Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Eric Hoskins has announced a $100,000 white paper to examine the relationship between the provincial government and the non-profit sector and support the province’s 45,000 not-for-profit organizations. The Wellesley Institute was at the minister’s announcement. In our social innovation practice, we know that non-profits make a big contribution to the health, social and economic life of our province. We are pleased that the Ontario government recognizes the value of the third sector.
In collaboration with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the provincial government will carry out a series of discussions with the not-for-profit, private and public sectors aiming to:
- Review the framework, both structural and legislative, within which the province’s not-for-profit organizations operate;
- Look at innovation and examine the most innovative methods and approached embraced by not-for-profit organizations;
- Examine research models of partnerships between the government and the not-for-profit organizations from other regions;
- Seek ideas and suggestions from not-for-profit organizations on how the government can assist better the sector.
The final report is expected in winter, 2010. It will summarize the research results of the study and provide recommendations to the provincial government on how best to assist and serve the not-for-profit sector within Ontario.
As Dr. Hoskins put it, a stronger partnership between the provincial government and the not-for-profit sector means a stronger not-for-profit sector. A stronger not-for-profit sector means a stronger Ontario.
The provincial government has made a significant step towards improving its relations with the not-for-profit organizations within the province, a step towards improving its partnership with the sector via a collaborative approach. Dr. Hoskins has made it clear that non-profit input and opinions are crucial in the process of writing this report.
The Wellesley Institute is urging non-profits to take action and speak up. Write, participate in discussions, call and let them know how best the government can assist you and your organization in attaining your organization’s goals.
Over the years, we have done considerable research and policy work on the non-profit sector. We can’t afford to do business this way examined the administrative burden facing the sector. Canada’s non-profit maze looked at the financial and regulatory challenges facing the non-profit sector. Collaboration in the third sector: From co-opetition to impact-driven cooperation looks at the spectrum of collaborative activities in the non-profit sector.