professionals the recognition they deserve.  Nominate them in any of six different categories by January 31, 2009.

Nomination Forms to recognize the accomplishments and contributions made by volunteers in communities across Ontario are now available at www.ontario.ca\honoursandawards.

• The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are presented to volunteers who contribute consecutive years of service to a community organization. Completed nomination forms will be accepted until January 25, 2009.
  
  
  
• June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award is awarded for superlative volunteer work undertaken by individuals, groups or businesses. Completed nomination forms will be accepted until January 15, 2009.
  
  
  
• The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers is presented to outstanding young volunteers between the ages of 15 and 24 years. Completed nomination forms will be accepted until January 10, 2009.

The local Volunteer Service Award ceremonies are to take place in Ontario throughout April, May and June of 2009.Volunteers play a vital role in our community and this is a wonderful way to recognize them. I encourage residents of Simcoe North to nominate a deserving volunteer.

Please contact my offices in Midland (705-526-8671) or Orillia (705-326-3246 or 1-800-304-7341)  for more information.