Another One On The Plus Side For Harper

But as always I ask how much will be siphoned off at the administration level at the three levels of government. People with short memories might have forgotten that during the SARS crisis that Mihevic was criticized for using SARS $$$$ to buy extra office equipment for the Board of Health.

Cash infusion good news for homeless
By ZEN RURYK, CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF

Toronto officials are hoping that a federal funding announcement will breathe new life into 46 programs that help the homeless.

The federal government yesterday announced that it has earmarked $526 million for programs that aid those without homes and help low income earners make renovations.

Councillor Joe Mihevc, chairman of the Toronto committee that deals with homelessness, said the funding is good news for those working to provide shelter for those without a roof over their heads.

WARNED

City officials had warned 46 programs that help the homeless would be scrapped if the province failed to extend the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI) beyond March 31. Mihevc said that some affected agencies were already laying off workers.

He added the city is not yet sure how much of the federal money will come to Toronto.

"We are hoping for the same amount (as in past years) and we're also hoping there aren't too many wrinkles in the criteria for accessing the money," Mihevc said.

The city received $18 million annually through the SCPI for the past six years.

The federal government has given the SCPI program a new name -- Homelessness Partnering Strategy -- and pledged to provide $270 million to fund it for two years.