Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Partnership Project begin?
The Partnership Project began as a discussion on ways to strengthen the relationship between the Ontario government and the province’s not-for-profit sector. The discussion launched on April 22, 2010 and culminated in a report delivered to the Premier in December, 2010.
Who led the initiative?
The Partnership Project was co-chaired by the Honourable Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Ms. Helen Burstyn, former Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Did the Premier accept the recommendations outlined in the Partnership Project Report?
The recommendations delivered to the Premier in December, 2010 have been accepted as the government’s vision for its continued partnership with the not-for-profit sector.
What is the current status of the Report?
On March 3, 2011, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Dr. Eric Hoskins announced the creation of the Partnership Advisory Group and the Partnership Project Office.
What will these two groups do?
The Partnership Advisory Group will make recommendations on carrying out the recommendations given in the report. The Partnership Project Office will implement the recommendations.
How and when will you be selecting members of the Partnership Advisory Group?
The Office of the Partnership Project will be drawing up the terms of reference for this group and we will be making an announcement shortly.
Who will make up this Group?
The Advisory Group will include leaders from the NFP, public and private sectors.
Why did the government launch this project?
The Government of Ontario recognizes the vital importance of the Not-for-profit Sector in building and maintaining healthy communities. Ontario’s communities have and will continue to go through significant changes over the next decade – changes that will present both challenges and opportunities. These will include demographic changes, the aging of the population, and continued economic re-structuring. In all these areas, the not-for-profit sector will play a vitally important role. It is in everyone’s interests for the government to focus on creating and sustaining an environment for a vibrant and successful sector.
How large is the not-for-profit sector in Ontario?
In Ontario, the not-for-profit sector generates some $50 billion in annual revenues, representing 7.1% of GDP, and it employs 1 million people. The sector is much larger, for example, than the automotive, agriculture or construction industries. The sector includes food banks, youth employment services, immigrant settlement, theatres and museums, environmental protection, soccer clubs, seniors’ centres, and shelters for the homeless. These are just a few of the many vitally important services provided by organizations in the sector. Each contributes to the building of healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.
Who participated in the discussions?
Project co-chairs met with representatives from hundreds of organizations at nine regional roundtables. The Co-Chairs also met with representatives from arts, environmental, social services and youth serving organizations, as well as funders and representatives from private sector and family foundations. Submissions were also received on-line at the Project’s website and more than 400 people registered to follow discussions online
How were roundtable participants selected?
In each community, the Co-Chairs met with 20 to 30 senior representatives from leading not-for-profit service providers from the surrounding region. These were by invitation only. Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration officials and Ontario Trillium Foundation staff invited organizations that represented a broad cross-section of Ontario’s not-for-profit sector. These organizations represented all facets of the sector in terms of their size, demographic focus, type of services provided, as well as their region.
What research was conducted for the Partnership Project?
Researchers looked at what other governments were doing in other jurisdictions with respect to: not-for-profit sector partnerships; funding models and options; and legislative and structural frameworks. As well they looked at new and better ways to coordinate policy, research and communication with and for the sector.
