September 19, 2008, Ottawa - Today marks the official launch of 211 Ottawa. Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services, and Councillor Diane Deans were on hand to show their support for 211 Ottawa and the tremendous value it will add to our community.
"Our staff are fully trained and ready to deliver this important service to Ottawa residents in both official languages. Our vision is to become the 211 Francophone Centre of Excellence in Ontario," says Peter Holt, Board Chair, Community Information Centre of Ottawa. "We've taken steps to ensure that the standards of service governing the 211 call centre are met and exceeded."
Minister Meilleur spoke about the Ontario government's support of the service and officially announced the province's commitment of over $13 million in support of the roll-out and maintenance of 211 in Ontario. "With 211, we're making it easier for Ontarians to reach the services they need," said Minister Meilleur. "Whether it is access to affordable housing, re-training programs for new Canadians, or support for families in crisis, 211 will connect people quickly and easily."
211 is an information and referral service that connects callers to a full range of non-emergency community, social, government and health services information. Information and referral specialists are fully bilingual and have the capacity to provide assistance in an additional 150 languages to effectively serve Ottawa's diverse, multilingual communities.
"We have worked with our partners for nearly a decade to bring 211 to Ottawa," says Michael Allen, President and CEO of United Way Ottawa. "211 will have a substantial impact on our community and play an important role in directing people to the right resources, particularly those who are new to Canada. Additionally, the call data gathered by 211 will help us to identify service gaps and guide investment decisions."
The goal is to connect half of the province's residents by the end of 2008 and all Ontarians by 2011. Today's launch brings 211 Ontario one step closer to achieving these goals.
"Today's launch of Canada's newest 211 service is exciting," said Ted Garrard, Chair, 211 Canada Steering Committee. "The 211 Canada Steering Committee and United Way of Canada - Centraide Canada's Board of Directors are delighted that, with our support, more than 9.3 million Canadians now benefit from this innovative social service, including our nation's capital residents. Momentum is building to achieve our vision of 211 for all Canadians by 2011."
211 is supported by United Way/Centraide, Province of Ontario, City of Ottawa and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
About United Way/Centraide Ottawa
United Way Ottawa's mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed most. In 2008, United Way/Centraide made a record community investment to support more than 200 projects, programs and partnerships, in more than 100 community organizations.
For more information, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: (613) 221-0063, Cell: (613) 299-2466
E-mail: nbaker@unitedwayottawa.ca