December 17, 2009 -- Canada and Ontario today announced an investment in partnership with three local not-for-profit organizations that will upgrade and renew existing facilities.  This total investment of $15.1 million will help to create local jobs in Hamilton and surrounding communities, supporting important institutions that provide valued services in the community.

To make the announcement, David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, and Sophia Aggelonitis, Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton Mountain joined the receiving organizations.

"These infrastructure projects do much more than create jobs and construction activity in our community," said David Sweet, M.P. "They truly build the quality of our character as a community -- the caring and compassion for children and families in need."

"Today's investment in these local organizations demonstrates a commitment to strengthening our community's not-for-profit sector," said MPP Sophia Aggelonitis.  "This investment will help deliver valued community services, help create jobs, and stimulate our local economy.

Those organizations which will receive an investment in partnership are:

• Renovation and Expansion at The Ronald McDonald House: $13,000,000
• Upgrade and update the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of  Hamilton and Burlington's facility: $1,250,000
• Renew the YWCA Ottawa Street: $906,000

The Governments of Canada and Ontario and these local not-for-profit organizations are each investing one-third of the total project cost.  Canada's funding is part of its new national Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, under Canada's Economic Action Plan unveiled in January 2009.  Ontario's matching contribution is provided through the 2009 Ontario Budget -- Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future.

Canada and Ontario are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.