I was pleased to learn that the McGuinty Government listened to my demands and announced 2.9 million dollars of the 4.9 million dollar deficit the Children’s Aid Society of Simcoe County was facing at year-end.

The partial funding for the deficit is a step in the right direction but much more needs to be done. For now, the Children’s Aid Society will be able to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children but the government hasn’t solved the long-term financial problems with this temporary solution.The new challenge will be per diem funding

The average cost for the Children’s Aid Society of Simcoe County to care for a child is approximately $89.00 per day. However, it only receives $73.00 per day per child. Compare this to the $103.00 per day received by the GTA Children’s Aid Societies. The Children's Aid Society of Simcoe County serves about 12,000 children a year.

The Children’s Aid Society of Simcoe County has indicated that the infusion of $2.9 million will ensure critical child-protection services will continue and it will reduce a $4.9-million deficit - but it won't help the agency to avoid starting its new fiscal year on April 1 with a $1.8-million shortfall.

It is obvious that the funding formula is drastically flawed. Without further financial assistance, the children in our county and others across the province will continue to face difficulties. We hope that the 2010-11 provincial budget will reflect fairness in funding to all Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario.